Serological survey of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in shelter-housed cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus, Brazil / Inquérito sorológico para Neospora caninum e Toxoplasma gondii em um abrigo de gatos infectados com o vírus da imunodeficiência felina, Brasil

Felines play a leading role in the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection, but there is scarce information about the epidemiology of Neospora caninum, particularly in feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-infected cats. Cats seropositive to T. gondii do not usually show symptoms unless they are immunosuppressed, such as FIV-infected cats. The same relationship remains poorly known for N. caninum, although it has been associated with neurological disorders in HIV-infected people. Since FIV-infected cats are prone to develop encephalitis of unknown etiology, this study aimed to evaluate the presence of specific antibodies to T. gondii and N. caninum in a shelter for stray cats naturally infected with FIV. A total of 104 serum samples from cats living in a shelter, located in São Paulo city (Brazil), was assessed for T. gondii and N. caninum specific antibody by indirect fluorescent-antibody test (IFAT). Of the 104 cats, 25 (24%) were infected with FIV and, aside from these, 8 (32%) had antibodies against T. gondii (titers from 16 to 128). Only 1 (4%) of the FIV-infected cats had antibodies against N. caninum, which was the first record of coinfection. Among the FIV-naïve cats, 11 (14%) were positive for T. gondii(titers from 16 to 256) and only 1 (1.2%) had antibodies against N. caninum. Serologically positive reactions to T. gondii and N. caninum were not correlated with age or sex (p>0.05), and there was no correlation between FIV and the occurrence of anti-T. gondii or anti-N. caninum antibodies (p>0.05). Further studies encompassing larger cat populations from different origins and locations are essential to clarify the prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies in FIV-positive cats.(AU)

Os felinos têm um papel importante na epidemiologia da infecção por Toxoplasma gondii, mas pouco se sabe sobre a epidemiologia da infecção por Neospora caninum em gatos, particularmente em gatos infectados com o vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV). Gatos soropositivos para Toxoplasma gondii geralmente não apresentam sintomas a não ser que estejam imunossuprimidos, como gatos infectados com FIV. A mesma relação ainda é pouco conhecida para N. caninum, embora tenha sido associada a distúrbios neurológicos em pessoas infectadas pelo HIV. Considerando que gatos infectados com FIV são propensos a desenvolver encefalite de etiologia desconhecida, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a presença de anticorpos específicos para T. gondii e N. caninum em gatos infectados com FIV. Um total de 104 amostras de soro de gatos residentes em um abrigo na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil, foram avaliadas para a presença de anticorpos contra T. gondii e N. caninum pelo teste de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI). Dos 104 gatos, 25 (24%) estavam infectados com FIV e destes 8, (32%) tinham anticorpos contra T. gondii (titulação entre 16 e 128). Apenas 1 (4%) dos gatos infectados com FIV apresentava anticorpos contra N. caninum, sendo este o primeiro registro dessa coinfecção. Entre os gatos não infectados com FIV, 11 (14%) foram positivos para T. gondii (titulação entre 16 e 256) e apenas 1 (1,2%) tinha anticorpos contra N. caninum. A reação sorologicamente positiva para T. gondii e N. caninum não foi correlacionada com a idade ou sexo (p> 0,05), nem houve correlação entre FIV e ocorrência de anticorpos para T. gondii ou N. caninum(p> 0,05). Estudos subsequentes abrangendo populações maiores de gatos de diferentes origens e locais são essenciais para esclarecer a prevalência de anticorpos contra T. gondii e N. caninum em animais acometidos por FIV.(AU)

The influence of sample processing time on the performance of Microsporum canis cultures in cats.

BACKGROUND: Fungal culture is widely used as a diagnostic tool for detecting dermatophytosis. However, the presence of fungal contaminants can influence the culture's performance and compromise the diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To verify whether the sample processing time can affect the performance of fungal culture for the diagnosis of Microsporum canis infection in cats. ANIMALS: Forty Persian cats. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Hair and scale samples were collected by combing the coat using a 5 × 5 cm sterile polyester carpet. The carpets were assigned randomly to four groups based on time point of processing samples after collection (i.e. used for culture on a selective agar medium for dermatophytes): Group 1: 8 h (n = 10); Group 2: 24 h (n = 10); Group 3: 48 h (n = 10); and Group 4: 72 h (n = 10). Cultures were compared regarding the degree of fungal invasion by either M. canis or nondermatophytic contaminant moulds (NDM). RESULTS: Processing samples after 24 h of storage resulted in increased isolation rates of NDM and decreased isolation rates of M. canis. Samples processed after 48 h and 72 h presented more than half of the plates with a high degree of fungal contamination (i.e. NDM occupying ≥50% of the total fungal mass). However, samples processed after 8 h and 24 h presented a lower degree (P < 0.05) of NDM plate invasion and higher recovery rates of M. canis when compared to samples processed after 48 h and 72 h. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Delayed processing time is closely associated with the overgrowth of contaminants and with lower recovery rates of M. canis.

CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte counts and ratio in cats with chronic gingivostomatitis and naturally infected with feline immunodeficiency virus: a preliminary study / Razão e contagem de linfócitos T CD4+ e linfócitos T CD8+ em gatos com gengivoestomatite crônica e infectados naturalmente pelo vírus da imunodeficiência felina: estudo preliminar

This study aimed to evaluate the CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes counts and CD4+: CD8+ ratio in a colony of cats with chronic gingivostomatitis (CGS). We used forty domestic short-haired cats inhabiting the same colony. Ten cats with CGS were immunodeficiency virus-positive (group IV), and ten with CGS were immunodeficiency virus-negative (group III). As a control, twenty cats without CGS were used: ten cats were immunodeficiency virus-positive (group II) and ten cats were immunodeficiency virus-negative (group I). We employed flow cytometry to count CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. In cats infected with the immunodeficiency virus, the presence of CD4+ lymphocytes were lower both for animals with and without CGS. Conversely, not immunodeficiency virus-infected cats with CGS had a higher amount of CD4+ when compared to seronegative animals without CGS. The counts of CD8+ T lymphocytes showed no significant difference among cats with CGS, whether infected with immunodeficiency virus or not. The CD4+: CD8+ ratio was only different for group III, which was higher than any other group. No difference was observed for total lymphocyte number and CD8+ among groups. By contrast, mean CD4+ levels were different, with cats from groups III and IV showing higher levels than those from groups I and II. The flow cytometry could be a useful tool for the diagnosis and prognosis of cats with CGS infected by the immunodeficiency virus.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a contagem e a razão de linfócitos T CD4+ e CD8+ em uma colônia de gatos com gengivoestomatite crônica (CGS). Foram analisados quarenta gatos domésticos que habitavam a mesma colônia. Dez gatos com CGS foram positivos para o vírus da imunodeficiência (grupo IV), e dez com CGS foram negativos para o vírus da imunodeficiência (grupo III). Como controle, vinte gatos sem CGS foram usados: dez gatos foram positivos para o vírus da imunodeficiência (grupo II) e dez gatos foram negativos para o vírus da imunodeficiência (grupo I). Empregou-se a citometria de fluxo para contagem de linfócitos T CD4+ e CD8+. Nos gatos infectados pelo vírus da imunodeficiência, a presença de linfócitos CD4+ foi menor tanto para os animais com e sem CGS. Por outro lado, gatos não infectados e com CGS apresentaram maior quantidade de linfócitos CD4+ quando comparados a animais soronegativos sem CGS. A contagem de linfócito T CD8+ não mostrou diferença significativa entre gatos com CGS, infectados ou não com o vírus da imunodeficiência. A razão CD4+:CD8+ foi diferente apenas para o grupo III, que foi maior do que qualquer outro grupo. Não foi observada diferença para o número total de linfócitos e CD8+ entre os grupos. Em contraste, os níveis médios de CD4+ foram diferentes, com os gatos dos grupos III e IV apresentando níveis mais elevados do que os dos grupos I e II. A citometria de fluxo pode ser uma ferramenta útil para o diagnóstico e prognóstico de gatos com CGS infectados pelo vírus da imunodeficiência.

Cytopathology of cutaneous and subcutaneous neoplasms in feline species: a retrospective study / Citopatologia das neoplasias cutâneas e subcutâneas na espécie felina: estudo retrospectivo

It is estimated that a quarter of all feline neoplasms affect the integumentary system. Cytological examination is of admirable importance for detection of neoplasms in companion animals, being considered a simple and non-invasive method. To date, there are limited information regarding the prevalence of feline skin cancer as well as the use of cytopathology as a diagnostic tool. In this sense, the study aimed to characterize cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors in 192 cats from the archives of a private clinic in São Paulo-SP, Brazil, specialized in the care of felines. Data regarding the animal (breed definition, sex, and age group) and tumor characteristics (biological behavior, cytomorphological category of neoplasm, and cytological suggestion for neoplasm) were obtained in a five-year period. A 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated to verify the statistical difference between the animal and tumor characteristics. The chi-square test was carried out to verify the association between the tumor biological behavior and animal variables, as well as other tumor characteristics. Most cats were mixed breed and aged 11 to 15 years. Malignant tumors were predominant. A statistical association was observed between cytomorphological category of neoplasm and biological behavior (p<0.001). Mesenchymal (24.5%) and epithelial tumors (25%) presented the highest frequency among those benign and malignant, respectively. The cytological suggestion for neoplasm was also statistically associated with biological behavior (p<0.001). The highest percentage of occurrence of benign and malignant tumors consisted of lipomas (22.9%) and sarcomas (19.3%), respectively.(AU)

Estima-se que um quarto de todas as neoplasias felinas afetam o sistema tegumentar. O exame citológico é impor-tante para detecção de neoplasias em animais de companhia, sendo considerado um método simples e não invasivo. Até o momento, há informações limitadas sobre a prevalência das neoplasias cutâneas felinas, bem como o uso da citopatologia como ferramenta diagnóstica. Nesse sentido, o estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar neoplasias cutâneas e subcutâneas em 192 gatos do arquivo de uma clínica veterinária privada da cidade de São Paulo-SP, Brasil, especializada no atendimento de feli-nos. Dados referentes ao animal (raça, sexo e faixa etária) e características das neoplasias (comportamento biológico, categoria citomorfológica e sugestão citológica) foram obtidos em um período de cinco anos. Foi estimado um intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95% para verificar a diferença estatística entre as características do animal e da neoplasia. O teste do qui-quadrado foi realizado para verificar a associação entre o comportamento biológico da neoplasia e as variáveis dos animais, além de outras características neoplásicas. A maioria dos gatos era sem definição racial e com idade entre 11 e 15 anos. As neoplasias malignas foram predominantes. Foi observada associação estatística entre a categoria citomorfológica e o comportamento biológico da neoplasia (p<0,001). Neoplasias mesenquimais (24,5%) e epiteliais (25%) apresentaram a maior frequência entre os benignos e malignos, respectivamente. A sugestão citológica para neoplasia também foi estatisticamente associada ao comportamento biológico (p<0,001). O maior percentual de ocorrência de tumores benignos e malignos consistiu em lipomas (22,9%) e sar-comas (19,3%), respectivamente.(AU)

Prevalence, clinical and epidemiological features of feline hyperthyroidism at a veterinary teaching hospital in Brazil: a retrospective study / Prevalência, características clínicas e epidemiológicas do hipertireoidismo felino em um hospital veterinário universitário no Brasil: um estudo retrospectivo

The hyperthyroidism is the most frequently endocrinopathy in cats. The increasing number of diagnoses over time is due to the greater familiarity with the disease and the development of increasingly sensitive diagnostic tools available. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the prevalence, clinical characteristics and risk factors of hyperthyroidism in cats admitted at one of the largest veterinary teaching hospital in Brazil. Between 2002 and 2007, 234 cats were admitted to the veterinary teaching hospital of the University of São Paulo, Brazil. Total thyroxine (T4t) serum concentration was measured from all cats. Also analyzed the medical charts of cats. Of the 234 cats, 26 (11.1%) were considered hyperthyroid (T4t ≥3.8 µg/dL). Of hese 26 cats, only two (7.7%) were initially diagnosed as hyperthyroid. The age of cats ranged from 6 to 27 years old (13.1 ± 4.5 years). Twelve patients (46.2%) were female and 14 (53.8%) were male. Eight (30.8%) cats were Siamese, while the others were mixed breed (69.2%). Dry food was the most common food type consumed by cats. There was a high prevalence of hyperthyroid cats with concomitant chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study sheds light on the importance of routinely monitoring feline hyperthyroidism and brings epidemiological and clinical data of this endocrinopathy in cats from one of the largest veterinary teaching hospitals in the country.(AU)

O hipertireoidismo é a endocrinopatia mais frequente em gatos. O aumento do número de diagnósticos ao longo do tempo deve-se à maior familiaridade com a doença e ao desenvolvimento de ferramentas diagnósticas cada vez mais sensíveis. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar retrospectivamente a prevalência, características clínicas e fatores de risco do de hiperti-reoidismo em gatos atendidos em um dos maiores hospitais veterinários universitários do Brasil. Entre 2002 e 2007, 234 gatos foram admitidos no hospital veterinário universitário da Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil. A concentração sérica total de tiroxina (T4t) foi mensurada em todos os gatos. Também foram analisados os prontuários médicos dos gatos. Dos 234 gatos, 26 (11,1%) foram considerados hipertireoideos (T4t ≥3,8 µg/dL). Desses 26 gatos, apenas dois (7,7%) foram diagnosticados inicialmente com hipertireoidismo. A idade dos gatos variou de 6 a 27 anos (13,1 ± 4,5 anos). Doze pacientes (46,2%) eram do sexo feminino e 14 (53,8%) do sexo masculino. Oito (30,8%) eram siameses, enquanto os demais eram mestiços (69,2%). A ração seca foi o tipo de alimento mais consumido. Houve alta prevalência de gatos hipertireoideos com doença renal crônica (DRC) concomitante. Este estudo esclarece a importância do monitoramento rotineiro do hipertireoidismo felino e traz dados epidemiológicos e clínicos desta endocrinopatia em gatos de um dos maiores hospitais veterinários do País.(AU)

A case of behavioral changes in a castrated male cat due to a functional adrenocortical adenoma producing testosterone and androstenedione.

CASE SUMMARY: This case report describes a 9-year-old neutered male cat with a functional adrenal tumor showing aggression toward other cats in the household, excessive meowing and urine spraying. The diagnosis was made based on the clinical signs, an enlarged right adrenal gland on ultrasound, penile spines and elevated sex hormones on an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. The cat was submitted to celiotomy and adrenalectomy. Histopathological examination confirmed the adrenocortical adenoma. Three months after surgery the penile spines disappeared and urine spraying, as well as excessive meowing, had greatly decreased; however, aggressive behavior took much longer to stop and required behavior therapy. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: Functional adrenal tumors producing only sex hormones and behavioral changes are uncommon. The cat reported herein started showing behavioral changes before spines appeared on the penis, and structural alterations in the adrenal gland at the abdominal ultrasonography were detected. Considering all the possible implications resulting from severe behavior problems such as cat-cat aggression, from a permanent separation of the cats to relinquishment, a detailed investigation of underlying medical mechanisms in these animals is crucial from the start. Examinations may need to be repeated later in the course.

LOPH: a novel chemotherapeutic protocol for feline high-grade multicentric or mediastinal lymphoma, developed in an area endemic for feline leukemia virus.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to establish the safety and efficacy of a novel multidrug lomustine-based chemotherapeutic protocol for cats with high-grade multicentric or mediastinal lymphoma, in an area endemic for feline leukemia virus (FeLV). METHODS: This prospective study included owned cats, diagnosed (cytologically) with multicentric or mediastinal lymphoma and treated with the LOPH (lomustine, vincristine [Oncovin; Antibióticos do Brasil], prednisolone and hydroxydaunorubicin [doxorubicin]) protocol. A complete blood count was performed before every chemotherapy session and any significant abnormalities recorded as possible related toxicities. Median survival time (MST) and disease-free interval were estimated by Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: Twenty-one cats were included in this study. Nineteen (90.5%) tested positive for FeLV and were therefore considered to have persistent viremia. Complete response was reported in 81% (n = 17/21), while three had partial remission and one had no response. Seven cats finished the induction protocol within 20-31 weeks (23.1 ± 4.5; median 20) and all seven received a maintenance protocol. The MST (lymphoma-related survival) for the 21 cats was 214 days. The MST was 214 days for cats with mediastinal lymphoma (n = 13), but it was not reached for multicentric lymphoma (n = 8; P = 0.9). The MST of cats with persistent FeLV antigenemia was 171 days. Grade I anorexia and vomiting occurred in 19% of the cats (n = 4/21). Hematologic toxicity was found in 100% of the cats at some point during their treatment, but it was mostly grade I or II. Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia occurred in 16/21, 21/21 and 15/21 cats, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The LOPH protocol was well tolerated by cats with lymphoma and persistent FeLV viremia, and resulted in a better MST than similar studies with other protocols. Novel studies and controlled trials are necessary in order to evaluate the efficacy of different protocols according to the lymphoma subtype, anatomic form and FeLV status.

Unreliability of EDTA samples for measuring bioamine neurotransmitter levels in cats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of an EDTA-based method for measuring cat blood bioamines. METHODS: Test 1 involved collecting blood samples from seven university laboratory cats. The samples were transferred to EDTA, heparin and plain tubes to determine concentrations of four bioamines (serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine [adrenaline] and norepinephrine [noradrenaline]). Correlation of measurements performed on EDTA plasma, with those performed on heparinized plasma or serum were assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). In test 2, blood samples from five owned cats were collected and stored in EDTA tubes and divided between duplicate Eppendorf tubes labeled as different cats for blinding purposes and analyzed independently for the same four bioamines as in test 1. Reliability of concentration determination for these duplicates was assessed by ICCs and coefficients of variation (CVs). RESULTS: In test 1, there was no significant correlation between the EDTA plasma serotonin and serum serotonin concentrations. There was also no significant correlation between EDTA plasma and heparin plasma concentrations for either epinephrine or norepinephrine. There was a statistically significant but weak correlation between EDTA plasma and heparin plasma dopamine concentrations. In test 2, there was no correlation for repeat-analyzed serotonin and epinephrine concentrations. Although there were statistically significant correlations for dopamine and norepinephrine, CVs for each analyte were in excess of 30%. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Before any further attempt is made to measure and report on neurotransmitter concentrations in domestic cats, it is essential that the robustness of the methodology is carefully validated and the data presented.

Report of Dirofilaria immitis infection with acute cardiopulmonary complications in a cat from Northeastern Brazil / Relato de infecção por Dirofilaria immitis com complicações cardiopulmonares agudas em um gato no Nordeste do Brasil

Dirofilariasis is a zoonotic disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis, a nematode found mainly in the pulmonary artery and right chambers of the heart, lungs, and large vessels of dogs. This parasitism also occasionally occurs in cats, causing an amicrofilaremic and asymptomatic infection, resulting in severe illness and rapid death. In this case report, it was described acute clinical signs and histopathological alterations in a domestic cat with heartworm disease from the city of Mossoró, the Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The nematode species, D. immitis, was confirmed by morphological and molecular analyses. This is the first documented and full report of feline heartworm disease in northeastern Brazil.(AU)

A dirofilariose é uma doença zoonótica causada por Dirofilaria immitis, um nematódeo que parasita cães, principalmente a artéria pulmonar e as câmaras direitas do coração, pulmões e grandes vasos. Este parasita também ocorre ocasionalmente em gatos, geralmente causando uma infecção amicrofilarêmica e assintomática, que pode resultar em doença grave e morte rápida. Neste relato de caso, são apresentados os sinais clínicos agudos e alterações histopatológicas em um gato doméstico do município de Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil, com dirofilariose. A espécie de nematóide, D. immitis, foi confirmada por análises morfológicas e moleculares. Este é o primeiro relato documentado e completo de dirofilariose felina no Nordeste do Brasil.(AU)

Report of Dirofilaria immitis infection with acute cardiopulmonary complications in a cat from Northeastern Brazil / Relato de infecção por Dirofilaria immitis com complicações cardiopulmonares agudas em um gato no Nordeste do Brasil

Dirofilariasis is a zoonotic disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis, a nematode found mainly in the pulmonary artery and right chambers of the heart, lungs, and large vessels of dogs. This parasitism also occasionally occurs in cats, causing an amicrofilaremic and asymptomatic infection, resulting in severe illness and rapid death. In this case report, it was described acute clinical signs and histopathological alterations in a domestic cat with heartworm disease from the city of Mossoró, the Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The nematode species, D. immitis, was confirmed by morphological and molecular analyses. This is the first documented and full report of feline heartworm disease in northeastern Brazil.(AU)

A dirofilariose é uma doença zoonótica causada por Dirofilaria immitis, um nematódeo que parasita cães, principalmente a artéria pulmonar e as câmaras direitas do coração, pulmões e grandes vasos. Este parasita também ocorre ocasionalmente em gatos, geralmente causando uma infecção amicrofilarêmica e assintomática, que pode resultar em doença grave e morte rápida. Neste relato de caso, são apresentados os sinais clínicos agudos e alterações histopatológicas em um gato doméstico do município de Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil, com dirofilariose. A espécie de nematóide, D. immitis, foi confirmada por análises morfológicas e moleculares. Este é o primeiro relato documentado e completo de dirofilariose felina no Nordeste do Brasil.(AU)

A Case-Controlled Comparison of Behavioural Arousal Levels in Urine Spraying and Latrining Cats.

It is often suggested that both latrining and spraying in the home are associated with increased stress in cats. However, the scientific evidence for this is weak. We therefore examined faecal cortisol metabolite (FCM) levels in subjects using a case-control design. Eleven spraying and 12 problematic latrining cats (assessed as healthy after detailed medical examinations on an initial population of 18 spraying and 23 latrining cats) were assessed along with behaviourally normal and similarly healthy control subjects from the same multi-cat (n = 3-9) households. Individual faecal samples were collected by owners from both "case" and "control" cats after observing them defecate in all but one pair in each group. A total of five samples per cat (typically taken on a weekly basis) were collected and submitted to extraction procedures prior to FCM analysis via an 11-oxoaetiocholanolone enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Participant cats, both "cases" (nine "sprayers" and eight "latriners") and controls, were also individually video recorded (together with the owner) for 5 min in a dedicated room. FCM levels were significantly higher in individuals ("sprayers" and their controls) from spraying households than from the latrining households ("latriners" and their controls), but there was no significant difference between cats from the same household. Within a video observation test, cats from spraying houses spent proportionally more time moving (as opposed to stationary), but again there was no difference between cats from the same house. These results indicate that households in which a cat exhibits urine spraying, are generally more aroused, but "sprayers" are not more aroused than their housemates. Accordingly, we suggest appropriate management needs to be applied to the whole household to help alleviate the potential stress of all the cats in the home, and not just the one expressing this through urinary spraying behaviour.

Comparison of carpet and toothbrush techniques for the detection of Microsporum canis in cats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic concordance between the toothbrush and carpet techniques for the detection of Microsporum canis in cats in a field study. METHODS: Thirty-nine Persian cats from a cattery were used. Fungal culture samples from the haircoat of each cat were collected by stroking the coat with a sterile toothbrush and a 5 × 5 cm-sized sterile carpet square (n = 78 total samples). Specimens were inoculated onto Mycosel Agar and incubated at 25°C for 21 days. Both techniques were compared using the following parameters: number of plates without fungal growth, number of plates with contaminant growth and number of plates positive for dermatophytes. RESULTS: The feline population in the study cattery was 39. Thirty (77%) were symptomatic and nine (23%) asymptomatic. The diagnosis was made via carpet and toothbrush methods and 78 cultures were performed. On day 21, M canis was detected in all culture plates. No contaminant molds were observed. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The concordance rate between the carpet and toothbrush techniques among the 78 evaluable culture plates was 100%. Both methods are equally effective for collecting material for Mcanis culture. Additionally, both techniques are inexpensive and easy to perform in feline clinical practice.

Feline behaviour problems in Brazil: a review of 155 referral cases.

BACKGROUND: Geographical variations in feline behaviour problems exist. The occurrence of feline behaviour problems in different regions are therefore important to prepare professionals for the emerging needs of cat owners. METHODS: One-hundred and fifty-five feline behaviour cases that were referred to a veterinary behaviourist in São Paulo (Brazil) during the period 2008-2014 are described. RESULTS: Inter-cat aggression was the main behavioural complaint reported (31%), followed by housesoiling (26.4%). Unlike other international studies, inter-cat aggression was more frequently seen than inappropriate elimination. Oral repetitive behaviours, including problems such as psychogenic alopecia and pica, were also a prevalent problem (ie, 16.8% of the cases). Human-directed aggression accounted for 13.5% of the cases, taking fourth place in the list of the most common feline behavioural problems. Female and male cats were equally likely to be presented (51% and 49% of cases, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights potentially geographical or temporal variation in the behavioural problems that need to be recognised by veterinary behaviourists in order to meet the emerging needs of owners.

Canine behaviour problems in Brazil: a review of 180 referral cases.

BACKGROUND: Behavioural case loads may vary due to cultural differences, and so it is important to know how these differ with geography. METHODS: One hundred and eighty dog cases referred to a veterinary behaviourist in São Paulo (Brazil) during the period of 2008-2014 are described. RESULTS: Aggression against people was the most common behavioural complaint (22.2 per cent of the cases), followed by apparent fears and phobias (13.3 per cent). Forms of aggression against other dogs (12.2 per cent) and repetitive behaviours (11.1 per cent) were third and fourth most frequent, respectively. Female and male patients were equally reported (47.6 and 52.4 per cent, respectively). These results differ slightly from the findings of other international studies, in which aggression was the main behavioural complaint with fears and phobias less common. CONCLUSION: Regional demographic reviews of the case loads of veterinary behaviour specialists help the profession recognise the problems of most concern to pet owners in a given area and thus local priorities, as well as opening up the potential to generate new hypotheses relating to the reasons for regional differences.

A closer look at the health of cats showing urinary house-soiling (periuria): a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to perform a case-control medical evaluation of cats from multi-cat households presenting with inappropriate latrining and spraying behavior. METHODS: Owners of 18 'spraying' and 23 'latrining' cats with normal control subjects available from the same households were recruited for a case-control study. Otherwise overtly healthy dyads (each dyad consisting of a case cat and a control cat) were brought together to the veterinary hospital of the University of São Paulo for a medical work-up (ie, physical examination, complete blood count, biochemical profile, urinalysis and urine culture, abdominal ultrasound of the urinary system and in females, where possible, cystoscopy). RESULTS: Medical problems were identified with similar frequency in the 'sprayers' (38.9%), 'latriners' (39.1%) and controls of the latrining group (26.1%), but not the controls of the spraying group (5.5%). The difference between 'cases' and 'controls' from spraying households was significant. Common potential health-related changes include renal insufficiency, cystitis and bladder lithiasis. Renal calculi, higher creatinine levels (within normal reference interval) and 'glomerulations' (detected during cystoscopy) were also found in the remaining sprayers and latriners that were considered clinically healthy. Post-cystoscopy, a new form of periuria occurred in two cats (one sprayer and one latriner). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: These results indicate that spraying or latrining behavior in the home, as well as living with a cat that is not using the litter box as a latrine, are all associated with a higher level of urinary tract abnormalities; living with a cat that is spraying, however, does not have this association. The findings also suggest that both forms of periuria might be associated with interstitial cystitis. We therefore conclude that all cats with periuria need to be carefully evaluated medically and that treatment of latrine-related problems should consider all cats in the house, whereas spraying may be more focused on the individual displaying the problem.

Report of the first clinical case of intestinal trichomoniasis caused by Tritrichomonas foetus in a cat with chronic diarrhoea in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Tritrichomonas foetus is an emergent and important enteric pathogen of cats, which causes prolonged diarrhoea in cats. CASE PRESENTATION: This study describes a T. foetus infection in a seven-month-old, entire male domestic shorthair kitten with a six-month history of persistent large intestinal diarrhoea, faecal incontinence, prostration, apathy and weight loss. Parasites were microscopically observed and confirmed by PCR and DNA sequencing. Molecular analyses were carried out comparing the sequence obtained in this study with T. foetus and T. suis. Retrieved from GenBank. After treatment with ronidazole, the cat showed resolution of clinical signs. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first clinical case of T. foetus infection in a chronic diarrheic cat in Brazil and South America, confirming the presence of this pathogen in this part of the world and highlighting the importance of this protozoa being considered in the differential diagnosis of cats presenting diarrhoea of the large intestine. Our case report enriches our knowledge on the geographical distribution of T. foetus in cats in Brazil and provides further understanding of the clinical significance of feline intestinal trichomoniasis in this country.

Caracterização clínica e terapêutica de lesões mamárias não neoplásicas em fêmeas da espécie felina / Clinical and therapeutic characterization of nonneoplastic mammary lesions in feline species females

A hiperplasia fibroepitelial e a displasia cística são proliferações não neoplásicas da glândulamamária felina. Embora sejam benignas, possuem o carcinoma como principal diagnóstico diferencial.Objetivou-se estabelecer o perfil clínico-epidemiológico e terapêutico das neoformações mamárias nãoneoplásicas de gatas domésticas, no sentido de auxiliar aos clínicos veterinários no manejo destas mastopatias. Aobtenção das informações, de forma retrospectiva, ocorreu por meio de fichas do Hospital Veterinário daUniversidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido. Foi colhida informação da anamnese, aspecto clínico das lesões,diagnóstico microscópico, terapia utilizada e resposta clínica. Os dados foram distribuídos em frequências.Verificou-se que a maioria das alterações (91%) correspondia à hiperplasia fibroepitelial, em contraste comapenas um (9%) caso de displasia cística. A citologia confirmou todas as situações de hiperplasia fibroepitelial,enquanto o diagnóstico definitivo da displasia cística foi obtido somente pela histopatologia. Grande parte dasgatas estudadas possuía idade inferior a um ano, sendo usualmente não ovariectomizada e já submetida à terapiacom progestágenos. O sinal clínico mais comum foi à cianose local. Em 90% das fêmeas com hiperplasiafibroepitelial mamária, o tratamento primário equivaleu à administração de fármaco antiprogestágeno(aglepristone). Após a regressão do tecido mamário, as pacientes foram submetidas àovariossalpingohisterectomia. Para a displasia cística, estabeleceu-se a associação da esterilização cirúrgica coma mastectomia. Para todas as situações, as distintas terapias promoveram a remissão definitiva das mastopatias.Os dados obtidos tornam-se fundamentais para a abordagem clínica e terapêutica das pacientes felinasacometidas por neoformações não neoplásicas da glândula mamária

The fibroepithelial hyperplasia and cystic dysplasia correspond to feline mammary glandnonneoplastic proliferations. Although benign, they have the carcinoma as the main differential diagnosis. Thestudy aimed to establish the clinical-epidemiological and therapeutic profile of nonneoplastic mammaryneoformations of domestic cats, in order to help veterinary clinicians in the management of feline mastopathies.Information was obtained retrospectively from the Veterinary Hospital of the Semi-Arid Rural FederalUniversity clinical records. Historical information, clinical appearance of the lesions and microscopic diagnosiswere collected, besides the therapy used and the respective clinical response. The data were distributed infrequencies. It was found that most disorders (91%) corresponded to fibroepithelial hyperplasia, in contrast withone (9%) case of cystic dysplasia. Cytology was enough to confirm all cases of fibroepithelial hyperplasia, whilethe cystic dysplasia definitive diagnosis was obtained only by the histopathological exam. Many of the catsstudied were under one year old, having not usually been ovariectomized yet, but already subjected to progestintreatment. The most common clinical sign were local cyanosis. In 90% of the female patients with breastfibroepithelial hyperplasia, primary treatment consisted of antiprogestagen drug (aglepristone) administration.After complete regression of the breast tissue, the patients underwent ovariosalpingohysterectomy. For the cysticdysplasia case, it was established the association of surgical sterilization with mastectomy. For all situations, thedifferent therapies promoted permanent remission of the mastopathies. The data obtained become crucial forclinical management and therapy of feline patients suffering from nonneoplastic mammary gland neoformations

Histopathological features of mammary gland tumors in native domestic female cats from the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Background: There is in Brazil little information about histopathological features of feline mammary neoplasms. Especially in some Brazilian Northeastern locations such as Rio Grande do Norte (RN), there is complete absence of data regarding feline mammary neoplasm microscopy. Accordingly, this study aimed to describe the histopathology of mammary gland tumors in native domestic cats from the state of RN, Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: Records of 26 feline females, carriers of mammary neoplasms, were analyzed. Files from Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural University of Semi-Arid (located in the city of Mossoró, RN, Brazil) were used, comprehending the period from December 2004 to August 2009. The information collected was related to mammary tumor microscopic findings, obtained from classical histopathology reports. The lesions were distributed according to their biological behavior. Histological classification and morphological differentiation degree were also considered. Data related to neoplastic infiltration in adjacent tumoral regions were obtained as well. Descriptive statistic data were performed and submitted in percentage form. It was observed that most tumors (92%) exhibited malignant biological behavior. All of those were classified as carcinomas and, among the ones presenting benign behavior, intraductal papilloma was diagnosed. As referred to malignancies, the most common histological type corresponded to papillary carcinoma (42%). For morphological differentiation degree of mammary carcinomas, grade II presented the highest percentage (54%). Local tumor infiltration occurred mainly to the skin (75%).Discussion: It has been reported that, among the palpable mammary masses in cats, 82% corresponded to malignancies and 10% were benign neoplasms.[...]

Caracterização clínica e terapêutica de lesões mamárias não neoplásicas em fêmeas da espécie felina / Clinical and therapeutic characterization of nonneoplastic mammary lesions in feline species females

A hiperplasia fibroepitelial e a displasia cística são proliferações não neoplásicas da glândulamamária felina. Embora sejam benignas, possuem o carcinoma como principal diagnóstico diferencial.Objetivou-se estabelecer o perfil clínico-epidemiológico e terapêutico das neoformações mamárias nãoneoplásicas de gatas domésticas, no sentido de auxiliar aos clínicos veterinários no manejo destas mastopatias. Aobtenção das informações, de forma retrospectiva, ocorreu por meio de fichas do Hospital Veterinário daUniversidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido. Foi colhida informação da anamnese, aspecto clínico das lesões,diagnóstico microscópico, terapia utilizada e resposta clínica. Os dados foram distribuídos em frequências.Verificou-se que a maioria das alterações (91%) correspondia à hiperplasia fibroepitelial, em contraste comapenas um (9%) caso de displasia cística. A citologia confirmou todas as situações de hiperplasia fibroepitelial,enquanto o diagnóstico definitivo da displasia cística foi obtido somente pela histopatologia. Grande parte dasgatas estudadas possuía idade inferior a um ano, sendo usualmente não ovariectomizada e já submetida à terapiacom progestágenos. O sinal clínico mais comum foi à cianose local. Em 90% das fêmeas com hiperplasiafibroepitelial mamária, o tratamento primário equivaleu à administração de fármaco antiprogestágeno(aglepristone). Após a regressão do tecido mamário, as pacientes foram submetidas àovariossalpingohisterectomia. Para a displasia cística, estabeleceu-se a associação da esterilização cirúrgica coma mastectomia. Para todas as situações, as distintas terapias promoveram a remissão definitiva das mastopatias.Os dados obtidos tornam-se fundamentais para a abordagem clínica e terapêutica das pacientes felinasacometidas por neoformações não neoplásicas da glândula mamária(AU)

The fibroepithelial hyperplasia and cystic dysplasia correspond to feline mammary glandnonneoplastic proliferations. Although benign, they have the carcinoma as the main differential diagnosis. Thestudy aimed to establish the clinical-epidemiological and therapeutic profile of nonneoplastic mammaryneoformations of domestic cats, in order to help veterinary clinicians in the management of feline mastopathies.Information was obtained retrospectively from the Veterinary Hospital of the Semi-Arid Rural FederalUniversity clinical records. Historical information, clinical appearance of the lesions and microscopic diagnosiswere collected, besides the therapy used and the respective clinical response. The data were distributed infrequencies. It was found that most disorders (91%) corresponded to fibroepithelial hyperplasia, in contrast withone (9%) case of cystic dysplasia. Cytology was enough to confirm all cases of fibroepithelial hyperplasia, whilethe cystic dysplasia definitive diagnosis was obtained only by the histopathological exam. Many of the catsstudied were under one year old, having not usually been ovariectomized yet, but already subjected to progestintreatment. The most common clinical sign were local cyanosis. In 90% of the female patients with breastfibroepithelial hyperplasia, primary treatment consisted of antiprogestagen drug (aglepristone) administration.After complete regression of the breast tissue, the patients underwent ovariosalpingohysterectomy. For the cysticdysplasia case, it was established the association of surgical sterilization with mastectomy. For all situations, thedifferent therapies promoted permanent remission of the mastopathies. The data obtained become crucial forclinical management and therapy of feline patients suffering from nonneoplastic mammary gland neoformations(AU)