Descriptive analysis and prognostic factors in cats with myeloma-related disorders: A multicenter retrospective study of 50 cases.

BACKGROUND: Myeloma-related disorders (MRDs) are rare and poorly documented neoplasms of cats. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical, clinicopathologic, and imaging findings, response to treatment, and survival time and to identify factors associated with shorter outcomes in cats with MRD. ANIMALS: Fifty cats with a diagnosis of MRD. METHODS: Cats with paraproteinemia confirmed by serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and either intramedullary plasmacytosis >10%, marked cytonuclear atypia with intramedullary plasmacytosis that ranged between 5% and 10%, or cytologically or histologically confirmed visceral infiltration were retrospectively included from several veterinary referral centers. RESULTS: Bone marrow plasmacytosis and splenic or hepatic involvement were present in 17/27 cats (63%), 36/42 cats (86%), and 27/38 cats (71%), respectively. Anemia was reported in 33/49 cats (67%) and thrombocytopenia in 16/47 cats (34%). Some of the treatments that the cats received included melphalan and prednisolone (n = 19), cyclophosphamide and prednisolone (n = 10), chlorambucil and prednisolone (n = 4), prednisolone (n = 4), or other (n = 4). The overall response rates to melphalan, cyclophosphamide, and chlorambucil in combination with prednisolone were 87%, 90%, and 100%, respectively. Adverse events to melphalan or cyclophosphamide occurred in 65% and 23% of cats, respectively. Median survival time was 122 days (range, 0-1403) and was not significantly associated with chemotherapy protocol. Anemia (hazard ratio [HR], 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-9.8) and thrombocytopenia (HR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.2-6.0) were risk factors for shorter survival. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Our study confirmed the guarded prognosis of MRD in cats and identified risk factors for shorter survival times.

Can the detection dog alert on COVID-19 positive persons by sniffing axillary sweat samples? A proof-of-concept study.

The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to evaluate if trained dogs could discriminate between sweat samples from symptomatic COVID-19 positive individuals (SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive) and those from asymptomatic COVID-19 negative individuals. The study was conducted at 2 sites (Paris, France, and Beirut, Lebanon), followed the same training and testing protocols, and involved six detection dogs (three explosive detection dogs, one search and rescue dog, and two colon cancer detection dogs). A total of 177 individuals were recruited for the study (95 symptomatic COVID-19 positive and 82 asymptomatic COVID-19 negative individuals) from five hospitals, and one underarm sweat sample per individual was collected. The dog training sessions lasted between one and three weeks. Once trained, the dog had to mark the COVID-19 positive sample randomly placed behind one of three or four olfactory cones (the other cones contained at least one COVID-19 negative sample and between zero and two mocks). During the testing session, a COVID-19 positive sample could be used up to a maximum of three times for one dog. The dog and its handler were both blinded to the COVID-positive sample location. The success rate per dog (i.e., the number of correct indications divided by the number of trials) ranged from 76% to 100%. The lower bound of the 95% confidence interval of the estimated success rate was most of the time higher than the success rate obtained by chance after removing the number of mocks from calculations. These results provide some evidence that detection dogs may be able to discriminate between sweat samples from symptomatic COVID-19 individuals and those from asymptomatic COVID-19 negative individuals. However, due to the limitations of this proof-of-concept study (including using some COVID-19 samples more than once and potential confounding biases), these results must be confirmed in validation studies.

Intra-Articular Injection of 2 Different Dosages of Autologous and Allogeneic Bone Marrow- and Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Triggers a Variable Inflammatory Response of the Fetlock Joint on 12 Sound Experimental Horses.

Osteoarthritis is a significant and costly cause of pain for both humans and horses. The horse has been identified as a suitable model for human osteoarthritis. Regenerative therapy with allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a promising treatment, but the safety of this procedure continues to be debated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety of intra-articular injections of allogeneic MSCs on healthy joints by comparing two different dosages and two different tissue sources, namely, bone marrow and umbilical cord blood, with a placebo treatment on the same individuals. We also assessed the influence of autologous versus allogeneic cells for bone marrow-derived MSC treatment. Twelve clinically sound horses were subjected to injections in their 4 fetlock joints. Each of the three fetlocks was administered a different MSC type, and the remaining fetlock was injected with phosphate-buffered saline as a control. Six horses received 10 million cells per joint, and the 6 other horses received 20 million cells per joint. Clinical and ultrasound monitoring revealed that allogeneic bone marrow-derived MSCs induced significantly more synovial effusion compared to umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs but no significant difference was noted within the synovial fluid parameters. The administration of 10 million cells in horses triggered significantly more inflammatory signs than the administration of 20 million cells. Mesenchymal stem cell injections induced mild to moderate local inflammatory signs compared to the placebo, with individual variability in the sensitivity to the same line of MSCs. Understanding the behavior of stem cells when injected alone is a step towards the safer use of new strategies in stem cell therapy, where the use of either MSC secretome or MSCs combined with biomaterials could enhance their viability and metabolic activity.

Association between ultrasonographic appearance of splenic parenchyma and cytology in cats.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine whether the presence of a splenic mass or a diffusely moth-eaten parenchyma on ultrasonographic scans could represent potential criteria of malignancy in the feline spleen. Methods Feline patients with ultrasonographic images and cytological analysis of the spleen obtained by fine-needle aspiration were retrospectively included in a multicentre study. Results One hundred and ninety-five cats met our inclusion criteria. There was a lack of agreement between the moth-eaten ultrasonographic appearance of the spleen and the presence of a malignant neoplasia on cytological analysis. The sensitivity and specificity of a moth-eaten parenchyma for predicting malignant neoplastic disease were 13.2% and 84.8%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of a splenic mass >1 cm for predicting malignant neoplastic disease were 21.0% and 94.7%, respectively. A marbled appearance of the splenic parenchyma was significantly more frequent among patients examined with a high-frequency transducer (11-18 MHz) than among those examined with a low-frequency transducer (6.6-10 MHz) (27.6% vs 11.1%, respectively; P = 0.004). Similarly, although not statistically significant, a moth-eaten parenchyma was more frequent in the high-frequency transducer group than in the low-frequency group (17.1% vs 8.9%, respectively; P = 0.09). Conclusions and relevance Based on our findings, a moth-eaten ultrasonographic appearance of the spleen in cats does not necessarily reflect a lymphoma or another malignant neoplastic process on cytological analysis. The presence of a splenic mass >1 cm on ultrasound is suggestive of malignancy in cats. Finally, the transducer frequency must be taken into account when assessing the splenic parenchyma, as a high-frequency transducer seems to improve the detection of a marbled or moth-eaten parenchyma.

Survival times for cats with hyperthyroidism treated with a 3.35 mCi iodine-131 dose: a retrospective study of 96 cases.

Objectives Radioiodine (131I) dose determination using radiotracer kinetic studies or scoring systems, and fixed relatively high 131I dose (ie, 4 or 5 mCi) administration, are effective and associated with prolonged survival times for hyperthyroid cats. The latter method is less complicated but could expose patients and veterinary personnel to unnecessary levels of radiation. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of a fixed 3.35 mCi 131I dose for the treatment of 96 hyperthyroid cats with no length estimation for any palpated goitre ⩾20 mm, assess outcome and identify factors associated with survival. Methods Serum total thyroxine concentrations at diagnosis and at follow-up times, survival times and cause of death were recorded. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with time to any cause of death from 131I therapy initiation. Results Administration of a median (interquartile range) dose of 3.35 mCi (3.27-3.44 mCi) radioiodine was an effective treatment in 94/96 cats, but two cats remained hyperthyroid. No death related to hyperthyroidism was recorded. Median survival time was 3.0 years; the 1 and 2 year survival rates after 131I therapy were 90% and 78%, respectively. Low body weight (⩽3.1 kg; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 5.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.22-16.67; P <0.01) and male gender (aHR 2.63; 95% CI 1.01-7.14; P = 0.04) were independently associated with death, whereas age, prior treatment with antithyroid drugs, reason for treatment and pretreatment azotaemia were not. Conclusions and relevance This study suggests that a fixed 3.35 mCi 131I dose treatment is effective for hyperthyroid cats with goitre(s) with a maximal length estimation <20 mm, that long-term survival can be achieved and that low body weight and male gender are significantly associated with shorter survival times.

Dogs with macroadenomas have lower body temperature and heart rate than dogs with microadenomas.

Pituitary macroadenomas compress the hypothalamus, which partly regulates heart rate and body temperature. The aim of this study was to investigate whether heart rate and/or body temperature could aid in clinically differentiating dogs with macroadenomas from dogs with microadenomas (i.e. small non-compressive pituitary mass). Two groups of dogs diagnosed with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (i.e. Cushing's disease) were included. Heart rate and body temperature were collected on initial presentation before any procedure. Dogs with macroadenoma had a significantly lower heart rate and body temperature (P<0.01) compared to dogs with microadenoma. We suggest that the combined cut-off values of 84 beats per minutes and 38.3°C in dogs with Cushing's disease, especially with vague neurological signs (nine of 12 dogs=75%), might help to suspect the presence of a macroadenoma.

Prevalence of neurological disorders in French bulldog: a retrospective study of 343 cases (2002-2016).

BACKGROUND: French Bulldog (FB) has significantly gained in popularity over the last few years, and seems to be frequently affected by various neurological conditions. The purpose of this retrospective study was to report the prevalences of neurological diseases in a large population of FB, presented with neurological signs between 2002 and 2016, and for which a definitive diagnosis was established. A secondary objective was to identify epidemiological characteristics regarding specific diseases in this singular breed. RESULTS: During the study period, 533 FBs were presented for neurological signs, representing 18.7% of all admitted FBs (N = 2846). In total, 343 FBs with definitive diagnosis were included in this descriptive epidemiological study. Hansen type I intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH) was by far the most common neurological disorder (45.5% of all cases). The IVDH location was cervical in 39.8%, and thoracolumbar in 60.2% of cases. The median ages for cervical and thoracolumbar IVDH were 4.2 and 4 years, respectively. C3-C4 was the most commonly affected disk (57.8% of cervical IDVH) all locations combined. Spinal arachnoid diverticulum (SAD) was detected in 25 FBs, representing the second most common myelopathy (11.3%). A concurrent spinal abnormality was identified in 64.0% of SAD cases. Brain tumours represented 36.8% of encephalopathies, with glioma (confirmed or suspected) being the most common. Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) represented 25.0% of brain disorders, females less than 5.5 years being more likely to be affected. Aside from central nervous system conditions, otitis interna associated with peripheral vestibular signs and bilateral congenital deafness (associated with white coat) were also common. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that FB seems to be prone to several neurological diseases. IVDH is clearly predominant in FB and cervical location seems more represented than in other breeds. FBs affected by IVDH tend to be younger than previously described, either for both cervical and thoracolumbar locations. Thoracic SAD was the second most common myelopathy, with a concurrent spinal anomaly identified in two thirds of the cases. MUO was more likely to affect young to middle-aged females. These findings could be of interest for owners, breeders, practicing veterinarians and insurance companies.

Ultrasonographic, endoscopic and histological appearance of the caecum in clinically healthy cats.

Objectives The aim of the study was to describe the ultrasonographic and endoscopic appearance and characteristics of the caecum in asymptomatic cats, and to correlate these findings with histology. Methods Ex vivo ultrasonographic and histologic evaluations of a fresh caecum were initially performed. Then, 20 asymptomatic cats, privately owned or originating from a reproductive colony, were recruited. All cats had an ultrasonographic examination of the ileocaecocolic junction, where the thickness of the caecal wall, ileocolic lymph nodes and the echogenicity of the local fat were assessed. They all underwent a colonoscopy with a macroscopic assessment of the mucosa and biopsies for histology. Results An ultrasonographic hypoechoic nodular inner layer, which corresponded to the coalescence of multiple lymphoid follicles originating from the submucosa and protruding in the mucosa on histology, was visible in all parts of the caecum. The combined mucosa and submucosa was measured ultrasonographically and defined as the follicular layer. Although all cats were asymptomatic, 3/19 cats showed mild caecal inflammation on histology. The most discriminatory ultrasonographic parameter in assessing this subclinical inflammation was the thickness of the follicular layer at the entrance of the caecum, with a cut-off value of 2.0 mm. All cats (20/20) showed some degree of macroscopic 'dimpling' of the caecal mucosa on endoscopy. Conclusions and relevance Lymphoid follicles in the caecal mucosa and submucosa constitute a unique follicular layer on ultrasound. In asymptomatic cats, a subtle, non-clinically relevant inflammation may exist and this is correlated with an increased thickness of the follicular layer on ultrasound. On endoscopy, a 'dimpled aspect' to the caecal mucosa is a normal finding in the asymptomatic cat.

Efficacy of guar gum-based ronidazole capsules as a treatment for Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats.

Objectives The aims of the study were to determine the in vitro drug release of guar gum-coated capsules of ronidazole, and to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of this formulation for the treatment of cats naturally infected with Tritrichomonas foetus. Methods The pharmacokinetics of ronidazole were evaluated in five healthy cats and five cats infected with T foetus. In a second step, the clinical efficacy of these capsules was evaluated by a controlled, randomised, double-blind clinical trial performed in 47 infected cats from French catteries. In this study, cats were randomly allocated to either the ronidazole treatment group (n = 25) or a placebo group (n = 22). Ronidazole (30 mg/kg) q24h for 14 days was administered to the treated cats. After 14 days of treatment, the presence of T foetus was tested by conventional PCR assay. Results In the pharmacokinetic study, a delayed peak plasma concentration was observed in healthy and infected cats, with no significant difference between these two groups (mean geometric mean of 9 h for time to maximum plasma concentration [Tmax], 21.6 µg/ml for time to maximum plasma concentration [Cmax] and 467.4 µg/h/ml for the area under the curve [AUC] in healthy cats; and 9.4 h for Tmax, 17.1 µg/ml for Cmax and 481 µg/h/ml for AUC in infected cats). In the clinical trial, T foetus was detected in 16% of cats from the treated group and 82% of cats from the placebo group at the end of the study ( P <0.001). No clinical signs of adverse drug reactions were observed. Conclusions and relevance Oral administration of guar gum-coated capsules of ronidazole at a dose of 30 mg/kg once daily for 14 days delays the peak plasma concentration and eradicates infection in most cases.

Ultrasonographic, endoscopic and histological appearances of the caecum in cats presenting with chronic clinical signs of caecocolic disease.

Objectives This study aimed to describe the ultrasonographic, endoscopic and histological characteristics of the caecum and ileocaecocolic junction in cats suffering from chronic clinical signs compatible with caecocolic disease. Methods Cats presenting with clinical signs suggestive of a caecocolic disease were prospectively recruited. All cats underwent an ultrasonographic examination of the caecum, ileum, colon, ileocolic lymph nodes and local mesenteric fat, in addition to comprehensive abdominal ultrasonography. This was followed by a colonoscopy with a macroscopic assessment of the caecocolic mucosa; caecocolic tissue samples were systematically collected for histologic analysis. Results Eighteen cats were included. Eleven of 18 cats had ultrasonographic abnormalities adjacent to the ileocaecocolic junction (lymphadenopathy, local steatitis) and 13/18 cats had abnormalities directly related to the junction (wall thickening, loss of wall layering). Seventeen of 18 cats had at least one ultrasonographic abnormality. Endoscopically, hyperaemia, oedema, discoloration and/or erosions were found in all cats. Each cat was classified as having mild or moderate-to-severe lesions according to endoscopic results; no classification could be established statistically for ultrasonographic results. The accentuation of the dimpled pattern tended to be inversely related to the severity of endoscopic lesion scoring. Histologically, a large proportion of cats showed typhlitis (13/16), one had lymphoma and two were normal. All cats with typhlitis also had colitis. There was only slight agreement between endoscopic and histological caecal results regarding the severity of lesions. Loss of caecal wall layering on ultrasound was found in 7/18 cats and, surprisingly, did not appear as a reliable predictor of the severity of inflammation or of malignancy; neither did local steatitis nor lymph node size. Conclusions and relevance Ultrasonography and endoscopy should not be used as the sole methods to investigate the ileocaecocolic region in cats with clinical signs suggestive of caecocolic disease. The presence of chronic clinical signs should routinely prompt histological biopsy.