Nasal myiasis in a cat caused by larvae of the nasal bot fly, Oestrus ovis

An 8-year-old desexed male Burmese cat, which lived on a sheep-grazing property in central New South Wales, Australia, was presented following the sudden onset of dyspnoea, moist coughing and violent sneezing. The respiratory distress started several hours after the cat had made an outdoor excursion. Anterior rhinoscopy demonstrated small, white objects moving across oedematous and moderately inflamed nasal mucosa. These were retrieved via a series of vigorous nasal flushes and subsequently identified as larvae of the nasal bot fly, Oestrus ovis. The cat was treated with ivermectin followed by selamectin 7 days later. It went on to make a complete recovery over 2-3 weeks.     

Lingual and renal lymphoma in a cat

A domestic shorthair cat presented with a progressive history of polydipsia, lingual swelling and ulceration. The tongue was firm and grossly enlarged with associated regional lymphadenopathy. Surgical biopsies revealed lymphoma of the tongue. Following the procedure, the cat developed respiratory distress and was subsequently euthanased. Necropsy confirmed the diagnosis of lingual lymphoma and also identified lymphoma within the left kidney. This is the first report of lymphoma within the feline tongue in the literature.     

Surgical resection of a primary tracheal fibrosarcoma in a dog

A four-year-old, entire male Rottweiler was presented with a history of respiratory distress. A tracheal mass was diagnosed on thoracic radiographs and tracheoscopy. Surgical excision of three tracheal rings incorporating the tumour was performed. The mass was found to be a low-grade fibrosarcoma. Twenty-four months later, the owner reported that there was no recurrence of respiratory distress and the dog appeared to be doing well clinically. This case of primary tracheal fibrosarcoma suggests that this type of tumour should be listed in the differential diagnoses for tracheal neoplasia in dogs and that surgical treatment alone may be curative.     

Left principal bronchus rupture in a cat

A two-year-old neutered male domestic shorthaired cat was referred with respiratory compromise. Investigations included thoracic radiography and tracheal endoscopy. Findings were consistent with a traumatic avulsion injury to the left principal bronchus. Treatment involved the resection of the ruptured and stenosed left principal bronchus segment via a fifth right intercostal lateral thoracotomy. Once the damaged portion of bronchus had been removed, bronchial repair was achieved by end-to-end anastomosis. A full recovery was made and, at the time of writing (16 months postoperatively), the cat was clinically normal.     

Nodular immunocyte-derived (AL) amyloidosis in the trachea of a dog

A 7-year-old castrated male Miniature Schnauzer was examined because of labored breathing and episodes of respiratory distress that progressed to collapse. On cervical radiographs, a focal soft tissue mass in the caudal cervical portion of the trachea was observed, and during tracheoscopy, a 1 x 1 cm, pedunculated, multinodular, pink, intraluminal mass extending from the dorsal tracheal membrane and obstructing approximately 80% of the tracheal lumen was seen. Tracheal resection and anastomosis was performed to remove the mass, and the dog recovered without complications. On histologic examination, the mass consisted of a large accumulation of homogeneous, faintly fibrillar eosinophilic material admixed with a predominantly plasma cell infiltrate; examination of sections stained with thioflavin T and Congo red stain confirmed that the eosinophilic material was amyloid. A diagnosis of nodular, immunocyte-derived (AL) amyloidosis was made. Seventeen months after surgery, the dog had a relapse of respiratory distress because of an extramedullary plasmacytoma involving the trachea.     

Tracheal rupture in a native pony mare associated with a condition resembling tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica

A 5‐year‐old pony presented with sudden onset of severe respiratory distress associated with tracheal rupture and peritracheal emphysema. Subsequent endoscopic examination revealed multiple mucosal nodules protruding into the tracheal lumen. Biopsy of the tracheal wall revealed well‐demarcated submucosal cartilagenous/osseous nodules. The appearance was considered to resemble tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica.     

Tracheal stenosis following endotracheal intubation in a dog

A 2-month-old intact female Rottweiler was presented for investigation of coughing and respiratory distress 9 d after an exploratory laparotomy for intestinal foreign body removal. Tracheal stenosis was suspected by radiography and confirmed with computed tomography (CT) and tracheoscopy. After 1 wk of medical management, clinical signs had resolved and the severity of the tracheal narrowing was markedly improved, as confirmed by radiography and tracheoscopy. Tracheal stenosis is a considerable complication of endotracheal intubation in veterinary medicine and may be medically managed, depending on the severity of the tracheal injury.Key clinical message:To our knowledge, this is the first clinical case report of tracheal stenosis resulting from endotracheal intubation in a dog and its resolution after medical management.     

Tracheal rupture associated with intubation in cats: 20 cases (1996-1998)

OBJECTIVE: To characterize clinical features of tracheal rupture associated with endotracheal intubation in cats and to evaluate the most appropriate treatment for this condition. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 20 cats with a history of endotracheal intubation that subsequently developed dyspnea or subcutaneous emphysema. PROCEDURE: Medical records of cats with a presumptive diagnosis of tracheal rupture associated with intubation were reviewed. Clinical and clinicopathologic data were retrieved. RESULTS: Cats were evaluated 5 hours to 12 days after a surgical or medical procedure requiring general anesthesia with intubation had been performed. Fourteen (70%) cats were evaluated after dental prophylaxis. All cats radiographed had pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. Eighteen of 19 cats were initially treated medically. Duration of medical treatment for cats that did not have surgery ranged from 12 to 72 hours. Cats that had surgery received medical treatment 3 to 24 hours prior to the surgical procedure. Medical treatment alone was administered to 15 cats that had moderate dyspnea, whereas surgical treatment was chosen for 4 cats that had severe dyspnea (open-mouth breathing despite treatment with oxygen) or worsening subcutaneous emphysema. Eighteen cats had improvement of clinical signs, 1 cat died after surgery, and 1 cat died before medical or surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Most cats with tracheal rupture associated with intubation can be treated medically. Cats with worsening clinical signs (severe dyspnea, suspected pneumothorax, or worsening subcutaneous emphysema) should have surgery performed immediately to correct the defect.     

Acute primary toxoplasmic hepatitis in an adult cat shedding Toxoplasma gondii oocysts

A 3-year-old 4-kg neutered male domestic shorthair cat died within 5 days after onset of fever and respiratory distress. At necropsy, all tissues were icteric, and the liver had a diffuse reticular pattern. Histologically, hepatitis and encephalitis were associated with Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites. Toxoplasma gondii female gamonts and oocysts were found in epithelial cells of intact villi and in epithelial cells desquamated into the lumen. Finding of acute hepatitis and T gondii oocysts in an adult cat without detectable immunodeficiency is unusual, because adult cats rarely have clinical signs of toxoplasmosis during the oocyst-shedding phase.     

Diagnosis of naturally occurring toxoplasmosis by bronchoalveolar lavage in a cat

A 5-year-old cat presented with a history of fever and respiratory distress of 7 days' duration. The cat did not respond to initial symptomatic treatment. Through use of a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) technique, the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis was obtained rapidly without evidence of adverse effects to the cat. Antemortem diagnosis of naturally occurring active Toxoplasma gondii infection can be difficult in cats. Identification of organisms obtained by BAL may be beneficial in the diagnosis of feline toxoplasmosis.     

Reversible pulmonary hypertension in a cat

A 13-year-old, neutered female domestic shorthair cat was presented for sudden respiratory distress following palliative radiotherapy and the combined administration of a single dose of carboplatin for the treatment of recurrent fibrosarcoma. Clinical and radiographic findings were suggestive of pleural effusion. Echocardiography revealed marked right-sided cardiac enlargement associated with tricuspid regurgitation and Doppler evidence of pulmonary hypertension. After 25 days of treatment for congestive heart failure and suspected pulmonary thromboembolism, clinical signs and echocardiographic and Doppler evidence of right-sided cardiac enlargement and pulmonary hypertension had completely resolved. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of reversible pulmonary hypertension, likely secondary to pulmonary thromboembolism, in a cat.     

Pandemic H1N1 influenza virus infection in a Canadian cat

A cat was presented for necropsy after being found dead at home. Histologic findings suggested viral pneumonia. Polymerase chain reaction and viral typing revealed influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. This is the first report of influenza in a Canadian cat and highlights the importance of considering influenza virus in the differential diagnosis for feline respiratory distress.     

Acetaminophen Toxicosis In 17 Cats

Seventeen cases of acetamninophen intoxication in cats were identified over a 12-year period. Information obtained from the medical records included the signalment, amount acetaminophen ingested, time from ingestion until treatment was initiated, clinical signs, physical examination, clinical pathology, treatment and outcome. The most common cause intoxication was owner administration. In cats that died or were euthanized the dose administered ranged from 10mg/kg to 17Omg/kg, while in cats that survived the dosage ranged from 10mg/kg to 400mg/kg. The most common clinical signs were depression, increased respiratory rate, respiratory distress, pale/muddy mucous membranes, and hypothermia. Twelve cats survived. Ten of these cats had treatment initiated within 14 hours after ingestion. One cat that survived had treatment initiated 24 hours after ingestion, and a second cat that survived had treatment initiated 48 hours after ingestion. Time between ingestion and initiation treatment may be as important if not more important than the actual dosage acetaminophen administered.     

Surgical treatment of laryngeal paralysis in a cat

A one year old cat, with a history of respiratory dyspnea since it was eight weeks of age, was found to have abnormal function of the larynx. A castellated laryngofissure and bilateral ventriculocordectomy was performed. The respiratory distress was alleviated and the cat's personality changed from being apprehensive and elusive to that of a friendly, social animal. A slight cough remained and a fiberoptic examination four months postoperatively revealed that the right arytenoid drooped medially. Thirteen months after the arytenoid was sutured to the lateral wall of the pharynx, the cat is coughing less frequently and appears to be doing well.     

Methemoglobinemia associated with dermal application of benzocaine cream in a cat

Benzocaine, an ester-type local anesthetic, was believed responsible for apparent methemoglobinemia in a cat. The cat was admitted with acute respiratory distress, vomiting, and collapse, which began 15 to 20 minutes after topical application of the drug. Treatment consisted of supportive therapy and intravenous administration of methylene blue. The respiratory rate improved within 5 to 10 minutes of methylene blue administration and continued over a period of 2 hours. Benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia has been reported in man, dogs, and cats. This report supports the findings of others regarding the potential toxicity of topical ester-type local anesthetics.     

The Safety and efficacy of a new self-expandable intratracheal nitinol stent for the tracheal collapse in dogs

To evaluate the potential utility of a self-expandable intratracheal nitinol stent with flared ends for the treatment of tracheal collapse in dogs, endotracheal stenting therapy was performed under fluoroscopic guidance in four dogs with severe tracheal collapse. During the 4 to 7 month follow-up, after stent implantation, clinical signs, including dyspnea and respiratory distress, dramatically improved in all dogs. The radiographs showed that the implanted stents improved the tracheal collapse, and there were no side effects such as collapse, shortening or migration of the stents. In conclusion, the self-expandable intratracheal nitinol stents provided adequate stability to the trachea and were effective for attenuating the clinical signs associated with severe tracheal collapse.     

Acute tracheal obstruction associated with anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication in a dog

An adult female neutered crossbred dog was referred in respiratory distress. Thoracic radiographs revealed tracheal narrowing with a soft tissue opacity dorsal to the trachea, near the thoracic inlet, and a patchy interstitial pulmonary infiltrate. The tracheal narrowing was thought to be due to a combination of intraluminal haemorrhage and mediastinal haemorrhage resulting from a coagulopathy caused by anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication. Treatment included supportive care and administration of vitamin K1, and the dog showed a complete resolution of the clinical signs.     

Pleuritis and pleural effusion in the horse: a study of 37 cases

Pleural effusion in 37 horses, including 15 acutely affected and 22 chronically affected, was found to be due to a variety of causes, including lymphocarcoma, pulmonary granulomas, coccidioidomycosis, equine infectious anemia, pulmonary abscesses, chronic pneumonia, and primary septic pleural effusion. Age, breed, or sex predilection was not found. Horses with chronic disease had weight loss, increased respiratory rate, dull respiratory sounds in the ventral portion of the thorax, and varying degrees of anorexia. Many horses were anemic. Those acutely affected had respiratory distress or signs of colic and many were anorectic. Most horses with acute primary disease had small volumes of pleural fluid. Culture and cytologic examination of pleural fluid and tracheal washings revealed the causative organism in some instances, but in a number of "primary" cases there were negative results on bacterial culture. The latter cases must be differentiated from other causes of chronic weight loss in the horse.     

Diffuse mesenteric lipodystrophy (massive fat necrosis) in a cat

Clinical, radiographic, and pathological findings of diffuse mesenteric lipodystrophy in a 3-year-old, female domestic short-haired cat are described. The animal had fallen from a height of approximately 20 metres 6 weeks previously, after which it developed respiratory distress and anorexia. The cat was thin, exhausted and had rapid, shallow, open-mouthed breathing. Serial upper gastrointestinal contrast radiographs showed a prolonged transit time of the contrast medium due to restricted gastric emptying, and filling defects of the duodenojejunal portions of the small intestines. The cranial abdominal cavity contained large, firm, white masses that adhered to most of the anterior abdominal organs. The intestinal walls were completely surrounded by large, hard, lobulated masses of lipomatous tissue. The masses were characterised histologically by extensive areas of coagulative necrosis of adipocytes containing foci of saponification. The lesions resembled those of massive fat necrosis or lipomatosis in cattle, pigs and deer.