Characterizing the blood microbiota in healthy and febrile domestic cats via 16s rRNA sequencing.

This study aimed to evaluate the blood bacterial microbiota in healthy and febrile cats. High-quality sequencing reads from the 16S rRNA gene variable region V3-V4 were obtained from genomic blood DNA belonging to 145 healthy cats, and 140 febrile cats. Comparisons between the blood microbiota of healthy and febrile cats revealed dominant presence of Actinobacteria, followed by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, and a lower relative abundance of Bacteroidetes. Upon lower taxonomic levels, the bacterial composition was significantly different between healthy and febrile cats. The families Faecalibacterium and Kineothrix (Firmicutes), and Phyllobacterium (Proteobacteria) experienced increased abundance in febrile samples. Whereas Thioprofundum (Proteobacteria) demonstrated a significant decrease in abundance in febrile. The bacterial composition and beta diversity within febrile cats was different according to the affected body system (Oral/GI, systemic, skin, and respiratory) at both family and genus levels. Sex and age were not significant factors affecting the blood microbiota of febrile cats nor healthy ones. Age was different between young adult and mature adult healthy cats. Alpha diversity was unaffected by any factors. Overall, the findings suggest that age, health status and nature of disease are significant factors affecting blood microbiota diversity and composition in cats, but sex is not.

A case of mistaken identity: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and reinvestigation of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. infection in Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea).

BACKGROUND: Feline-associated hemotropic Mycoplasma (hemoplasmas) are believed to be transmitted by two primary mechanisms: (1) direct transmission via fighting and (2) vector-borne transmission by the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis). While the efficiency of transmission by C. felis appears low, most manuscripts focus on the prevalence of hemoplasmas in wild-caught fleas and report either a very low (< 3%) or a high (> 26%) prevalence. Therefore, we aimed to assess the influence of sample processing and PCR methods on C. felis hemoplasma infection prevalence. METHODS: A systemic review of PubMed articles identified 13 manuscripts (1,531 fleas/flea pools) that met the inclusion criteria (performed PCR for >1 hemoplasma on C. felis collected from cats). Risk of bias was assessed utilizing the ROBINS-E tool. Meta-analysis performed in R of these manuscripts found that not washing samples and a common set of 16S rRNA primers first published in Jensen et al. 2001 were associated with increased hemoplasma prevalence. To evaluate the influence of washing on newly collected fleas, we assessed the hemoplasma status of 20 pools of 5 C. felis each, half of which were washed and half not washed. RESULTS: Flea washing did not influence the detection of hemoplasma but instead amplified Spiroplasma. To assess non-specific amplification with the Jensen et al. 2001 primers, 67 C. felis samples (34% previously reported hemoplasma infected) were subject to PCR and sequencing. By this method, hemoplasma was detected in only 3% of samples. In the remaining "hemoplasma infected" fleas, PCR amplified Spiroplasma or other bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, we concluded that hemoplasma infection in C. felis is rare, and future flea prevalence studies should sequence all positive amplicons to validate PCR specificity. Further investigation of alternative methods of feline-associated hemoplasma transmission and the ability of C. felis to maintain hemoplasma infection is necessary.

Life tables of annual life expectancy and risk factors for mortality in cats in the UK.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the present study were to generate the first life tables for the UK companion cat population overall as well as broken down by sex and breed status, and to quantify associations between mortality and traits such as sex, neuter status, breed status and body weight in relation to mortality. METHODS: Life table construction and modelling included data on 7936 confirmed deaths in cats under primary veterinary care at clinics participating in the VetCompass Programme in 2019. The life tables were built for cats overall, female and male cats, and crossbred and purebred cats. Multivariable generalised linear regression models were generated to explore the risk factors for a shortened lifespan. RESULTS: Life expectancy at age 0 for UK companion cats overall was 11.74 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.61-11.87). The probability of death at each year interval increased with age from year interval 3-4, with the probability value not exceeding 0.05 before year 9. Female cats (12.51 years; 95% CI 12.32-12.69) had a 1.33-year longer life expectancy than male cats (11.18 years; 95% CI 11.01-11.38) at age 0. Among the 12 breeds (including crossbred) analysed, Burmese and Birman had the longest life expectancy at year 0, showing 14.42 years (95% CI 12.91-15.93) and 14.39 years (95% CI 12.87-15.91), respectively. Sphynx had the shortest life expectancy at year 0 among the analysed breeds at 6.68 years (95% CI 4.53-8.83). Being entire, purebred and with a non-ideal body weight were significantly linked to a decreased lifespan. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The life tables presented here for companion cats in the UK overall, by sex, and by crossbred and purebred cats can contribute to a better understanding of the life trajectory of cats, helping with evidence-based decision-making for cat owners and the veterinary profession. We have also provided an updated life expectancy at age 0 for various cat breeds for 2019 and showed evidence of the association between non-ideal weight and a decreased lifespan.

Tinea corporis intrafamilial infection in pets due to Microsporum canis.

Microsporum canis, one of the most widespread dermatophytes worldwide, is a zoonotic microorganism that transmits infection from reservoirs such as cats and dogs to humans. This microorganism is associated with Tinea corporis and other clinical manifestations; however, few studies have used genetic surveillance to determine and characterize the process of zoonotic transmission. In this study, we show a clear example of zoonotic transmission from a cat to an intrafamilial environment, where it caused Tinea corporis by infection with M. canis. Molecular characterization using the b-tubulin gene and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA analysis made it possible to determine that the six isolates of M. canis obtained in this study belonged to the same genetic variant or clone responsible for reservoir-reservoir or reservoir-human transmission.

In Vitro Modeling of Feline Morbillivirus Infections Using Primary Feline Kidney Cells.

Domestic cats are the natural host of feline morbilliviruses (FeMV). Although other species can also be infected (such as dogs and opossums), no laboratory animal infection model is established so far. In vitro models for studying the molecular pathogenesis are therefore needed. For this purpose, propagation and titration of FeMV are key techniques. Unlike other morbilliviruses, such as canine distemper virus (CDV) or measles virus (MV), FeMV is a slow growing virus in cell culture and is difficult to titrate using classical plaque techniques. Here we describe methods for the efficient isolation of FeMV from natural sources (e.g., urine), the propagation of viral stocks, and their titration. In addition, we establish the generation of a three-dimensional infection model mimicking the feline tubular epithelium.

Escherichia coli isolated from pyometra and cystitis in the same animal exhibit a wide phenotypic similarity.

AIMS: Pyometra and cystitis caused by Escherichia coli are common diseases identified in canine or feline females. The origin of pyometra infection remains uncertain, and effective prevention strategies for this disease are still unknown. This study aimed to provide a phenotypic characterization, including antimicrobial resistance and virulence profiles, of endometrial pathogenic (EnPEC) and uropathogenic (UPEC) E. coli strains isolated simultaneously from the same animal. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixteen E. coli strains, from eight different animals, were analyzed in this study. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile of EnPEC and UPEC strains was determined using the disc diffusion method, which showed a similar susceptibility profile among strains (EnPEC and UPEC) from the same animal. The virulence profile of the strains was assessed through biofilm formation, as well as serum resistance abilities. EnPEC and UPEC strains from the same animal exhibited slight variations in their virulence and antimicrobial resistance capabilities. Overall, most of the strain pairs showed a high similarity in their ability to establish biofilms and survive in serum complement activity. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, strains of E. coli isolated from both pyometra and cystitis in the same animal, despite presenting distinct clinical diseases, exhibit a wide phenotypic similarity, suggesting a common origin for the strains.

Successful phage-antibiotic therapy of P. aeruginosa implant-associated infection in a Siamese cat.

Antibiotic-resistant pathogens are a growing global issue, leading to untreatable infectious diseases in both humans and animals. Personalized bacteriophage (phage) therapy, the use of specific anti-bacterial viruses, is currently a leading approach to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. The implementation of phage therapy has primarily been focused on humans, almost neglecting the impact of such infections on the health and welfare of companion animals. Pets also have the potential to spread resistant infections to their owners or the veterinary staff through zoonotic transmission. Here, we showcase personalized phage-antibiotic treatment of a cat with a multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa implant-associated infection post-arthrodesis surgery. The treatment encompassed a tailored combination of an anti-P. aeruginosa phage and ceftazidime, precisely matched to the pathogen. The phage was topically applied to the surgical wound while the antibiotic was administered intramuscularly. After two treatment courses spanning 7 and 3 weeks, the surgical wound, which had previously remained open for five months, fully closed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of personalized phage therapy application in felines, which provides further evidence of the effectiveness of this approach. The successful outcome paves the way for personalized phage-antibiotic treatments against persistent infections therapy in veterinary practice.

Use of orally administered dexmedetomidine to induce emesis in cats.

CASE SERIES SUMMARY: This case series describes the use of orally administered dexmedetomidine at a dose of 20 µg/kg to induce emesis in six cats. Emesis was successfully induced in 5/6 cats, with each of the cats vomiting once. The reasons for inducing vomiting included known or suspected ingestion of lilies, onions, acetaminophen (paracetamol) or acetylsalicylic acid. Four of the five cats in which emesis induction was successful did not develop any clinical signs of toxicity associated with the toxin ingested; the fifth cat developed clinicopathological changes consistent with acetaminophen toxicity. All six cats exhibited moderate to profound sedation, as expected, but no other adverse effects were documented. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: Induction of emesis in cats is notoriously difficult. This case series describes a novel route of administration of dexmedetomidine, a commonly available medication, with a high success rate observed for inducing emesis in this group of cats.

Cats are notoriously more difficult to elicit vomiting in than dogs. This case series describes the use of a novel way of giving cats a commonly available veterinary medication to cause vomiting. The medication, dexmedetomidine, was given by mouth to six cats, of which five vomited. All six cats had eaten toxins: lilies, acetaminophen (paracetamol), aspirin or onions. Four of the five cats that vomited did not develop any signs of toxicity. All six cats that received the medication became sedated, but no other side effects were noted.

Neuropathic pain in cats: Mechanisms and multimodal management.

PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: Chronic pain is a significant welfare concern in cats, and neuropathic pain, which arises from aberrant processing of sensory signals within the nervous system, is a subcategory of this type of pain. To comprehend this condition and how multimodal pharmacotherapy plays a central role in alleviating discomfort, it is crucial to delve into the anatomy of nociception and pain perception. In addition, there is an intricate interplay between emotional health and chronic pain in cats, and understanding and addressing the emotional factors that contribute to pain perception, and vice versa, is essential for comprehensive care.Clinical approach:Neuropathic pain is suspected if there is abnormal sensation in the area of the distribution of pain, together with a positive response to trial treatment with drugs effective for neuropathic pain. Ideally, this clinical suspicion would be supported by confirmation of a lesion at this neurolocalisation using diagnostic modalities such as MRI and neuroelectrophysiology. Alternatively, there may be a history of known trauma at that site. A variety of therapies, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory and adjuvant drugs, and neuromodulation (eg, TENS or acupuncture), can be employed to address different facets of pain pathways.Aim:This review article, aimed at primary care/ general practitioners, focuses on the identification and management of neuropathic pain in cats. Three case vignettes are included and a structured treatment algorithm is presented to guide veterinarians in tailoring interventions.Evidence base:The review draws on current literature, where available, along with the author's extensive experience and research.

Responsible ownership and health education can reduce the time of sporotrichosis treatment in domestic cats.

Sporotrichosis is a widespread fungal infection that affects skin and subcutaneous tissues in humans and animals. In cats, it is displayed as nodules, ulcers and lesions on the nasal and respiratory mucosa. Antifungal treatment of cats is crucial but many cases are difficult, thus resulting in discontinue of the treatment, with disastrous consequences for the animal, encouraging contamination of the environment, other animals and people. The effects of responsible ownership education and health education for owners of cats with feline sporotrichosis as well as the interval between veterinary consultations on treatment outcomes for three groups of owners and their pet cats were evaluated in this study. The responsible ownership education and health education strategies consisted in videos in easy and accessible language for people with any level of education and were presented during consultations for two of the three groups included. The time between appointments was two weeks for two of the groups, and four weeks for one of the groups. The median of treatment time for the group without educational activities was 138 days, while for the other two groups it was 77.5 days and 86 days. It was found a significative reduction in the treatment time in the groups exposed to Responsible ownership education videos. There was no contamination of those responsible for home treatment, and the interval between monthly appointments did not impact on cure or death rates compared to the interval between fortnightly appointments. All these results can be applied to feline sporotrichoses treatment protocols increasing the owners treatment adherence and reducing either, the treatment discontinuation and the treatment costs and helps to control zoonotic sporotrichosis. The importance of attractive and comprehensible educational strategies as part of the feline sporotrichosis treatment protocol for the promotion of one health was highlighted.

Use of a novel three-dimensional anatomical plating system for treatment of caudal mandibular fractures in cats: 13 cases (2019-2023).

CASE SERIES SUMMARY: A total of 13 cases of cats with a caudal mandibular fracture treated with a novel surgical technique using the Ramus Anatomical Plate system were reviewed. Preoperative, immediate postoperative and a minimum of 8 weeks postoperative CT images were required as inclusion criteria. The outcome and complications were determined from clinical data and radiographic follow-up examinations. All cases achieved adequate anatomical reduction, resulting in a functional and atraumatic occlusion postoperatively. No intraoperative complications were reported. Time to voluntary food intake was in the range of 1-25 days. No evidence of disruptions to the implants or screw loosening was observed in the 8-week postoperative CT imaging, with radiographic evidence of complete osseous union in all fractures. The most common postoperative complication was swelling at the surgical site. Two cats had postoperative exophthalmos due to retrobulbar haemorrhage, and one cat exhibited partial wound dehiscence 5 days postoperatively, which resolved with medical management. Longer-term complications included intraoral plate exposure in one cat, which required plate removal 10 months postoperatively. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: In this case series, rigid internal fixation of caudal mandibular fractures using the Ramus Anatomical Plate osteosynthesis system was associated with a minimal complication rate, and satisfactory radiographic and clinical outcomes. The reported outcomes of this novel technique are favourable when compared with previous techniques described for the management of these fracture types.

Xanthinuria in a familial group of Munchkin cats and an unrelated domestic shorthair cat.

CASE SERIES SUMMARY: Four confirmed cases of xanthinuria in cats, and one suspected case based on pedigree analysis, were identified. Clinical presentations varied and included haematuria, pollakiuria, dysuria, and urethral and ureteral obstruction. All cats had upper urinary tract uroliths. Diagnosis was obtained through infrared mass spectrometry of uroliths or urine. Clinical signs commenced at 3-8 months of age and reduced in all cats in the medium to long term after the introduction of a protein-restricted diet. Four cats were castrated males and one was a spayed female. Cases consisted of four Munchkin pedigree cats and one unrelated domestic shorthair cat. All four affected Munchkin pedigree cats were related, with three cases full siblings and the fourth case a half-sibling. No connection to the Munchkin pedigree could be established for the domestic shorthair cat. A candidate causative genetic variant (XDH p.A681V) proposed for this cat was excluded in the Munchkin family. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: All affected cats presented diagnostic challenges and routine urinalysis was insufficient to obtain a diagnosis. Cases of feline xanthinuria may be underdiagnosed due to situations where uroliths cannot be retrieved for analysis and there is an inability to make a diagnosis using crystal morphology alone on routine urinalysis. Metabolic screening of urine may provide an effective mechanism to confirm xanthinuria in suspected cases where uroliths are inaccessible or absent. In this case series, male cats were more common. Their anatomy may increase the risk of lower urinary tract signs and urethral obstruction developing secondary to xanthine urolithiasis. A protein-restricted diet appears to reduce clinical signs as part of long-term management. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Four closely related Munchkin cats and one domestic shorthair cat were found with a suspected genetic disease causing high levels of xanthine in their urine. The case series looks at similarities and differences in their clinical signs, as well as difficulties experienced in obtaining a correct diagnosis. All cats had upper urinary tract stones and required metabolic testing of the stones or urine to diagnose. All cats were young when their clinical signs started and were on a high-protein diet. Four cats were desexed males and one was a desexed female. A genetic variant that may have caused the disease in the domestic shorthair cat was ruled out in the Munchkin family. Cases of high xanthine levels in feline urine may be underdiagnosed as the stones may not be accessed for testing. In this case series, male cats were more common. Their anatomy may increase the risk of lower urinary tract signs. A protein-restricted diet appears to reduce clinical signs as part of long-term management.

Spatial and temporal clustering of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Illinois household cats, 2021-2023.

This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence and spatial and temporal clustering of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in household cats within 63 counties in Illinois from October 2021 to May 2023. The analysis followed a stepwise approach. First, in a choropleth point map, we illustrated the distribution of county-level seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Next, spatial interpolation was used to predict the seroprevalence in counties without recorded data. Global and local clustering methods were used to identify the extent of clustering and the counties with high or low seroprevalence, respectively. Next, temporal, spatial, and space-time scan statistic was used to identify periods and counties with higher-than-expected seroprevalence. In the last step, to identify more distinct areas in counties with high seroprevalence, city-level analysis was conducted to identify temporal and space-time clusters. Among 1,715 samples tested by serological assays, 244 samples (14%) tested positive. Young cats had higher seropositivity than older cats, and the third quarter of the year had the highest odds of seropositivity. Three county-level space-time clusters with higher-than-expected seroprevalence were identified in the northeastern, central-east, and southwest regions of Illinois, occurring between June and October 2022. In the city-level analysis, 2 space-time clusters were identified in Chicago's downtown and the southwestern suburbs of Chicago between June and September 2022. Our results suggest that the high density of humans and cats in large cities such as Chicago, might play a role in the transmission and clustering of SARS-CoV-2. Our study provides an in-depth analysis of SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology in Illinois household cats, which will aid in COVID-19 control and prevention.

[Diagnosis and treatment of feline persistent ductus arteriosus: a retrospective evaluation of 17 cats]. / Diagnose und Therapie eines persistierenden Ductus arteriosus: Eine retrospektive Evaluation bei 17 Katzen.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the signalement, clinical features, and echocardiographic findings of cats diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) as well as short- and medium-term outcome after successful ligation of the PDA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a 10-year period 17 cats were diagnosed with PDA by transthoracic echocardiography. Thirteen cats were surgically treated by thoracotomy and ligation of the PDA. RESULTS: In all cats, a heart murmur was detected. In 88.2% of the cases, this presented as grade 4 out of 6 murmur (15/17 cats). A continuous murmur was more common (10/17 cats; 58.9%) than a systolic murmur (7/17 cats; 41.1%). Echocardiography showed that left ventricular internal diameter end diastole (LVIDd) and left ventricular internal diameter end systole (LVIDs) were significantly above reference values in the majority of cats. Mean diameter of the PDA measured at the widest point of the vessel was 3.4 mm (± 1.08 mm) and mean maximum flow velocity amounted to 5,06 m/sec (2,6m/sec-6,4m/sec). Surgery was successfully performed in all cats treated by surgical ligation and all of these patients were discharged after postoperative inpatient therapy. One cat experienced perioperative bleeding from the PDA, which was stopped efficaciously. This cat exhibited a residual shunt directly postoperatively; this could no longer be visualized in a re-check echocardiography 3 months later. Six cats were followed over a longer period of time. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical prognosis in this case study is very good with a postoperative survival rate of 100%. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgical treatment of PDA is curative in animals not displaying advanced cardiac lesions. The auscultation of a heart murmur can provide initial findings indicative of PDA. Therefore, cardiac auscultation is warranted at every first presentation of a kitten. It must however be taken into consideration that not every cat with PDA necessarily has a continuous murmur but may display a systolic heart murmur. Therefore, it is important give utmost attention to the patients' clinical signs.

[Esophageal stenosis as a result of a right aortic arch in 2 cats]. / Ösophagusstenose infolge eines persistierenden rechten Aortenbogens bei 2 Katzen.

A 3-month-old and a 4-year-old cat were presented in the clinic due to regurgitation. The kitten had displayed the symptoms since it had been fed solid foods and was smaller than the litter mates. The 4-year-old cat showed sudden-onset symptoms for 5 days prior to presentation and had a good general condition. Positive contrast thoracic radiographs of both cats in lateral recumbency showed an esophageal dilatation cranial to the heart base and raised a suspicion of foreign material with soft tissue density in this area. In the 4-year-old cat, findings of ventrodorsal thoracic radiographs were compatible with a dextroposition of the aorta and a slightly marked focal left curve of the trachea. The echocardiographic examination of the kitten pictured a right sided aorta, hence a vascular ring anomaly with a dextroposition from the aorta was suspected. Aberrant blood flow as it is seen in a persistent ductus arteriosus was not apparent in the echocardiography. As a result of the sudden development of the clinical signs in the older cat without displaying any former history of regurgitation, an esophagoscopy was performed to exclude an intraluminal esophageal cause for the stricture as well as to extract the foreign material. In this cat, computed tomography imaging also displayed an aberrant left subclavian artery. Both cats recovered well after surgical correction.The diagnosis of a ring anomaly in the kitten via echocardiography is a rare situation. As is the diagnosis of a high-grade esophageal stricture due to a vascular ring anomaly at the age of 4 without a former history of regurgitation.Recovery was excellent in the younger cat. There were no signs of regurgitation 6 months after surgery. The adult cat was in good general condition without clinical symptoms according to the owners when presented for stitch removal. Unfortunately, the adult cat was lost to follow up.

Emergence of NDM-producing Enterobacterales infections in companion animals from Argentina.

Antimicrobial resistance is considered one of the most critical threat for both human and animal health. Recently, reports of infection or colonization by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales in companion animals had been described. This study report the first molecular characterization of NDM-producing Enterobacterales causing infections in companion animals from Argentina. Nineteen out of 3662 Enterobacterales isolates analyzed between October 2021 and July 2022 were resistant to carbapenemes by VITEK2C and disk diffusion method, and suspected to be carbapenemase-producers. Ten isolates were recovered from canine and nine from feline animals. Isolates were identified as K. pneumoniae (n = 9), E. coli (n = 6) and E. cloacae complex (n = 4), and all of them presented positive synergy among EDTA and carbapenems disks, mCIM/eCIM indicative of metallo-carbapenemase production and were also positive by PCR for blaNDM gene. NDM variants were determined by Sanger sequencing method. All 19 isolates were resistant to ß-lactams and aminoglycosides but remained susceptible to colistin (100%), tigecycline (95%), fosfomycin (84%), nitrofurantoin (63%), minocycline (58%), chloramphenicol (42%), doxycycline (21%), enrofloxacin (5%), ciprofloxacin (5%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (5%). Almost all isolates (17/19) co-harbored blaCTX-M plus blaCMY, one harbored blaCTX-M alone and the remaining blaCMY. E. coli and E. cloacae complex isolates harbored blaCTX-M-1/15 or blaCTX-M-2 groups, while all K. pneumoniae harbored only blaCTX-M-1/15 genes. All E. coli and E. cloacae complex isolates harbored blaNDM-1, while in K. pneumoniae blaNDM-1 (n = 6), blaNDM-5 (n = 2), and blaNDM-1 plus blaNDM-5 (n = 1) were confirmed. MLST analysis revealed the following sequence types by species, K. pneumoniae: ST15 (n = 5), ST273 (n = 2), ST11, and ST29; E. coli: ST162 (n = 3), ST457, ST224, and ST1196; E. cloacae complex: ST171, ST286, ST544 and ST61. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of NDM-producing E. cloacae complex isolates recovered from cats. Even though different species and clones were observed, it is remarkable the finding of some major clones among K. pneumoniae and E. coli, as well as the circulation of NDM as the main carbapenemase. Surveillance in companion pets is needed to detect the spread of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales and to alert about the dissemination of these pathogens among pets and humans.

Cytauxzoonosis in Indiana, USA: a case series of cats infected with Cytauxzoon felis (2018-2022).

CASE SERIES SUMMARY: This case series describes six cases involving seven cats naturally infected with Cytauxzoon felis in Indiana, USA. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed and all available information on signalment, history, clinical and diagnostic findings, treatment, outcome and pathology was reported. Cats infected with C felis were domestic shorthairs, were aged between 2 and 9 years and all but one of the cats were male. The seven infected cats originated from five counties in southwestern Indiana. Six of seven cats were found to have acute cytauxzoonosis based on clinical signs, gross pathologic lesions, observation of C felis in tissues and/or detection of C felis DNA. One cat was identified as a subclinical survivor cat with no known clinical history of cytauxzoonosis. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: The reported cases are the first confirmed reports of acute and chronic cytauxzoonosis in cats from Indiana and document an expansion in the range of C felis. Veterinary practitioners in Indiana should consider infection with C felis as a differential diagnosis for cats that present with fever, inappetence, lethargy, depression, dehydration, dyspnea, hemolytic crisis, anorexia or icterus. Administration of approved acaricides to cats currently offers the best protection and control against C felis infection.

Recognizing uterine torsion as a differential diagnosis in pregnant cats with severe anemia to provide appropriate and timely care in the absence of a definitive presurgical diagnosis.

A pregnant female domestic longhair cat ~8 mo of age was referred to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) for a diagnostic evaluation of severe anemia (PCV: 10.8%) after a 2-day period of lethargy. A CBC, serum biochemistry profile, FeLV/FIV testing, and abdominal radiographs were completed and did not determine a cause for the anemia. Abdominal ultrasonography identified 1 viable and 6 nonviable and fetuses, anechoic fluid in the uterus, and a mild volume of peritoneal effusion. A whole-blood transfusion and C-section with ovariohysterectomy were performed even though a definitive presurgical diagnosis for the anemia had not yet been established. Exploratory surgery revealed a left uterine horn torsion with a necrotic base, severe congestion, and 7 nonviable fetuses. Following surgery, the queen made a full clinical recovery. Key clinical message: Uterine torsion can be easily overlooked as a cause of severe anemia due to the relative infrequency of this condition in cats and the low sensitivity of ultrasonography to provide a definitive presurgical diagnosis. Client communication must emphasize the need for a prompt surgical intervention to establish the diagnosis and to save the cat, despite poor rates of neonatal survival. Once the animal is stabilized after surgery, further diagnostic tests and procedures are indicated if the cause of anemia has not yet been identified.

Reconnaître la torsion utérine comme un diagnostic différentiel chez les chattes gestantes souffrant d'anémie sévère afin de fournir des soins appropriés et opportuns en l'absence d'un diagnostic pré-chirurgical définitif. Une chatte domestique à poils longs, âgée d'environ 8 mois, a été référée au Western College of Veterinary Medicine (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) pour une évaluation diagnostique d'anémie sévère (hématocrite : 10,8 %) après une période de léthargie de 2 jours. Une formule sanguine complète, un profil biochimique sérique, des tests FeLV/FIV et des radiographies abdominales ont été réalisés et n'ont pas permis de déterminer la cause de l'anémie. L'échographie abdominale a identifié 1 foetus viable et 6 non viables, du liquide anéchoïque dans l'utérus et un léger volume d'épanchement péritonéal. Une transfusion de sang total et une césarienne avec ovariohystérectomie ont été réalisées même si le diagnostic pré-chirurgical définitif de l'anémie n'avait pas encore été établi. La chirurgie exploratoire a révélé une torsion de la corne utérine gauche avec une base nécrotique, une congestion sévère et 7 foetus non viables. Après l'opération, la chatte s'est complètement rétablie cliniquement.Message clinique clé:La torsion utérine peut facilement être négligée comme cause d'anémie sévère en raison de la rareté relative de cette affection chez le chat et de la faible sensibilité de l'échographie pour fournir un diagnostic pré-chirurgical définitif. La communication avec le client doit souligner la nécessité d'une intervention chirurgicale rapide pour établir le diagnostic et sauver le chat, malgré de faibles taux de survie néonatale. Une fois l'animal stabilisé après la chirurgie, d'autres tests et procédures de diagnostic sont indiqués si la cause de l'anémie n'a pas encore été identifiée.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Combined cholecystotomy, retrograde hydropulsion, and choledochal stenting to treat extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction in 3 cats.

Extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction (EHBO) is uncommonly encountered in cats. Surgical treatment aims to decompress the biliary tract and insure bile duct patency. In veterinary medicine, cholecystotomy is not widely used in practice. The objective was to describe the use of cholecystotomy, retrograde hydropulsion of choleliths, and choledochal stenting to remove choleliths from the extrahepatic biliary tract back in the gallbladder. Three adult domestic shorthair cats were presented with anorexia, lethargy, and vomiting. Serum biochemistry revealed hyperbilirubinemia and increased hepatic enzymes. Abdominal ultrasonography showed evidence of EHBO requiring surgical intervention. Choleliths were localized in the proximal and middle portions of the common bile duct (CBD) in the first case, in the distal portion of the CBD and within the major duodenal papilla in the second case, and in the middle and distal portions of the CBD in the third case. Cholecystotomy was followed by retrograde hydropulsion of the choleliths into the gallbladder, after which choledochal stenting was performed. Complications were defined as major when requiring additional medical or surgical treatment, or minor when not. Three major complications were reported. In 2 cases, severe anemia requiring blood transfusion occurred 24 h postoperatively; in 1 case, EHBO recurrence was encountered 41 d postoperatively. All cats were discharged within 4 d following surgery. Two cats were still alive at 12 and 14 mo after surgery, respectively. In the last case, owners refused revision surgery and the cat was euthanized. Key clinical message: Cholecystotomy combined with retrograde hydropulsion of choleliths permitted removal of choleliths and decompression of the biliary tract in 3 cats. Major complications included severe anemia and EHBO recurrence.

Cholécystotomie combinée, hydropulsion rétrograde et pose de stent cholédocien pour traiter l'obstruction des voies biliaires extra-hépatiques chez 3 chats. Les obstructions biliaires extra-hépatiques (OBEH) sont peu fréquentes chez le chat. Le traitement chirurgical vise à lever l'obstruction et s'assurer de la perméabilité des voies biliaires. En médecine vétérinaire, la cholécystotomie est une technique peu pratiquée. L'objectif de ce rapport de cas était de décrire l'utilisation de la cholécystotomie, de l'hydropulsion rétrograde des cholélithes et d'une prothèse endoluminale cholédoquale (PEC) pour repousser les cholélithes présents dans les voies biliaires extrahépatiques dans la vésicule biliaire (VB).Trois chats européens adultes ont été présentés pour anorexie, léthargie et vomissements. La biochimie sérique a révélé une hyperbilirubinémie et une augmentation des enzymes hépatiques. L'échographie abdominale a mis en évidence une OBEH nécessitant une intervention chirurgicale. Les cholélithes étaient situés dans la portion proximale et moyenne du canal cholédoque pour le premier cas; dans la portion distale et la papille duodénale majeure dans le second cas; dans la portion moyenne et distale pour le troisième cas. Une cholécystotomie a été suivie d'une rétro-hydropulsion des cholélithes dans la VB, puis une PEC a été placée. Les complications ont été définies comme majeures lorsqu'elles nécessitaient un traitement médical ou chirurgical supplémentaire, ou mineures lorsqu'elles n'en nécessitaient pas.Trois complications majeures ont été rapportées : chez 2 cas, une anémie sévère a été observée 24 h après l'intervention, nécessitant une transfusion sanguine; chez un cas, une récidive d'obstruction biliaire a eu lieu à 41 jours postopératoire. Tous les patients sont sortis de l'hôpital dans les 4 jours suivant l'opération. Deux cas étaient encore en vie 12 et 14 mois après l'intervention. Pour le dernier cas, la seconde chirurgie a été refusée par les propriétaires et le chat a été euthanasié.Message clinique clé :La cholécystotomie combinée à l'hydropulsion rétrograde des cholélithes a permis le retrait de cholélithes obstructives (dont certaines distales) et la décompression du tractus biliaire chez 3 chats. Les complications majeures incluaient une anémie sévère et une récidive d'obstruction biliaire.(Traduit par les auteurs).