Frequency of Blood Types A, B and AB in a Population of Non-Pedigree Domestic Cats from Central Italy

Blood transfusion reactions and neonatal isoerythrolysis are common events in the feline population due to the presence of natural alloantibodies in the AB blood group system. It is known that the frequency of feline blood types varies according to the geographic region and breed. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the frequency of AB blood groups in non-pedigree domestic cats in Central Italy and estimate the risk of a life-threatening transfusion reaction and neonatal isoerythrolysis, caused by mismatched transfusion or incompatible random mating, respectively. The AB blood group was determined on non-pedigree domestic feline patients and potential blood donors submitted at the Veterinary Teaching Hospitals of the Universities of Teramo (Abruzzo Region, Teramo, Italy) and Perugia (Umbria Region, Teramo, Italy), and visited at veterinary practitioners in Rome (Lazio Region, Teramo, Italy) using commercial immunochromatographic cartridges and commercial agglutination cards. There were four hundred and eighty-three cats included in the study. The frequencies of the blood types were: 89.9% type A, 7.0% type B, and 3.1% type AB. The probability of an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction or a neonatal isoerythrolysis was 6.5%. Although the frequency of type B in non-pedigree domestic cats living in Central Italy was relatively low, to reduce the risk of fatal transfusion reactions, blood group typing is recommended before each transfusion

Two-Port Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy in Dogs

SIMPLE SUMMARY: An adrenal mass represents the primary indication for adrenalectomy. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that minimizes pain and improves patient recovery. The traditional technique involves the use of a single or multiple port (three or four). The objective of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and complication rate of two-port laparoscopic adrenalectomy to remove adrenal masses smaller than 4 cm in diameter. In total, 16 dogs with adrenal masses were enrolled in the study and clinicopathologic data were harvested from the medical records. The dogs were placed in sternal recumbency with cushions positioned under the sternum and pubis to simulate the quadrupedal station and displace the abdominal viscera. In all cases, the procedures were feasible with two ports. In five cases, capsule rupture occurred, and all were adrenal gland carcinomas. ABSTRACT: The gold-standard treatment for functional tumors is adrenalectomy, and the procedure can be either open or laparoscopic. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is a minimally invasive technique designated for small–medium-sized adrenal tumors without vascular invasion. LA is routinely performed using three or four ports with the patient in sternal or lateral recumbency. The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of LA with two ports in order to reduce invasiveness and improve patient recovery. In total, 16 dogs with adrenal tumors were included in the study and the two-port technique was performed. Adrenalectomy was performed based on the presence of hypercortisolism in thirteen cases, whereas, in three cases, adrenalectomy was performed in the absence of evidence of cortisol production. Thirteen cases were carcinomas and three were adenomas of the adrenal gland; furthermore, twelve were on the left side and four were on the right side. Capsule rupture occurred in five cases. After performing the technique in all cases, no additional ports or laparotomy conversion occurred. Based on the authors’ experience, laparoscopic adrenalectomy can be performed with two ports

controlled field study evaluating the clinical efficacy of a topical formulation containing emodepside and praziquantel in the treatment of natural cat aelurostrongylosis

BackgroundAelurostrongylus abstrusus is the most important nematode affecting the respiratory tract of cats in terms of prevalence and clinical relevance. The aim of this randomised controlled field study was to confirm the efficacy of the spot-on containing emodepside/praziquantel (Profender, Bayer Animal Health) in the treatment of aelurostrongylosis.MethodsSeventeen cats with aelurostrongylosis and presenting with clinical and/or radiographic signs were included in the study. Eight cats received two biweekly doses of emodepside/praziquantel, while nine cats were allocated to a control group and received a rescue treatment at the end of the study. Clinical response was the primary outcome, while the secondary end point was the reduction of larval shedding in faeces.ResultsTwo weeks after the first application, the cats showed a significant, though partial, recovery of clinical signs with complete clinical and parasitological resolution. The resolution of inflammatory leucogram and a significant reduction of radiographic lesions were observed two weeks after the second treatment. Red blood cells and albumin values significantly increased after eight weeks from the second application, together with the complete regression of radiographic patterns.ConclusionTwo applications of this spot-on solution two weeks apart assured complete cessation of larval shedding and led to a complete clinical, clinicopathological and radiographic recovery

Early Renal Involvement in Cats with Natural Feline Morbillivirus Infection

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) is a newly discovered paramyxovirus infecting domestic cats and its role in the pathogenesis of feline chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been suggested, however not confirmed. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the renal damage associated with FeMV infection in cats. In this retrospective study, clinical and clinicopathological data were compared among 14 FeMV naturally infected, 21 CKD and 22 healthy cats. FeMV positive cats had serum chemistry analytes and main urine chemistry results similar to the healthy subjects. FeMV positive cats had significantly decreased urine specific gravity (median 1054, range 1022-1065) and urine creatinine (median 227.23 mg/dL, range 83.02-489.75) when compared with healthy cats (median 1067, range 1040-1080, P < 0.001; median 406.50 mg/dL, range 195.32-575.58; P < 0.001, respectively). Urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) results of FeMV and CKD were not different (median 0.20, range 0.08-1.03; median 0.23, range 0.10-0.80, respectively), however UPC results were significantly increased in both groups, if compared with healthy cats (median 0.1, range 0.04-0.250, P < 0.01). Based on clinical data, serum creatinine concentration, urine specific gravity and UPC results, CKD was suspected by clinicians in 3/14 FeMV cats. Urine protein sodium-dodecyl-sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) in 10/13 (77%) FeMV cats indicated a tubular pattern, with a decrease of uromodulin and an increase in the number and intensity of low molecular weight proteins. FeMV infection can be associated with different grades of renal dysfunction ranging from mild tubular proteinuria with less concentrated urine to azotemia in cats younger than those typically affected by CKD

Determining the pH in canine urine: comparing visual and automated reading variability of urine dipstick analysis within a small animal teaching hospital

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is present in approximately 70-80% of dogs with left-sided congestive heart failure (L-CHF) and contributes to clinical signs and outcome. Anecdotal evidence suggests that PH in cats with L-CHF is much less frequent. However, data on the prevalence of PH in cats with L-CHF is not available. This study addresses the general hypothesis that PH secondary to L-CHF is uncommon in cats and that echocardiographic findings in cats with PH are different compared to dogs. This retrospective observational study included 56 healthy cats and 131 cats with L-CHF imaged between 2004 and 2016 at the Ohio State University, Veterinary Medical Center. Key diagnostic variables included tricuspid regurgitation (TR) peak velocity, right atrial (RA) size, right ventricular (RV) size and function, RV wall thickness, pulmonary artery (PA) size, Doppler-derived systolic time intervals of PA flow (STIs), presence of septal flattening, and variables characterizing left atrial size and left ventricular size and function. PH was identified if TR peak velocity was >2.7 m/s (estimated systolic PA pressure >35 mmHg). Parametric and non-parametric statistical test procedures were used to compare normal cats to cats with L-CHF, and cats with and without PH. Tricuspid regurgitation was present in 57/131 (44%) of cats with L-CHF. Pulmonary hypertension was present in 22/131 of cats with L-CHF (17%). In 15/22 cases PH was associated with cardiomyopathy, in 5/22 cases with congenital heart disease, and in 2/22 cases to other causes. All cats with PH (22/22, 100%) had subjectively-assessed right-sided enlargement, with larger RA and RV diameters (P21.5 mm; Sensitivity [Sn] 0.82, Specificity [Sp] 0.42) and RV ventricular diameter (>7.8 mm; Sn 0.91, Sp 0.64) had the most accurate cutoff to predict PH compared to other variables. Method reproducibility (measurement variability) was good, with most coefficients of variation <15%. Compared to dogs, PH is not a common finding in cats with L-CHF. Right-sided enlargement is the main finding in cats with PH, and right-heart dimensions should be used to suspect PH if TR is absent or difficult to measure. Further studies are needed to identify reasons and mechanisms for the obvious differences between dogs and cats

Early Renal Involvement in Cats with Natural Feline Morbillivirus Infection

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) is a newly discovered paramyxovirus infecting domestic cats and its role in the pathogenesis of feline chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been suggested, however not confirmed. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the renal damage associated with FeMV infection in cats. In this retrospective study, clinical and clinicopathological data were compared among 14 FeMV naturally infected, 21 CKD and 22 healthy cats. FeMV positive cats had serum chemistry analytes and main urine chemistry results similar to the healthy subjects. FeMV positive cats had significantly decreased urine specific gravity (median 1054, range 1022&ndash;1065) and urine creatinine (median 227.23 mg/dL, range 83.02&ndash;489.75) when compared with healthy cats (median 1067, range 1040&ndash;1080, p &lt; 0.001; median 406.50 mg/dL, range 195.32&ndash;575.58; p &lt; 0.001, respectively). Urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) results of FeMV and CKD were not different (median 0.20, range 0.08&ndash;1.03; median 0.23, range 0.10&ndash;0.80, respectively), however UPC results were significantly increased in both groups, if compared with healthy cats (median 0.1, range 0.04&ndash;0.250, p &lt; 0.01). Based on clinical data, serum creatinine concentration, urine specific gravity and UPC results, CKD was suspected by clinicians in 3/14 FeMV cats. Urine protein sodium-dodecyl-sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) in 10/13 (77%) FeMV cats indicated a tubular pattern, with a decrease of uromodulin and an increase in the number and intensity of low molecular weight proteins. FeMV infection can be associated with different grades of renal dysfunction ranging from mild tubular proteinuria with less concentrated urine to azotemia in cats younger than those typically affected by CKD

Case report: Severe and progressive bronchopneumonia by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in an adopted stray cat from Portugal

The cat lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is the most common respiratory parasite of cats. This nematode has a worldwide distribution and is considered an emerging pathogen. Respiratory signs overlap with those of other pathologies, and some agents which co-exist in the same animal may concur in the clinical scenario. Nonetheless, feline verminous bronchopneumonia is underestimated by practitioners and is not commonly included in differential diagnosis in routine practice. The present report describes the clinical presentation of a 6-month old stray cat from central Portugal, which developed respiratory distress. A clinical improvement of lower respiratory signs was achieved after a course of doxycycline and prednisolone course. However, a relapse with a progressive decline in the respiratory functions occurred two weeks later. A further investigation led to the identification of an A. abstrusus infection that was treated with fenbendazole. Ten days after the treatment the cat became negative for A. abstrusus and further analyses performed in the followings 2 months showed improvement of the animalâ\u80\u99s pulmonary condition and negative results at the faecal examinations. These findings indicate that veterinarians should include aelurostrongylosis in the differential diagnosis of feline respiratory distress even in non-endemic regions and should perform appropriate diagnostics procedures in the presence of compatible signs

TONGUE METASTASIS FROM LUNG CARCINOMA IN A CAT WITH ‘FELINE LUNG-DIGIT SYNDROME’.

Feline lung–digit syndrome (FLDS) refers to a clinical entity in which primary lung tumours present because of metastatic lesions in one or more digits. Nevertheless, metastatic manifestations of primary lung tumours in cats may also variously involve eye, muscle, skin, vertebral bone and distal aorta [1]. On the other hand, to the best of our knowledge, tongue metastasis of feline tumours, including lung neoplasms, has not been reported so far, although lingual metastasis has been rarely described in human patients with lung cancer [2-4]. A spayed female, 15 years old domestic shorthaired cat was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Teramo for anorexia and lameness. On physical examination, a whitish, 1.5 cm in diameter, nodule was observed on the third digit of the left forelimb, whereas a whitish, slightly raised, 0.5 cm in diameter, nodular lesion was detected on the dorsal surface of the tongue apex. Radiology of thorax and digits, and fine needle aspirate cytology of the digital lesion, allowed to achieve a definitive diagnosis of FLDS. Given the poor health condition and in agreement with the owners, the cat was euthanized. Necropsy exam revealed the presence of a whitish, about 2 cm mass in the middle right lung lobe, with partial involvement of the adjacent cranial part of the caudal right lung lobe. Multiple, whitish, 0.8-1 cm in diameter, sparse nodules were also observed on the spleen. Histological examination of the pulmonary mass revealed a proliferation of highly pleomorphic neoplastic cells, mainly arranged in a solid pattern, with admixed multifocal aspects of acinar or papillary growth, and characterized by multifocal features of squamous differentiation. Tumours cells showed large, pleomorphic nuclei, with multiple large nucleoli, and a high mitotic count (&gt;20 mitosis/10 hpf – 2.37 mm2). Extensive metastatic infiltration was observed in tracheo-bronchial lymph nodes. Nodular lesions of the digit, tongue and spleen were also characterized by a neoplastic proliferation of cells with similar features to those observed in the pulmonary mass. Gross and histopathological findings indicated a diagnosis of pulmonary carcinoma with squamous differentiation, associated with metastasis to the digit, tongue and spleen. Since feline primary lung tumours may be clinically silent in themselves, affected cats are usually presented because of metastases to extra-pulmonary sites. Although lingual metastases are rare, the present findings suggest to remind clinicians that metastatic manifestations of primary lung tumours in cats may variably involve not only digits, but also other multiple extra-pulmonary sites, including tongue

Drug-Dosing Adjustment in Dogs and Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease is a common kidney disorder in adult and aged dogs and cats; the management of associated complications and comorbidities generally requires a life-long medical treatment to ensure a good quality of life of affected patients. However, indications and the literature on drug dosing in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease are often lacking. The aim of this review is to revise the current literature on drug dosing in canine and feline patients with renal impairment, with a special focus on the most commonly used medications to manage chronic kidney disease and possible comorbidities