Further studies of neuroangiostrongyliasis (rat lungworm disease) in Australian dogs: 92 new cases (2010-2020) and results for a novel, highly sensitive qPCR assay.

The principal aim of this study was to optimize the diagnosis of canine neuroangiostrongyliasis (NA). In total, 92 cases were seen between 2010 and 2020. Dogs were aged from 7 weeks to 14 years (median 5 months), with 73/90 (81%) less than 6 months and 1.7 times as many males as females. The disease became more common over the study period. Most cases (86%) were seen between March and July. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was obtained from the cisterna magna in 77 dogs, the lumbar cistern in f5, and both sites in 3. Nucleated cell counts for 84 specimens ranged from 1 to 146 150 cells µL-1 (median 4500). Percentage eosinophils varied from 0 to 98% (median 83%). When both cisternal and lumbar CSF were collected, inflammation was more severe caudally. Seventy-three CSF specimens were subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing for antibodies against A. cantonensis; 61 (84%) tested positive, titres ranging from <100 to ⩾12 800 (median 1600). Sixty-one CSF specimens were subjected to real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) testing using a new protocol targeting a bioinformatically-informed repetitive genetic target; 53/61 samples (87%) tested positive, CT values ranging from 23.4 to 39.5 (median 30.0). For 57 dogs, it was possible to compare CSF ELISA serology and qPCR. ELISA and qPCR were both positive in 40 dogs, in 5 dogs the ELISA was positive while the qPCR was negative, in 9 dogs the qPCR was positive but the ELISA was negative, while in 3 dogs both the ELISA and qPCR were negative. NA is an emerging infectious disease of dogs in Sydney, Australia.

Partial resolution of chronic unilateral sinonasal obstructive disease in a cat using a temporary polyvinylchloride stent.

CASE SUMMARY: A 3-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat presented for further investigation of a swollen left eyelid and a hard, non-painful bony swelling over the left frontal sinus. Physical examination revealed no nasal discharge or airflow through the left nostril. A CT of the head revealed a left frontal sinus obstruction with expansile remodelling and osteolucency. Drainage of the frontal sinus obstruction was alleviated via placement of a temporary polyvinylchloride (PVC) stent that was left in place for 6 weeks. Purulent material removed from the frontal sinus returned a positive culture for Pseudomonas aeruginosa susceptible to marbofloxacin that was continued for 4 weeks, and for an additional 2 weeks after stent removal. A left-sided mucoid nasal discharge returned 3 months after removal of the stent. Repeat CT performed 20 months after surgery found the presence of a gas-filled frontal sinus and partial resolution in the amount of fluid within the mid and rostral nasal cavity. A repeat positive culture for P aeruginosa was also obtained. The exact cause of the chronic unilateral sinonasal obstruction remains unclear, but an underlying chronic rhinitis with secondary obstructive frontal sinusitis or sinus mucocoele with secondary nasal extension was suspected. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: Chronic rhinosinusitis in cats can be a challenging condition to treat and cure. This case illustrates the partial resolution of chronic unilateral sinonasal obstructive disease in a cat using a temporary PVC stent.

Oesophageal obstruction due to trichobezoars in two cats.

CASE SERIES SUMMARY: This case series describes two cats diagnosed with oesophageal obstruction due to trichobezoars. Both cases presented for acute dyspnoea, with thoracic radiographs revealing changes consistent with oesophageal foreign material causing ventral displacement of the trachea. Endoscopic removal was unsuccessful and both cases required surgical intervention. Case 1 died within 24 h of trichobezoar removal, likely from aspiration pneumonia. Case 2 developed laryngeal collapse 10 days after trichobezoar removal and required a permanent tracheostomy. Case 2 has been followed up for >1 year without any further complications. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: There is minimal published information on oesophageal trichobezoars in cats. These cases provide information on presentation, radiographic findings and complications associated with oesophageal trichobezoars. The intention of this case series is to increase the index of suspicion for this syndrome among clinicians treating feline patients.

Frontoethmoidal encephalocele in a cat.

CASE SUMMARY: An 11-month-old female neutered domestic shorthair cat presented for further investigation of a 1 month history of generalised tonic-clonic seizures. Physical examination revealed microphthalmia of the left eye and right-sided hemiparesis. MRI of the brain and cranial neck was performed using a 1.5-Tesla system. MRI revealed a left frontoethmoidal encephalocele and microphthalmia of the left eye. Conservative treatment with antiepileptic medication was elected. The cat was managed on phenobarbitone and levetiracetam. Seizures have remained well controlled 12 months post-diagnosis. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: This is the first known case report of a frontoethmoidal encephalocele in a cat. This case was presented to increase clinical awareness of this congenital malformation and as a differential diagnosis for any young cat that presents with seizures.

Exercise-induced hyperthermia syndrome (canine stress syndrome) in four related male English springer spaniels.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study describes the signalment, clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and mode of inheritance in four young male English springer spaniel dogs with presumptive canine stress syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Appropriate cases were located through medical searches of medical records of two large private referral centers. Inclusion criteria comprised of English springer spaniel dogs with tachypnea and hyperthermia that subsequently developed weakness or collapse, with or without signs of hemorrhage, soon after a period of mild-to-moderate exercise. The pedigrees of the four affected dogs, as well as eleven related English springer spaniels, were then analyzed to determine a presumptive mode of genetic inheritance. RESULTS: Four dogs met the inclusion criteria. All four were male, suggesting the possibility of a recessive sex-linked heritable disorder. Pedigree analysis suggests that more dogs may be potentially affected, although these dogs may have never had the concurrent triggering drug/activity/event to precipitate the clinical syndrome. There was complete resolution of clinical signs in three of the four dogs with aggressive symptomatic and supportive therapy, with one dog dying during treatment. CONCLUSION: Dogs with canine stress syndrome have the potential for rapid recovery if treated aggressively and the complications of the disease (eg, coagulopathy) are anticipated. All four dogs were male, suggesting the possibility of a recessive sex-linked mode of inheritance. Further genetic analyses should be strongly considered by those involved with the English springer spaniel breed, either with a genome-wide association study using canine single-nucleotide polymorphism arrays or whole-genome sequencing of affected and closely related dogs.