Quilotórax associado à torção de lobo pulmonar em gata

A torção de lobo pulmonar (TLP) é uma enfermidade rara em cães e excepcional em gatos. Os lobos mais afetados são os médios direito e esquerdo, embora qualquer  lobo possa sofrer uma torção, sendo que sua etiologia é pouco compreendida. O quilotórax é o acúmulo de fluido linfático na cavidade torácica, que ocorre com grande freqüência em gatos, e está freqüentemente associado à TLP, mas ainda não foi esclarecido se ele é a causa ou a conseqüência da torção. Os sinais clínicos incluem tosse, prostração, taquipnéia, dispnéia, anorexia, vômito, e diarréia. Uma gata, sem raça definida, esterilizada com 13 anos de idade foi encaminhada para clínica veterinária particular (Gatos & Gatos Vet.) no Rio de Janeiro, apresentando intensa dispnéia, anorexia, prostração. O estudo radiográfico evidenciou efusão pleural grave, e aumento da radiopacidade cranial após drenagem do fluido. Procedeu-se a colocação de dreno torácico e após a estabilização do animal, foi realizada toracotomia, que revelou a TLP médio esquerdo, sendo feita à lobectomia. do mesmo. Cerca de três semanas após o primeiro atendimento foi retirado o dreno, mas o animal não resistiu vindo a óbito após quatro semanas

Hemangiosarcoma Associated with Polypropylene Suture in a Cat

Background: Sutures plays an important role in wound repair by providing hemostasis and support for healing suture. Synthetic non-absorbable like polypropylene suture materials induce minimal tissue reaction. Polypropylene has not been associated to neoplasms in domestic animals. The aim this study is to describe the first case of polypropylene suture induced hemangiosarcoma in an abdominal wall of a feline.Case: A 13-year-old female domestic shorthair cat was presented with a ventral abdominal subcutaneous mass. Clinical examination revealed a firm, rough, and irregular, approximately 6 x 4 cm subcutaneous mass involving the caudal ventral abdomen. A complete blood (cell) count (CBC) was within normal limits. Leukemia and FIV tests were negative; andthe results of a chemistry panel revealed elevated creatinine (valor: 2.0 reference range: 0.5-1.9). Abdominal ultrasound revealed a large mass of mixed echogenicity in the mid-ventral abdomen cranial to the bladder, measuring approximately 6 x 4 cm in the middle line with suture deeply embedded within mass suggesting foreign body reaction or neoplasm. There was evidence of sutures (hyperechoic lines) along the caudal abdominal wall extending into the mass. Records indicated that ovariohysterectomy procedure was performed 12 years previously at the same clinic and the closure of the abdominal wall was made with polypropylene sutures. No other abdominal surgery was performed in this cat. A fine-needle aspirate of the mass and contrast-enhanced computed tomography was not performed due to owner’s finance restrains. The catwas referred to surgery and the mass was excised. No evidence of metastasis was noted during surgery. Histologically, the neoplastic cells were oval to round with granular cytoplasm and vesicular nucleus and exhibited moderate cellular and nuclear pleomorphism. A diagnosis of abdominal wall hemangiosarcoma was made with suture deeply embedded within mass. Surgical margins were clear. Chemotherapy was indicated, but the owner declined due to financial reasons. This is the first polypropylene suture mass associated hemangiosarcoma in cats.Discussion: Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant neoplasm of vascular endothelial cells origin and it may be associated with chronic inflammation and neoplastic transformation. It was reported in previous studies, and it could be a hypothesis for the presented clinical case. There are two cases described in the literature of abdominal wall tumor associated with foreignbody and exuberant inflammatory response in cats using different types of suture; one case is a steel staple developing hemangiosarcoma and the other is polyester sutures developed fibrosarcoma. The present study shows a primary hemangiosarcoma diagnosed several years after closure of abdominal wall using polypropylene sutures in a female cat. Polypropylene is a monofilament suture that create less tissue-drag and induces less inflammation than multifilament sutures and is the preferred suture to close abdominal wall. Cats demonstrate a peculiar predisposition to neoplasms at the site of injury. Although the pathogenesis is still unclear, the introduction a “foreign body” may cause inflammatory process that act as a stimulus to neoplasia formation. We believe that polypropylene was the foreign material that may have played arole in tumor development in this case and it has not been reported before. Polypropylene sutures were found on gross examination of excised material. Any uncoated braided non-absorbable material located deeply in tissues may evoke a chronic inflammatory response (granuloma). A granuloma may evolve to malignancy in some cats. Despite polypropylenematerials induce minimal tissue reaction, it may be associated to neoplasm.Keywords: polypropylene suture, hemangiosarcoma, cat, tumor induced by foreign body

Comparison among Feline’s Body Mass Index, Leptin Hormone Serum Level and Body Condition Score to Diagnose Obesity in Domestic Cats

Background: Today, obesity is a condition commonly seen in small animal internal medicine. This condition is defined as excess of body fat resulting from increased energy absorption or reduced energy expenditure, and it is classified as a nutritional and metabolic disorder.  Obesity results from excessive formation of adipose tissue, and can pose severe consequences to the animal's health. It can also become an aggravating factor for several diseases, frequently exerting direct effects on morbidity and mortality.  This study aimed to evaluate feline body mass index (FBMI), and associate this parameter with body condition score (BCS) and leptin hormone serum levels.Materials, Methods & Results: This study was conducted in a private Veterinary Clinic exclusively dedicated to feline care in the neighborhood of Botafogo, city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ninety-six feline patients (Felis catus) were randomly selected independent of their gender (male or female - intact or not), breed, or age from cats that were submitted for surgical interventions. The population was then divided into two groups according to FBMI: group 1, with non-obese animals (FBMI < 30%), totaling 53 animals; and group 2, with obese animals (FBMI ≥ 30%), totaling 43 animals. Physical examination was conducted on all animals. During this procedure, the weight of the animals was recorded; obesity was determined subjectively using the BCS, and objectively using plasma leptin concentration as assessed by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Leptin concentration in the plasma of the 96 animals included in this study was 13.81 ± 13.06 ng/mL HE. The average for group 1 was 3.85 ± 3.08 ng/mL HE, while the average for group 2 was 26.08 ± 9.61 ng/mL HE. The average leptin concentration in animals with body condition scores 1 and 2 (lean) was 2.53 ± 1.22 ng/mL HE; the average leptin concentration in animals with a BCS of 3 (ideal) was 4.23 ± 3.67 ng/mL HE; the average leptin concentration in animals with body condition scores 4 and 5 (above the ideal weight) was 21.29 ± 12.47 ng/mL HE. Animals with scores 1, 2, and 3 were present only in group 1, with averages of 2.53 ± 1.22 ng/mL HE for animals with scores 1 and 2, and 4.23 ± 3.73 ng/mL HE for animals with a score of 3. Animals with scores 4 and 5 in group 1 had an average leptin concentration of 5.24 ± 4.41 ng/mL HE, and animals with scores 4 and 5 in group 2 had an average leptin concentration of 26.08 ± 9.61 ng/mL HE. In cats, plasma leptin has been determined in experimental studies under controlled conditions, but not in clinical studies. It is possible that this is the first study in which this parameter has been assessed under heterogeneous conditions; therefore, caution should be taken if this technique is used in the clinical routine for determination of obesity in domestic cats.Discussion: Plasma leptin concentration may be a quantitative parameter for evaluation of obesity in dogs, humans, and rodents. Assessment of plasma leptin concentration could be included in obesity monitoring programs for cats and, additionally, constitute a helpful parameter in scientific studies on obesity in this species. In addition to providing descriptive data on obesity in cats in Rio de Janeiro, the results reported in this study may help veterinarians to predict which cats are prone to becoming obese. Prevention of feline obesity can be as or more important than curing it

Extranodal B Cell Lymphoma in the Trachea of a Domestic Cat

Background: Primary tracheal tumors are considered uncommon in veterinary medicine and among them extranodal tracheal lymphoma, which is a neoplastic type, has rarely been described, especially with the use of immunophenotyping. Consequently, there is a lack of knowledge inherent to the characteristics of this tumor type in felines and as a result little information on how to deal with animals affected by this disease. Therefore, there is a need for more studies focusing on this matter. The objective of this work is to report a case of extranodal B cell lymphoma in the trachea of a domestic cat and point out the clinical and pathological characteristics of this neoplastic type.Case: A 5-year-old domestic cat, of an oriental breed, was taken to a veterinary clinic exclusively for cats in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The main complaint was difficulty in breathing and loss of appetite and historical data included intolerance to exercise. A clinical examination confirmed inspiratory dyspnea and upper respiratory sounds. Hematological and serum biochemical exams did not evidence any noteworthy changes and the cat was considered negative for feline viral leukemia and feline immunodeficiency viruses through serological and molecular testing. However, in the radiographic examination of the thoracic cervical region, an opacity was observed that occluded part of the tracheal lumen and this was suggestive of a mass in the initial third of the trachea, measuring 0.5 cm in diameter. The animal was stabilized and then 24 h after admission underwent inspection of the oral cavity and a biopsy of the tracheal mass was performed. Cytology of the specimen was suggestive of lymphoma. The treatment of choice was: lomustine with a single, oral dose of 10 mg; vincristine sulfate with a single intravenous dose of 0.75 mg/m²; and methylprednisolone acetate with a single intramuscular dose of 20 mg. A second radiograph taken 24 h after the chemotherapy showed that the tracheal mass had shrunk to 0.3 cm in diameter. Seven days after the treatment adopted for lymphoma, the mass was no longer visible. Histopathological analysis and immunohistochemistry supported the diagnosis of B cell lymphoma. A 36-month follow-up after the initial admission showed that the cat was in good health, without any respiratory signs and/or alterations in imaging tests that could suggest neoplastic recurrence.Discussion: The majority of animals with tracheal lymphoma are more than seven years old; thus, this report is one of the few that describes this tumor type in a young cat, and therefore highlights the importance of considering tracheal lymphoma as a differential diagnosis in young cats with clinical findings compatible with this condition. The successful treatment carried out here was attributed to the immunophenotyping of the neoplasia, because when B cell trachea lymphoma is diagnosed early and correctly there is usually a good prognosis. Type T lymphomas exhibit a poorer clinical response through therapy than B cell lymphomas. As far as the authors know, this is only the fifth report in which immunophenotyping of a tracheal lymphoma in a cat has been performed. The relevance of studies involving the immunohistochemistry of this tumor type in cats is asserted, so that the differentiation between B or T cell lymphomas can provide greater accuracy in dealing with animals affected with this disease

Dispnéia provocada por tumor laringeano em gatos no período de 1997 a 2007

Tumores acometendo a laringe são raros e, geralmente, não têm uma terapia de sucesso. O exame visual direto da laringe fornece informações importantes para animais suspeitos de doenças laringianas. Este estudo avalia gatos apresentando tumor de laringe no período de dez anos. Nesse período, foram observados somente dois casos com tumores laringianos. Ambos animais apresentaram o histórico de severa e persistente dispnéia, associada a ruído respiratório. A radiografia cervical demonstrou aumento da opacidade dos tecidos moles na laringe em um gato e, no outro, uma massa quase obstruindo totalmente o lúmen. Os gatos foram anestesiados e, a inspeção visual para a intubação, demonstrou a presença de massa que não permitiu a intubação dos gatos. Traqueostomia permanente foi realizada para impedir a oclusão do trato respiratório pela massa. Os donos não permitiram a realização da ressecção da massa e os dois gatos foram eutanasiados, um após o resultado da citologia e o outro após o resultado da histopatologia. Tumores de laringe são incomuns e, geralmente, são malignos em gatos

Uso de triancinolona local em uma gata com estenose esofágica

A estenose esofágica é uma inflamação no esôfago acometendo as camadas submucosa e muscular com formação de tecido fibroso. O sinal clínico predominante de tal alteração é a regurgitação. O diagnóstico definitivo é realizado através de radiografia contrastada do esôfago e endoscopia. O tratamento inclue os procedimentos conservativos (dilatação através de balão ou por uso de velas) ou cirúrgicos (ressecção e anastomose). O objetivo desse trabalho é relatar o uso de triancinolona local em uma gata com estenose esofágica. Um felino de oito anos de idade, castrada apresentava estenose no esôfago proximal, a causa suspeita foi à ingestão de medicamentos. O tratamento escolhido foi dilatação pelo uso de balão. Após a sétima endoscopia, a gata apresentava regurgitação refratária à dilatação, então foi decidida a administração local de triancinolona. A triancinolona intralesional foi associada com resolução dos sinais nessa paciente. A gata permanece bem seis meses após o corticóide local, apenas regurgita ração de grãos grandes

Pseudomicetoma Dermatofítico causado por Microsporum canis em gatos de raça Persa

O pseudomicetoma dermatofítico é uma infecção fúngica rara que tem sido relatada em gatos e no homem, e mais recentemente em cães e cavalos. Na maioria dos casos o agente isolado é o Microsporum canis. No presente artigo relata-se um caso de pseudomicetoma dermatofítico em um gato da raça Persa, no qual o agente isolado foi Microsporum canis. As lesões são caracterizadas por nódulos que variam em torno de 1 a 1,5 cm de diâmetro de consistência firme e forma irregular. Histologicamente, as lesões são caracterizadas por uma dermatite granulomatosa profunda, com predomínio de macrófagos, células epitelióides e a discreta presença de plasmócitos, eosinófilos e um denso agregado de hifas em meio a uma marcante reação de Slendori-Hoeppli

Successful Surgical Treatment of Idiopathic Chylothorax in a Cat

Background: Chylothorax in cats represents a challenge due to the possibility of involvement of multiple etiologies and the harmful consequences resulting of the presence of the chylous effusion in the thorax. The causes include neoplasms in the thoracic cavity, heart disease and thoracic injuries. It is imperative that clinical nutritional and therapeutic and / or surgical management be immediate and directed to the treatment of the cause. The objective of this work was to report a case of idiopathic chylothorax in a domestic cat solved through surgical intervention and dietary maintenance applied.Case: A 4-year-old male cat, fed with diet for the age range of adult cats, was attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (HV - UFRRJ), with clinical complaint of difficulty breathing, inappetence, prostration and weight loss. In the clinical examination was verified intense tachypnea, presence of heart murmur, normocoratedmucosae, dehydration 7%. The animal was sedated to be submitted to radiographic examination of the thorax with pethidine and midazolam. Thoracic radiographs on the lateral, ventral-dorsal and orthostatic positions were realized and severe pleural effusion was observed in both hemitorax with drainage of 180 mL of lactescent fluid from the right hemithorax and 120 mL of left hemithorax liquid. Through analysis of cavity liquids the effusion was classified as chylous effusion. The hemogram showed a neutrophilic leukocytosis. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations (28 mg/dL and 43 mg/dL, respectively) were lower than the concentrations of the cavity liquid (67 mg/dL and 722 mg/dL, respectively).Ultrasound examination revealed no mass in the thoracic cavity and no changes in the pulmonary parenchyma. The echocardiographic examination was also performed and did not reveal any cardiac alterations. The initial treatment consisted of the clinical approach, through the exclusive alimentary management with low fat diet, in order to reduce toreduce the amount of chylous in the thorax. The rutine was administered at a dose of 250 mg/cat every 8 h orally. After 15 days, due to an unsatisfactory response to conservative treatment, surgical intervention was indicated. The technique used was pleural omentalization with block ligation of the thoracic duct without mesenteric lymphangiography together with pericardectomy and placement of the thoracic drain. During the postoperative period the animal remained under intensive care, with nasal oxygen therapy and intense analgesia during the first 72 h. After 20 days, the production of the chylous liquid was 2 mL/kg/ day, which made it possible to remove the drain. The cat received continuously with the exclusive diet of low fat to reduce the production of the chylous, without recurrence of chylous up to the present moment.Discussion: It is important to establish in a first approach of animals with chylous exudation the management of low-fat foods, along with appropriate pharmacological therapy, monitoring the patient in a constant and cautious way. If conservative clinical intervention is not satisfactory within 5 to 10 days, rapid surgical treatment is essential, due to the risk offibrosing pleuritis with consequent involvement of the pulmonary parenchyma, as occurred in this report. Duct ligation surgery and the pericardectomy was satisfactory for the resolution of the constant chylous production in the thorax of the animal, as well as the use of the low fat diet was essential to reduce the chylous effusion and fibrosing pleurisy, both the interventions made possible the maintenance of the patient’s health and well-being.Keywords: feline, cavitary fluid, quilting effusion, thoracic duct

Primary Intestinal Fibrosarcoma in Cats

Background: Fibrosarcomas are malignant neoplasms of mesenchymal origin and can have different symptoms depending on the species, age, location and etiopathogenesis. Intestinal tumors in domestic cats are common and the small intestine is the most common site; however, fibrosarcomas are rare in the intestine of all animal species. This work reports intestinal fibrosarcoma in 2 domestic cats and aims to clarify and present information concerning this neoplastic type in the gastrointestinal tract of this species.Cases: We report 2 cases of intestinal fibrosarcoma in domestic felines (Felis catus). Cat 1. A 14-year-old female Persian breed, domestic cat, was taken to the Feline Sector of the Veterinary Hospital of Small Animals (HVPA) of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ). The main complaint was chronic constipation and rectal prolapse. The clinical examination revealed an ulcerated mass, measuring 4.0 cm x 1.7 cm. Cat 2. A 10-year-old female undefined breed, domestic cat, was taken to the private clinic. The main complaint was diarrhea with bloody and rectal prolapse. The clinical examination revealed nodule measuring 2.5 cm in diameter. The surgical option decided upon was to use the rectal pull-through technique in both animals. The patients had no trans-surgical or postoperative complications. The material collected during the surgical interventions was analyzed macroscopically and fixed in 10% buffered formalin for 24 h and then sent to the Histopathology Laboratory of the Pathological Anatomy Sector (SAP) at UFRRJ for the cat 1 and in private laboratoryfor the cat 2. After fixation, it was cleaved for routine microscope exam using Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) stains and for the histochemical method of Masson’s Trichrome staining technique. Complementary immunohistochemistry tests and electron microscopy were also performed. The patients were followed up clinically, showing complete remission of the clinical signs and survival for approximately 1 year after the neoplastic resection. Discussion: There are few reports of intestinal fibrosarcomas in veterinary medicine, therefore, little is known about racial predilection, age, sex or biological behavior. As far as these authors know, this is the 6th and 7th report of this neoplasm with a primary site in the large intestine in this species. The morphological diagnosis of fibrosarcoma is relatively simple, whereas, in some cases the differential diagnosis for tumors of the peripheral nerve sheath, leiomyosarcomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) can be extremely difficult. The immunohistochemistry technique in these cases may not be particularly useful. The fibrosarcoma diagnosis was also confirmed by electron microscopy since no evidence was found that could lead to a neuronal origin, thus excluding tumors such as neurofibrosarcoma and schawnoma, corroborating the immunohistochemical examination. The surgical management of tumor resection with wide safety margins (minimum 2 cm) remains the “gold standard” therapy for dealing with fibrosarcomas since they have a low response rate to chemotherapy and radiotherapy and the use of these therapies as an adjuvant is controversial. The advantages of thistechnique are related to the surgical time, simplicity, easy access and reduction in the risk of abdominal contamination. Histopathological, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy evaluations were sufficient to enable the diagnosis of an intestinal fibrosarcoma in both cats. The occurrence of this neoplasm with intestinal involvement in the feline species is rare; therefore, this description is important as it provides information about epidemiology, associated signs, differential diagnoses, biological behavior, treatment and prognosis. Keywords: feline, intestine, mesenchymal, tumors, neoplasm, rectal pull-through