Larval development of Angiostrongylus vasorum in the land snail Helix aspersa.

The metastrongyloid nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum affects the heart and pulmonary arteries of dogs and wild animals. Over the recent years, dog angiostrongylosis has gained great attention in the veterinary community for the expansion of its geographic range and for a rise in the number of clinical cases. Global warming, changes in phenology of mollusc intermediate hosts and movements of wild reservoirs have been evocated in the spreading of mollusc-borne parasites, including A. vasorum. The land snail Helix aspersa, a vector of other respiratory metastrongyloids, is endemic in most regions of the World, where it is a pest outside its native Mediterranean range. In the present study, the susceptibility and suitability of H. aspersa as an intermediate host of A. vasorum were investigated along with the characteristics of larval recovery and development following two different ways of inoculation, i.e. experimental (group A) vs natural infection (group B). After infections, the snails were kept at environmental conditions for 2 months. Five snails from groups A and B were randomly selected, digested and examined at 15-day intervals for 2 months. L1s, L2s and L3s were microscopically identified based on key morphological and morphometric characteristics and their identity was genetically confirmed. The results showed that A. vasorum may reach the infective stage in H. aspersa and that uptake of larvae and parasitic burden within the snails depend on the grazing capability of the molluscs. Biological and epidemiological implications are discussed.

Evaluation of the fatty acid-based erythrocyte membrane lipidome in cats with food responsive enteropathy, inflammatory bowel disease and low-grade intestinal T-cell lymphoma.

Feline chronic enteropathies (FCE), include food-responsive-enteropathy (FRE), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and low-grade intestinal T-cell lymphoma (LGITL), and are common causes of chronic gastrointestinal signs in cats. Distinguishing between different subgroups of FCE can be challenging due to the frequent overlap of anamnestic, clinical, and laboratory data. While dysregulation in lipid metabolism has been reported in humans and dogs with chronic IBD, similar changes in cats are not yet completely understood. Assessing the fatty acid (FA) profile of red blood cell (RBC) membranes offers a valuable method for evaluating the quantity and quality of structural and functional molecular components in the membranes. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the FA composition of RBC membranes in FCE in comparison to healthy cats (HC). Gas-chromatography was used to quantitatively analyze a cluster of 11 FA, and based on these results, parameters of lipid homeostasis and enzyme activity indexes were calculated. A total of 41 FCE cats (17 FRE, 15 IBD, 9 LGITL) and 43 HC were enrolled. In FCE cats, the values of docosapentaenoic acid (p = 0.0002) and docosahexaenoic acid (p = 0.0246), were significantly higher, resulting in an overall increase in ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (p = 0.006), and that of linoleic acid (p = 0.0026) was significantly lower. Additionally, FCE cats exhibited an increased PUFA balance (p = 0.0019) and Δ6-desaturase index (p = 0.0151), along with a decreased ω-6/ω-3 ratio (p = 0.0019). No differences were observed among cats affected by FRE, IBD and LGITL. Like humans and dogs, the results of this study indicate that FCE cats also display changes in their FA lipid profile at the level of the RBC membrane. The non-invasive analysis of RBC membrane shows promise as a potential tool for gaining a better understanding of lipid imbalances in this disease.

Fecal microbiota and concentrations of long-chain fatty acids, sterols, and unconjugated bile acids in cats with chronic enteropathy.

Feline chronic enteropathies (FCE) are common causes of chronic gastrointestinal signs in cats and include different diseases such as food-responsive enteropathy (FRE), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and low-grade intestinal T-cell lymphoma (LGITL). Although changes in intestinal microbiota and fecal metabolites have been reported in dogs and humans with chronic enteropathy, research in cats has been limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the fecal microbiota and lipid-related fecal metabolites in cats with FCE to a clinically healthy comparison group (CG). A total of 34 cats with FCE (13 FRE, 15 IBD, and 6 LGITL) and 27 cats in the CG were enrolled in this study. The fecal microbiota was evaluated by the qPCR-based feline Dysbiosis Index (DI). The feline DI in cats with CE (median: 1.3, range: -2.4 to 3.8) was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) compared to CG (median: - 2.3, Range: -4.3 to 2.3), with no difference found among the FCE subgroups. The fecal abundances of Faecalibacterium (p < 0.0001), Bacteroides (p < 0.0001), Fusobacterium (p = 0.0398), Bifidobacterium (p = 0.0004), and total bacteria (p = 0.0337) significantly decreased in cats with FCE. Twenty-seven targeted metabolites were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, including long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs), sterols, and bile acids (BAs). Fecal concentrations of 5 of 12 LCFAs were significantly increased in cats with FCE compared to CG. Fecal concentrations of zoosterol (p = 0.0109), such as cholesterol (p < 0.001) were also significantly increased in cats with FCE, but those of phytosterols were significantly decreased in this group. No differences in fecal BAs were found between the groups. Although no differences were found between the four groups, the fecal metabolomic pattern of cats with FRE was more similar to that of the CG than to those with IBD or LGITL. This could be explained by the mild changes associated with FRE compared to IBD and LGITL. The study showed changes in intestinal microbiota and alteration of fecal metabolites in FCE cats compared to the CG. Changes in fecal lipids metabolites suggest a dysmetabolism of lipids, including LCFAs, sterols, and unconjugated BAs in cats with CE.

Clinical efficacy of a parasiticide formulation containing eprinomectin, esafoxolaner and praziquantel (NexGard® Combo) in the treatment of natural feline aelurostrongylosis and troglostrongylosis.

The metastrongyloids Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Troglostrongylus brevior are primary causes of feline clinical respiratory disease. The present field trial evaluated the clinical efficacy of a spot-on formulation containing eprinomectin, esafoxolaner and praziquantel (NexGard® Combo) administered per label recommendations to cats affected with aelurostrongylosis and/or troglostrongylosis. Overall, 36 naturally infected cats were randomly assigned to Group 1 (G1) or Group 2 (G2) of 18 cats each. The two groups included 6 cats with A. abstrusus, T. brevior and mixed infection, each. All cats completed the study. Cats in G1 were treated on study Days (SDs) 0 and 28±2. Cats in G2 served as negative control until SD 56±2 and were then treated on SD 56±2 and 84±2. On SD 0/-7, 28±2 and SD 56±2 all cats were subjected to parasitological (quali-quantitative Baermann) and clinical examinations (physical exams and thoracic X-rays). Hematology and biochemistry analyses were performed on SD 0/-7 and SD 56±2. On SD 84±2 quali-quantitative Baermann, clinical examination and thorax radiography were performed on all G2 cats and on two G1 cats that still had radiographic alterations on SD 56±2. On SD 112±2 all G2 cats were subjected to parasitological and clinical evaluations and one cat from G1 that still had radiographic signs at SD 84±2 was clinically and radiographically evaluated. Efficacy criteria were the reduction of larval shedding in faeces and the clinical response in terms of pathological and radiographic scores after treatment compared to the baseline. An efficacy of 100 % based on LPG reduction was recorded after one (20/24 cats) or two (all 24 cats) treatments in cats with single infection by A. abstrusus or T. brevior. For cats with mixed infections, larval shedding was stopped after one (11/12 cats) or two (all 12 cats) treatments. Statistically significant clinical and radiographic improvement was evident in all study cats after 2 treatments. The present data show that two monthly treatments with NexGard® Combo stopped larval shedding and led to a significant clinical recovery and a complete resolution of radiographic abnormalities in cats infected with A. abstrusus and/or T. brevior.

Factors related to longevity and mortality of dogs in Italy.

Besides its translational value, an improved understanding of dog longevity and mortality is necessary to guide health management decisions, breed selection, and improve dog welfare. In order to analyse the lifespan of dogs in Italy, identify the most common causes of death, and evaluate possible risk factors, anonymised medical records were collected from 9 veterinary teaching hospitals and 2 public health institutions. Data regarding breed, sex, neuter status, age, diagnosis, and mechanism of death were retrieved. Cause of death (COD) was classified by pathophysiologic process (PP) and organ system (OS). Of the 4957 dogs that died between 2004 and 2020 included in the study, 2920 (59.0%) were purebred, 2293 (46.2%) were female, 3005 (60.6%) were intact, 2883 (58.2%) were euthanised. Overall median longevity was 10.0 years. Median longevity was significantly longer for crossbreds, females, neutered dogs, and small-sized breeds. The breeds with the highest median age at death were the Yorkshire terrier, English cocker spaniel, West Highland white terrier, Italian volpino, and Shih Tzu, whilst the American bulldog, English bulldog, American pit bull terrier, Bernese mountain dog and the Maremma and the Abruzzes sheepdog had the lowest median age at death. The most frequent COD by PP was neoplasia (34.0%), which occurred more frequently in large breeds, namely German shepherd, Labrador retriever and Boxer. Degenerative diseases mostly affected small-sized dogs like Miniature pinscher and Dachshund. Regarding the OS involved, diseases of the renal/urinary system were most frequently responsible for COD (15.0%), prevalently degenerative and inflammatory/infectious. Substantial variation in median longevity according to causes of death by PP and OS was observed. These data are relevant for breeders, veterinary practitioners, and owners, to assist breed selection, facilitate early diagnosis, guide choice when purchasing a purebred dog and making health management decisions, and ultimately improve dog welfare.

Larval development of the feline lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in Helix aspersa.

The cat lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus affects the domestic cat and other felids all over the world. Feline aelurostrongylosis is of importance in clinical feline medicine and is gaining more and more attention for the present expansion in the geographical range of A. abstrusus. Global warming and changes in phenology of snail intermediate hosts have been incriminated in this spreading. Helix aspersa, a potential vector of A. abstrusus, is endemic in most regions of the world, where it has become recently a pest outside its native Mediterranean range. The present work evaluated key features of larval development of A. abstrusus in H. aspersa at two different temperature conditions. The results showed that A. abstrusus may reach the infective stage in muscular foot and viscera of H. aspersa and that environmental temperatures may influence the biological cycle of the cat lungworm. In particular, the higher the average temperature, the higher the rate of larval development, i.e., about 50% of larvae of A. abstrusus reached the infective stage between temperatures of 18.8-29.5 °C, while only 17.8% of larvae completed their development at temperatures of 6.7-22 °C. Biological and epidemiological implications are discussed.

Vinorelbine as First-Line Treatment in Stage IV Canine Primary Pulmonary Carcinoma.

Vinorelbine (VRL), a semi-synthetic vinca alkaloid commonly used in humans with advanced lung cancer, reaches high concentrations in the lung tissue, has proven antineoplastic activity and a low toxicity profile in dogs. Treatment-naïve, client-owned dogs with a cyto/histological diagnosis of advanced pulmonary carcinoma, selected from a laboratory database and previously subjected to imaging, were enrolled in the study. Vinorelbine (15 mg/m2) was administered weekly for 4 weeks and then fortnightly until progressive disease was documented. Staging work-up was repeated by means of diagnostic imaging after the fourth VRL (i.e., 28 days) and monthly thereafter; response to treatment was evaluated according to the RECIST. Toxicity was graded following the VCOGC group. Ten dogs met the inclusion criteria. Partial response was documented in eight dogs. Median time to progression was 88 days (range: 7-112) and median survival time for all dogs was 100 days (range 7-635). The most common side effect was neutropenia. The main limitations of the study were the absence of histological diagnosis in eight cases and the limited number of treated dogs. VRL is well tolerated with an adequate toxicity profile and may be useful in the management of advanced lung tumours if used as a first-line treatment strategy.

Skeletal muscle dissemination in a dog with T-cell lymphoma.

A 5-year-old spayed female American Staffordshire was referred for weakness, reluctance to move and distension of the abdomen. Three weeks before, the dog underwent surgery for excision of a nodular mass suspected to be a non-epitheliotropic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (NE-CTCL). Computed tomography revealed heterogeneous enhancing mesenteric masses and nodular lesions of soft tissue density, and infiltration of the abdominal muscular wall. Moreover, a pattern of diffuse muscle nodules in the skeletal muscles was visible, with lesions showing homogenous, heterogeneous or ring enhancement. Necrosis was histologically observed and these lesions were infiltrated by CD3-positive and CD20-, CD79a- and Iba1-negative neoplastic lymphocytes. On the basis of the immunopathological features metastatic NE-CTCL was suspected. Skeletal muscle metastasis has been rarely reported in small animals and this case report further confirms that this possibility should be considered in dogs with lymphoma.

Unusual tongue metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma in a cat with feline lung-digit syndrome.

This report describes the pathological findings in a 15-year-old spayed female Domestic Shorthaired cat with a pulmonary adenocarcinoma characterized by feline lung-digit syndrome (FLDS) and unusual tongue metastasis. Felis catus papillomavirus type 3 (FcaPV-3) DNA was amplified from the lingual sample but not from samples of the pulmonary mass or digital or splenic metastatic lesions, indicating the presence of FcaPV-3 in the oral cavity but not suggesting a role for FcaPVs in tumour pathogenesis. FLDS is a clinical entity in which primary lung tumours present because of metastatic digital lesions. In humans, tongue metastasis may be a rare initial presentation of lung cancer, whereas, to the best of our knowledge, tongue metastasis of feline tumours has not been reported. Although lingual metastases are rare, the present findings serve to remind clinicians that metastatic manifestations of primary lung tumours in cats may involve multiple extrapulmonary sites, including the tongue.

Drug-Dosing Adjustment in Dogs and Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease is a common kidney disorder in adult and aged dogs and cats; the management of associated complications and comorbidities generally requires a life-long medical treatment to ensure a good quality of life of affected patients. However, indications and the literature on drug dosing in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease are often lacking. The aim of this review is to revise the current literature on drug dosing in canine and feline patients with renal impairment, with a special focus on the most commonly used medications to manage chronic kidney disease and possible comorbidities.

Expression of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 in canine cutaneous mast cell tumours.

Cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) belong to endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is also composed from endocannabinoids and the enzymatic systems involved in their biosynthesis and degradation. The expression of CB1 and CB2 have been previously identified in normal canine mast cell and in atopic dermatitis. Canine cutaneous mast cell tumours (cMCTs) are among the most common cutaneous neoplasms in dogs and have a highly variable clinical behaviour. Expression of CB1-CB2 was assessed by means of immunohistochemistry in thirty-seven dogs (from 2019 to 2021) with proven histological diagnosis of cMCT. Dogs were divided in two groups according to the Kiupel's grading system: high-grade (HG) cMCT and low-grade (LG) cMCT. A semiquantitative (score 0-3) and quantitative assessment of immunoreactivity (IR) was performed for each case. Our results show that there CB1 and CB2 are highly expressed in LG- cMCT, in contrast to HG- cMCT.

Comparison between Image-Guided Transbronchial Cryobiopsies and Thoracoscopic Lung Biopsies in Canine Cadaver: A Pilot Study.

To date, the only method of sampling lung tissue with a high diagnostic yield is represented by surgical lung biopsies (SLB), which are highly invasive and have a high risk/benefit ratio. In humans, transbronchial lung cryobiopsies (TBLC) have recently been introduced, which are described to be less invasive and able to significantly increase diagnostic confidence in most patients with interstitial lung diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic yield of TBLC compared to SLB in small animals. A total of 21 pulmonary cryobiopsies under fluoroscopic and real-time CT fluoroscopic guidance and 21 video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lung biopsies were collected from three dog cadavers. Upon histological examination, cryobiopsy samples were smaller than VATS biopsies, but were still large enough to reach a specific diagnosis or to allow pattern recognition. Morphological features on TBLC and SLB were concordant in all cases. Cryobiopsy samples showed fewer artifacts and a higher percentage of alveolar tissue than VATS samples. TBLC is a feasible and useful alternative to SLB for lung histopathological examination in dogs. The effectiveness and reduced invasiveness of TBLC compared to SLB could represent many advantages in the diagnosis of diffuse lung diseases in small animals.

Two-Port Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy in Dogs.

The gold-standard treatment for functional tumors is adrenalectomy, and the procedure can be either open or laparoscopic. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is a minimally invasive technique designated for small-medium-sized adrenal tumors without vascular invasion. LA is routinely performed using three or four ports with the patient in sternal or lateral recumbency. The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of LA with two ports in order to reduce invasiveness and improve patient recovery. In total, 16 dogs with adrenal tumors were included in the study and the two-port technique was performed. Adrenalectomy was performed based on the presence of hypercortisolism in thirteen cases, whereas, in three cases, adrenalectomy was performed in the absence of evidence of cortisol production. Thirteen cases were carcinomas and three were adenomas of the adrenal gland; furthermore, twelve were on the left side and four were on the right side. Capsule rupture occurred in five cases. After performing the technique in all cases, no additional ports or laparotomy conversion occurred. Based on the authors' experience, laparoscopic adrenalectomy can be performed with two ports.

Prognostic Role of Red Cell Distribution Width and Other Routine Clinico-Pathological Parameters in Dogs with Acute Pancreatitis.

This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of red cell distribution width (RDW) RDW-to-calcium ratio (RDW/Ca), neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio (N/L), platelets-to-lymphocytes ratio (P/L) and other easy to obtain and inexpensive hematological and biochemical parameters in dogs with acute pancreatitis. This is a multicenter, retrospective cohort study including 70 client-owned dogs. The accuracy of clinical and laboratory variables to predict short-term death (i.e., dead by 14 days) was tested by calculating the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC). Independent predictors of death were identified using the multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model. The survival rate was 72.9% (51 dogs) and 19 dogs died within 14 days of admission from AP. RDW and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) had good accuracy to predict short-term dead with AUC of 0.74 and 0.70 at the cut-off of >12.7% and >42 mg/dL, respectively. According to the multivariable model, RDW (hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval [HR, 95% CI] = 5.08, 95% CI = 1.14−22.67; p = 0.03), BUN (HR = 1.00, 95% CI = 1.00−1.01; p < 0.01) and bilirubin (HR = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.38−4.39; p < 0.01) were independent predictors of death. The results indicate that RDW, BUN and bilirubin are useful predictors of short-term death in dogs with acute pancreatitis.

The Role of Fine Needle Aspiration of Liver and Spleen in the Staging of Low-Grade Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumor.

Clinical staging is a fundamental step in the clinical assessment of canine cutaneous mast cell tumor (cMCT), and it is recommended to evaluate the tumor draining lymph node (eTDLN), perform diagnostic imaging, and fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the spleen and liver to determine the presence of metastatic disease, thereby refining the prognosis. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the prevalence of splenic and hepatic involvement in newly diagnosed canine low-grade cMCT (Patnaik grade I-II, Kiupel low-grade). Medical records of dogs that underwent a clinical staging work-up and surgical excision for a low-grade cMCT between December 2019 and December 2021 were reviewed at five veterinary centers. Only dogs with a histological diagnosis of low-grade cMCT, FNA or histology of the eTDLN, FNA of the spleen and liver, and one year of follow up were included. One hundred and thirty-six dogs met the inclusion criteria. Only 1 out of 136 dogs (0.7%) had the presence of visceral metastases at diagnosis, suggesting that the prevalence of visceral metastases in low-grade cMCT is extremely low. The results of this study are consistent with previous literature and suggest that after a diagnosis of low-grade cMCT, cytology of visceral organs may not represent an essential step in the clinical staging work-up.

Inflammatory, Mechanical and Infectious Complications Associated with Peripheral Intravenous Catheters in Dogs and Cats: A Risk Factor Analysis.

The placement of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVC) is potentially associated with complications that negatively impact healthcare. Our study investigated factors associated with the occurrence of PIVC-related complications in dogs and cats at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The second aim was to determine the prevalence of PIVC bacterial colonization. A total of 76 dogs and 40 cats with PIVCs were evaluated for the occurrence of phlebitis and mechanical complications. The devices were removed when they ceased to be functional or when complications occurred, and the content was submitted for bacterial cultures and antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Both multivariable linear regression models and ROC analysis were employed. Complications were recorded in 46.6% of cases, and 20.7% of catheters yielded a positive culture. Among the isolates, 45% were classified as multi-resistant. In dogs, a ≥36-h indwelling time was associated with an increased risk of complications. Male cats seem more prone to developing complications, while the insertion of PIVCs under sedation may represent a protective factor in this species. In conclusion, PIVC-associated complications were frequently observed, and the high rate of positive culture for PIVCs, together with the presence of multi-resistant isolates, is a cause of concern in a hospital setting.

Detection and Characterization of Feline Calicivirus Associated with Paw and Mouth Disease.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) infection in cats can led to several diverse clinical presentations, ranging from mild upper respiratory signs to virulent systemic disease. Herein, we report a paw and mouth disease case in a 7-year-old household cat due to an FCV infection. An asymptomatic cat living in the same household was also infected with FCV. Clinical and pathological investigations were combined with the molecular and phenotypical characterization of the FCV strains. The RNA of the FCV was detected using qualitative and quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assays, and FCV antigen was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. After the whole genome analysis, the strains detected in the two cats appeared to be genetically diverse from FCVs previously detected in association with paw and mouth disease and with virulent systemic disease. Interestingly, the isolates obtained in this study were resistant to low pH conditions and slightly susceptible to bile salts, but they were susceptible to a trypsin treatment, revealing a phenotype pattern that is different from that which has been observed for respiratory FCVs.

Feline Morbillivirus Infection in Domestic Cats: What Have We Learned So Far?

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) was identified for the first time in stray cats in 2012 in Hong Kong and, since its discovery, it was reported in domestic cats worldwide. Although a potential association between FeMV infection and tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) has been suggested, this has not been proven, and the subject remains controversial. TIN is the most frequent histopathological finding in the context of feline chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is one of the major clinical pathologies in feline medicine. FeMV research has mainly focused on defining the epidemiology, the role of FeMV in the development of CKD, and its in vitro tropism, but the pathogenicity of FeMV is still not clear, partly due to its distinctive biological characteristics, as well as to a lack of a cell culture system for its rapid isolation. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of FeMV infection, including genetic diversity of FeMV strains, epidemiology, pathogenicity, and clinicopathological findings observed in naturally infected cats.

Detection of Serum Allergen-Specific IgE in Atopic Dogs Tested in Northern Italy: Preliminary Study.

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a pruritic allergic skin disease associated with IgE-mediated hypersensitivity. IgE is detected using Serum Allergen-Specific IgE test (SAT) in order to identify allergens. The present study aims to identify the environmental allergens in atopic dogs living in Northern Italy using SAT. The screening SAT (sSAT), using a monoclonal antibody cocktail-based ELISA to identify indoor and outdoor allergens, was performed. In all positive samples, an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody ELISA test was performed to extend panel of allergens. Out of 117 selected dogs, 69 were included in the study; 71% were positive and 29% were negative to sSAT. Among the 49 positive sSAT, 53% were positive for both indoor and outdoor, 38.8% only for indoor, and 8.2% only for outdoor allergens. This is the first study on the frequency of allergens involved in CAD in Italy using SAT. IgE hypersensitivity in atopic dogs of Northern Italy is usually associated with indoor allergens, primarily house dust mites. Among the outdoor allergens, an important role was played by Rumex acetosa. Polysensitization also commonly occurs. Therefore, since the numerous factors affect the IgE positivity in CAD, specific panels for geographical areas should be considered and re-evaluated at time intervals.

Evaluation of eutectic lidocaine/prilocaine cream for jugular blood sampling in cats.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a eutectic lidocaine/prilocaine cream (EMLA cream; Astra Pharmaceuticals) in reducing pain and reaction to venepuncture during jugular blood sampling in cats after a 30-min topical application time. METHODS: The study was a prospective, blind, controlled clinical trial. Eighteen healthy client-owned cats were randomly allocated to two study groups. All cats were clipped on the left jugular groove region and then, depending on the study group, either the placebo (liquid paraffin) or EMLA cream was applied to the region. The area was then kept protected for the next 30 mins. Except for the operator who administered the product, all operators were blinded to the study groups. Blood sampling was performed by an experienced operator and a stress score was assigned to each cat according to the reactions observed during the venepuncture. Also, the procedure was classified as being 'easy' or 'difficult' by the same operator. RESULTS: A significantly reduced stress score was observed in cats that received the EMLA cream compared with those belonging to the placebo group (P = 0.048); withdrawal movements were observed in 1/9 cats treated with the EMLA cream vs 7/9 cats of the placebo group (P = 0.015). The jugular venepuncture was defined as easy in 1/9 cats that received the placebo and in 8/9 cats in the EMLA group (P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The present study provides evidence for the efficacy of the EMLA cream after a 30-min application time for jugular venepuncture in cats, together with significantly reduced stress for patients. Therefore, this study supports the routine use of EMLA cream as good practice to enhance the welfare of cats and to simplify venepuncture procedures.