RESUMO
Diaphragmatic dysfunction (DD) is defined as a weakening of the diaphragmatic muscle and can be an undetected cause of dyspnea. The objectives of this study were to explore the appropriate diaphragmatic location, measure diaphragmatic thickness (DT), evaluate the effect of intrinsic factors on DT, and compare DT between healthy and diseased cats, using 33 healthy cats and 15 diseased cats. A retrospective, analytical, case-control study using thoraco-abdominal feline computed tomography (CT) was performed. Two radiologists independently reviewed all images to verify inter- and intra-observer reliabilities and the best position for measuring DT. The effects of sex, age, and body weight were also studied, and cutoff values for detecting DT abnormalities were established. The results showed that the appropriate location for DT measurement was at the ventral border of the cranial endplate of the first lumbar vertebral body (L1) due to its highest intra- and inter-observer reliabilities. At this location, a significant difference in DT between the right and left hemidiaphragms (p = 0.01) was observed. Only sex had an impact on DT values. Interestingly, the DTs of cardiorespiratory-affected cats, both on the right and left sides, were significantly thinner than those of healthy cats. In conclusion, CT imaging is a reliable imaging method for determining diaphragmatic muscular atrophy. The ventral border of the cranial endplate of L1 is recommended for measuring the DT, and sex was the only factor affecting the DT measurement.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Mismatched blood transfusions and neonatal isoerythrolysis (NI) are life-threatening conditions in cats. The distribution of feline blood types, which varies geographically, can estimate the risks of mismatched transfusion reactions and NI due to random mating. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to determine the frequency of feline AB blood types in Bangkok, Thailand, and surrounding vicinities and calculate the risks of transfusion reactions and NI in domestic shorthair (DSH) cats. METHODS: A standard tube method was performed to analyze the A/B antigen on erythrocytes. Reverse typing was performed to confirm blood types B and AB. RESULTS: Domestic shorthair (n = 229) and purebred (n = 91) cats were prospectively recruited from 39 districts in Bangkok and 11 districts in four nearby provinces. Overall, 97.5% and 2.5% of the cats were type A and type B, respectively. No cats were type AB. All DSH cats were type A. Type B blood was found in 17.1% of Persian and 4% of Scottish Fold cats. Due to the blood type frequencies in DSH cats, the potential risk of major transfusion reactions, minor transfusion reactions, or NI was 0%. CONCLUSIONS: This is a large study of feline blood types in Bangkok and vicinities. Type A blood was predominant in DSH cats and associated with a minimal risk for mismatched transfusion reactions and NI. Blood types A and B were found in Persian and Scottish Fold cats. Blood typing is mandatory for blood transfusion procedures and breeding purposes in cat populations.
