Right coronary artery to left ventricle coronary cameral fistula in a cat.

A six-month-old female intact domestic shorthair cat was presented for evaluation of a loud heart murmur. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed dilation of the left ventricle secondary to an abnormal vessel shunting blood into the left ventricular outflow tract at a high velocity during diastole. Multidetector computed tomography angiography revealed a coronary cameral fistula that originated at the right coronary artery, encircled the heart, and then terminated into the left ventricular outflow tract. This case report documents the first known case of a coronary cameral fistula in a cat. Multimodal imaging was an essential aspect to diagnosing the congenital lesion in this case.

Crossed renal ectopia with fusion in a pelvic inlet area, atypical portal vein and coccygeal deformation in a young female cat.

BACKGROUND: The case report describes a rare congenital anomaly, crossed fused renal ectopia (CFRE), with coexistence of two other abnormalities - atypical portal vein and coccygeal vertebrae malformation in a domestic cat. The concomitance of those 3 congenital defects has not been described previously. CASE PRESENTATION: An 8-month-old female, domestic cat suffering from chronic diarrhea was referred to the diagnostic imaging unit. The patient showed no other clinical symptoms. An abdominal ultrasonographic examination was performed in order to evaluate the condition of abdominal organs, particularly the gastrointestinal tract. The ultrasound examination showed an ectopic duplex kidney at instead of kidneys in their typical location. Computed tomography (CT) with angiographic phase and excretory urography was requested to evaluate the condition of the kidneys and ureters. The final diagnosis was CFRE, atypical portal vein and coccygeal deformation in an asymptomatic cat with no changes in renal function and normal blood parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Crossed fused renal ectopia is a rare congenital anomaly and is easily detectable by an abdominal ultrasonographic examination and CT, which allows more complete assessment of both anatomical relations and secretory function of the kidney. The occurrence of CFRE, abnormal portal vein and spinal malformation in a clinically healthy patient is the evidence that congenital malformations may simultaneously involve various, not directly related structures and systems, without significant influence on blood and urine parameters. Thus the most useful tool in the evaluation of the morphological and functional changes is the diagnostic imaging, especially contrast enhanced CT. Our results show that renal fusions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of caudal abdominal masses.

Hereditary cataract in the Bengal cat in Poland.

BACKGROUND: This paper reports the significant prevalence of a presumed hereditary cataract in the Bengal cat breed in Poland. The nuclear part of the lens is affected and previous reports from Sweden and France for this type of feline cataract suggest that a recessive mode of inheritance is probably involved. RESULTS: Presumed congenital or neonatal cataract involving the posterior nuclear part of each lens was initially diagnosed in a 12 month old male Bengal cat. As both parents and a sibling were also affected with cataract, a group of 18 related and 11 non-related cats was then subsequently examined. Eight related cats and one non-related cat were found to be similarly affected. A breed survey was then completed using an additional five centres across Poland and a further 190 related cats were examined. A total of 223 cats have been involved in this study, with 75 (33%) being affected with several types of cataract and 67 (30%) being specifically affected with the same or similar nuclear lesions. Eight cats (3.6%) presented with other cataract types and a prominence of the posterior lens suture lines was recorded in 65 cats unaffected with cataract (29%). There were no demonstrable vision problems. Neither age nor coat colour was significantly associated with the nuclear cataract, but the nuclear cataract group had a higher proportion of females than the unaffected group. Pedigree analysis has indicated probable inheritance as a recessive trait. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that a presumably inherited nuclear cataract is present in the Bengal cat breed in Poland. It is considered to be either congenital or of very early onset, probably being inherited as a recessive trait. Although the lesion has no noticeable effect on vision, breeders in Poland and worldwide should be aware of the disease and clinical examination of young breeding stock prior to reproduction is advisable.

Clinical Presentation of Chiari-like Malformation in 2 Persian Cats.

Two Persian breed cats, 10 and 5 years of age, were presented separately for difficulty prehending food as well as behavioral abnormalities including interanimal aggression and restlessness, pacing, or compulsive overgrooming. Both cats would regularly rest their head and neck in an extended position. Neurologic examination demonstrated calvarial and craniocervical junction pain in both and an L4-S3 myelopathy in one. Brain MRI of both cases, and CT and necropsy in 1 case, demonstrated ventriculomegaly and caudal fossa crowding, cerebellar indentation, and foramen magnum herniation consistent with Chiari-like malformation. No syringomyelia was present in either cat. The 2 cats were treated with anti-inflammatory doses of prednisolone with little to no clinical response, but experienced improvement with pregabalin and omeprazole. The 2 cats' clinical signs were consequently attributed to neuropathic and posture-related pain secondary to Chiari-like malformation. Persian breed cats may have a predisposition to Chiari-like malformation, which may not be solely a morphometric variant, and symptomatic cats may present with manifestations of neuropathic pain different from the classic signs reported in dogs.

Abdominal Intercostal Hernia in a Cat (Felis Domestica).

A 2-month-old entire female domestic short-hair cat (Felis domestica) with no history of trauma was presented for assessment of a swelling on the left thoracic wall. Palpation revealed a large, painless, reducible swelling between the tenth and eleventh ribs on the left side. Radiograph demonstrated dorsal displacement of the abdominal viscera through the tenth intercostal space. An abdominal ultrasound examination confirmed the displacement of stomach and spleen through tenth intercostal space. Surgical correction of the herniated contents was undertaken via intercostal celiotomy. An acellular dermal matrix scaffold, prepared from deceased donor caprine-skin upon treatment with 0.25% trypsin in 4 mol/L NaCl for 8 hours followed by 2% sodium dodecyl sulfate for 48 hours, was used to repair a 3 cm wide intercostal defect present between the tenth and eleventh ribs. Recovery was uncomplicated and the cat was asymptomatic till follow-up period of 26-month after surgery. Congenital intercostal hernia in a cat is being reported, which, to our knowledge, is the first report of its kind.

Caudal vena cava aneurysm in a cat with Eisenmenger Syndrome.

A seven-month-old cat was referred for evaluation of exercise intolerance and open-mouth breathing. Based on ultrasonographic examination, caudal vena cava (CVC) aneurysm associated with right congestive heart failure resulting from congenital heart disease was diagnosed. Conservative treatment for alleviating pulmonary hypertension mildly improved the clinical signs and decreased the heart size and CVC aneurysm diameter. However, the improvements were transient and four months after initiating therapy, the cat developed dyspnea and uncontrollable seizures and was euthanized.

Complications and outcome of cats with congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts treated with thin film: Thirty-four cases (2008-2017).

BACKGROUND: Congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (CEHPSS) are rare in cats. Outcome after attenuation of CEHPSS with thin film has been described in a small number of cases. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical presentation, postoperative complications, and outcome of cats treated with thin film to attenuate CEHPSS. ANIMALS: Thirty-four cats with CEHPSS were identified from the database of 3 institutions over 9 years. METHODS: Retrospective study. Medical records were reviewed to identify cats with a diagnosis of a CEHPSS that underwent surgical attenuation. Congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts were suspected from clinical signs, clinicopathologic findings, and diagnostic imaging, and confirmed at exploratory laparotomy. Cats treated with thin film band attenuation were included. Postoperative complications and follow-up were recorded. RESULTS: Complications were recorded in 11 of 34 cats. Deaths related to CEHPSS occurred in 6 of 34; 4 cats did not survive to discharge. Persistent seizures were the cause of death in 4 cats. Seizures were recorded in 8 of 34 cats after surgery; all these cats received preoperative antiepileptic drugs. Serum bile acid concentrations normalized in 25 of 28 of the cats for which data was available. Three cats had persistently increased serum bile acid concentrations and underwent a second exploratory laparotomy. One had a patent shunt, the other 2 had multiple acquired portosystemic shunts. Median follow-up was 8 months (0.5-84 months). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts attenuation using thin film in cats carries a good short- and mid-term prognosis if they survive the postoperative period. Seizures were the most common cause of death.

Bilateral Pyelonephritis in a Cat with Multiple Urinary Malformations Including Ureteral Pseudodiverticulosis.

Ureteral pseudodiverticulosis is an unusual acquired abnormality in humans and dogs. This report describes the first feline case of ureteral pseudodiverticulosis, associated with right retrocaval ureter and malposition of the uretero-vesical junctions, in the context of pyelonephritis. The coexistence of pseudodiverticulosis with other urinary abnormalities suggested that this lesion should be considered in other patients with urinary pathology.

Congenital Unilateral Ureteral Stenosis With Hydronephrosis in a Kitten.

A 4-month-old, intact male, domestic longhair cat was admitted with a 2-month history of abdominal distention. Physical examination revealed a mild inspiratory distress and a large palpable intraabdominal mass, in an otherwise bright and alert cat. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a large hypoechoic cystic structure compatible with hydronephrosis or a renal cyst. On exploratory celiotomy, hydronephrosis of the right kidney was documented and ureteronephrectomy was performed. Histopathology of the excised tissues revealed severe stenosis in the proximal ureteral lumen without evidence of obstructive material, a normal ureteral epithelium and severe atrophy of the renal cortex and medulla, supporting the diagnosis of congenital unilateral ureteral stenosis. The cat recovered uneventfully and 8 months later was in excellent clinical condition. Congenital ureteral stenosis with secondary hydronephrosis may occur rarely in cats and should be included in the differential diagnosis of progressive abdominal distention in young cats.

Multiple Cervical Vertebral Malformations in a 21-Week-Old Kitten.

A 21 wk old, 2 kg neutered male domestic shorthair presented with a 24 hr history of acute-onset severe nonambulatory tetraparesis with no known inciting cause. Neurologic examination revealed a C1-C5 myelopathy. Computed tomography of the vertebral column and thorax revealed incomplete ossification of the C2 and C3 vertebrae and lung bullae. After 4 wk of conservative management, the client reported a return to normal ambulation with reluctance to jump up. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a feline case of incomplete ossification of cervical vertebrae. The cervical malformations outlined in this report are differentials to consider in cases of acute-onset tetraparesis in cats.

Valvular aortic stenosis in three cats.

Aortic stenosis affects 0.028% of cats in a shelter population, with valvular aortic stenosis compromising almost half of these cases. Of congenital heart diseases reported in cats, aortic stenosis is the second most common one, affecting 17% of these cases. Existing literature on valvular aortic stenosis is scant, and thus, presentation and prognosis of affected animals is poorly understood. In this case series, we describe three cats with confirmed valvular aortic stenosis. All cases were diagnosed echocardiographically, and all three had visible aortic valve leaflet fusion and a poststenotic dilation of the ascending aorta. Congestive heart failure developed in all three cases, and prognosis was poor. This case report highlights the existence of aortic valve dysplasia in cats and may allow clinicians a better understanding of the clinical presentation of this congenital abnormality.

Type II retrocaval ureter causing hydronephrosis in a cat: case report / Ureter retrocava tipo II causando hidronefrose em um gato: relato de caso

Retrocaval ureter (RU) is an abnormal embryonic development of the caudal vena cava (CVC) that leads the ureter to be entrapped dorsal to the CVC. In most cases there is no clinical impact; however, it can cause hydronephrosis. We report a rare case of type II symptomatic retrocaval ureter in a feline treated with nephroureterectomy. A 4-year-old, intact male, mixed breed cat was submitted to abdominal ultrasound and severe right hydronephrosis was diagnosed, with no signs of obstruction. We performed an exploratory celiotomy, in which a displacement of the right ureter dorsal to the CVC was observed. The animal was treated with ureteronephrectomy and recovered well. No intraluminal cause was found, and a urethral catheter could be easily inserted across the ureter length. The real clinical relevance of the RU is unknown, since it is a common find in post-mortem examination without kidney impact and, when significant, is often associated to other causes of ureteral obstructions, such as calculi and strictures. Additionally, in humans, type II RU seldom develops obstruction and hydronephrosis. In our case, due to absence of other causes of obstruction, probably mechanical compression of the CVC against the psoas muscle caused the hydronephrosis.(AU)

O ureter retrocava (UR) é originado por uma falha na formação embriológica da veia cava caudal (VCC), que leva ao aprisionamento do ureter dorsal à VCC. Na maioria dos casos, não há impacto clínico; entretanto, essa anomalia pode causar hidronefrose. Relata-se um raro caso de UR tipo II sintomático em um felino, tratado com nefroureterectomia. O referido animal, sem raça definida, macho intacto de quatro anos de idade, foi submetido à ultrassonografia abdominal, que revelou acentuada hidronefrose direita, sem sinais de obstrução. Realizou-se celiotomia exploratória, na qual foi possível observar o ureter direito dorsal à VCC. O animal foi tratado com nefroureterectomia e se recuperou satisfatoriamente. Nenhuma causa intraluminal foi encontrada e um cateter uretral pôde ser facilmente inserido por todo o comprimento do ureter. A real relevância clínica do UR é desconhecida, visto que é um achado comum em exames post mortem, sem impacto aos rins e, quando significante, frequentemente está associado a outras causas de obstrução ureteral, como cálculos e estenoses. Adicionalmente, em humanos, o UR tipo II raramente desenvolve obstrução e hidronefrose. Neste caso, devido à ausência de outros motivos de obstrução, acredita-se que a compressão mecânica da VCC contra o músculo psoas foi a causa da hidronefrose.(AU)

Prevalence of congenital sensorineural deafness in a population of client-owned purebred kittens in the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND: Data about congenital sensorineural deafness (CSD) in white blue-eyed cats derive mainly from research colonies, and information about client-owned cats is limited. OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence of CSD in a client-owned population of white purebred kittens and colored littermates in the United Kingdom. ANIMALS: One hundred thirty-two solid white client-owned purebred kittens and 61 colored littermates, 6 to 21 weeks of age. METHODS: Retrospective (56 cases) and prospective (137 cases) study. Hearing was assessed by brainstem auditory evoked response testing, and the entire litter was tested. RESULTS: Congenital sensorineural deafness was diagnosed only in solid white kittens, with a prevalence of 30.3% (15.9% bilateral, 14.4% unilateral). The prevalence of CSD was significantly higher in white kittens with 1 (44.4%) or 2 (50%) blue irises than in those without blue irises (22.2%). Kittens with at least 1 blue iris were 3.2 times more likely to have CSD than kittens without blue irises. In solid white kittens, CSD was diagnosed in 7 of 15 (46.7%) Turkish Vankedisi, 8 of 18 (44.0%) Maine Coon, 18 of 41 (43.9%) Norwegian Forest, 3 of 11 (27.3%) British Shorthair, 2 of 12 (16.7%) Devon Rex, 2 of 12 (8.3%) Persian, 1 of 21 (4.8%) Russian, and 0 of 2 Sphinx. The prevalence of CSD was significantly different in Norwegian Forest, Maine Coon, and Turkish Vankedisi kittens compared with Persian or Russian kittens. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: We identified a high prevalence of CSD in a population of client-owned purebred white kittens in the United Kingdom and suggest differences in breed-specific prevalence of CSD.

Congenital sternal defect repair in an adult cat with incomplete pentalogy of Cantrell.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 1-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for a sternal defect and ventral abdominal wall hernia. CLINICAL FINDINGS: The cat appeared healthy. Palpation revealed a sternal defect, and the heart could be observed beating underneath the skin at the caudoventral aspect of the thorax. A 3-cm-diameter freely movable mass, consistent with a hernia, was also palpated at the cranioventral aspect of the abdomen. Thoracic radiographic and CT images revealed a sternal cleft, cranial midline abdominal wall hernia, and peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH). TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Thoracotomy and celiotomy were performed. The sternal cleft was repaired with a porcine small intestinal submucosa graft, titanium contourable mesh plate, and interrupted 25-gauge cerclage wires. A diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy was used to correct the PPDH. Thoracic radiographs were obtained immediately after surgery to confirm repair of the sternal cleft, abdominal wall hernia, and PPDH and at 1 and 3 months after surgery to assess the surgical implants, which had not migrated and were intact with only mild bending at the cranial and caudal margins of the mesh plate. At both recheck examinations, the cat appeared healthy with no complications reported by the owner. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A novel surgical technique was used to successfully repair a large sternal cleft in an adult cat with no postoperative complications reported. This technique may be useful for the treatment of sternal clefts in other cats. This was the first report to describe an adult cat with congenital defects consistent with incomplete pentalogy of Cantrell.

Relationship between corneal sensitivity, corneal thickness, corneal diameter, and intraocular pressure in normal cats and cats with congenital glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of feline congenital glaucoma (FCG) on corneal sensitivity, and relationships between corneal sensitivity, central corneal thickness (CT), and corneal diameter (CD). ANIMALS AND PROCEDURES: Corneal sensitivity (estimated by corneal touch threshold [CTT] using Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometry); CT using ultrasonic pachymetry; intraocular pressure (IOP) using rebound tonometry; and maximal horizontal CD were measured in 16 normal and 14 FCG cats, both males and females, aged 7 months-3.5 years. All procedures complied with an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee-approved protocol. Data were analyzed by linear regression: paired Student's t tests for between-eye comparisons, and unpaired Student's t tests for comparisons between groups. Relationships between parameters were evaluated by Pearson correlation coefficients and linear mixed effects modeling. For statistical tests, with the exception of values that were Benjamini-Hochberg adjusted for multiple comparisons, P-values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Mean CTT and CT values were lower in FCG eyes relative to normal eyes, but differences were not statistically significant. Mean CD was significantly larger in FCG eyes relative to normal eyes, and there was a significant negative correlation between CD and CTT in FCG (r = -0.8564, corrected P = 0.005). These associations were confirmed in linear mixed effects models. CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with FCG have significantly larger CDs when compared with normal eyes, and larger CDs correlated with decreased corneal sensitivity in this group. Further studies are warranted to explore the effect of buphthalmos and corneal enlargement on corneal sensitivity and innervation in feline subjects with chronic glaucoma.

Genetic variant in the NSDHL gene in a cat with multiple congenital lesions resembling inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevi.

BACKGROUND: The feline counterpart of human inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus (ILVEN) has been described; however, the possible underlying developmental defect has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of multiple ILVEN-like lesions in a cat with a genetic variant in the NSDHL gene. ANIMALS: A 2-year-old, female, domestic short hair cat with a history of multiple alopecic, verrucous, hyperpigmented and erythematous skin lesions, following Blaschko's lines on the head, the limbs, the trunk and paw pads. METHODS AND RESULTS: According to the clinical and histopathological findings, a diagnosis of multiple ILVEN-like lesions was made. Genetic investigation revealed a heterozygous missense variant in the X-chromosomal NSDHL gene predicted to lead to a loss-of-function of the NSDHL protein. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of feline ILVEN-like lesions in which a genetic cause has been proposed. Future studies to establish a causal relationship between NSDHL variants and skin lesions might lead to pathogenesis-directed treatments.

Urinary bladder herniation through inguinal ring in a female cat.

A 7-month-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was referred for lethargy, stranguria, and a fluctuant mass of varying size in the right inguinal region. Computed tomographic imaging revealed the urinary bladder partially herniated through the right inguinal canal. Primary herniorrhaphy was performed and re-placement of the urinary bladder was confirmed via laparotomy.

Herniation de la vessie urinaire par le trou inguinal chez une chatte. Une chatte domestique stérilisée âgée de 7 mois a été recommandée pour de l'abattement, de la strangurie et une masse fluctuante de taille variable dans la région inguinale droite. Une imagerie obtenue par tomodensitométrie a révélé une vessie urinaire partiellement herniée dans le canal inguinal droit. Une herniographie primaire a été réalisée et le replacement de la vessie urinaire a été confirmé via laparotomie.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Implications of shunt morphology for the surgical management of extrahepatic portosystemic shunts.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the implications of extrahepatic portosystemic shunt morphology for the chosen site of shunt closure in dogs and cats. METHODS: A retrospective review of a consecutive series of dogs and cats managed for congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts. RESULTS: In total, 54 dogs and 10 cats met the inclusion criteria, revealing five distinct shunt types: left gastrophrenic, right gastrocaval (types Ai, Aii and Aiii), splenocaval, colocaval and left gastro-azygos. Without exception, findings of computed tomography angiography and direct gross observations at the time of surgery confirmed four consistent sites of communication between the anomalous shunting vessel and the systemic venous system: the caudal vena cava at the level of the epiploic foramen; the left phrenic vein at the level of the oesophageal hiatus; the azygos vein at the level of the aortic hiatus; and the caudal vena cava or iliac vein at the level of the 6th or 7th lumbar vertebrae. The use of intraoperative mesenteric portography was effective for confirming that at the time of surgery all portal tributary vessels were proximal to the point of shunt attenuation. CONCLUSIONS: Findings confirmed that for the common types of extrahepatic portosystemic shunts there were only four consistent sites of communication between the shunt and the systemic venous system. This information supports the use of a systematic approach for the location and attenuation of shunts in dogs and cats.

Multiple acquired portosystemic shunts secondary to primary hypoplasia of the portal vein in a cat.

A 6-year 5-month-old spayed female Scottish Fold cat presented with a one-month history of gait abnormalities, increased salivation, and decreased activity. A blood test showed hyperammonemia and increased serum bile acids. Imaging tests revealed multiple shunt vessels indicating acquired portosystemic shunt. Histopathologic analysis of liver biopsy showed features consistent with liver hypoperfusion, such as a barely recognizable portal vein, increased numbers of small arterioles, and diffuse vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes. These findings supported the diagnosis of primary hypoplasia of the portal vein/microvascular dysplasia, (PHPV/MVD). To our knowledge, this is the first case of feline PHPV/MVD that developed multiple acquired portosystemic shunts and presented with hepatic encephalopathy.