Evaluation of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for species identification of bacteria of genera Arcanobacterium and Trueperella

In the present study matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was evaluated for species identification of 98 bacteria previously classified phenotypically and genotypically to genera Arcanobacterium and Trueperella. Species identification was carried out by comparing the main spectra of each strain with the main spectra of reference strains of both genera and 3740 database entries included in the MALDI Biotyper 2.0 software package (Bruker Daltonik GmbH, Bremen, Germany). MALDI-TOF MS correctly identified (log (score) values ≥ 2.0) all investigated strains of the species A. (T.) bialowiezense (n=3), A. (T.) bonasi (n=7), A. haemolyticum (n=10), A. pluranimalium (n=1) and A. (T.) pyogenes (n=77). According to the present results MALDI-TOF MS had a comparable discriminating power than previously conducted tests on DNA level. Further studies with strains isolated from human infections would show the robustness of MALDI-TOF MS for identification of bacteria of these genera.     

Prevalence and Identity of Translocating Bacteria in Healthy Dogs

Bacterial translocation is characterized by the passage of intestinally derived bacteria across the intestinal mucosa to local or regional tissues. This phenomenon is believed to be important in the pathogenesis of gram-negative bacteremia and septicemia; however, the pathway or route of translocation remains unclear. To define the route of translocation better, mesenteric lymph nodes from 50 apparently healthy dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomies were cultured aerobically and anaerobically. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of bacterial translocation and to quantify and identify types of organisms found in mesenteric lymph nodes. Peripheral blood and portal blood samples were similarly cultured to rule out hematogenous organisms as a source of lymph node contamination. Bacteria were isolated from mesenteric lymph nodes of 26 dogs (52%). The number of bacteria varied from 50 to > 10⁵ organ-isms/g of tissue. Bacteria isolated included Staphylococcus intermedius (n = 3), coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (n = 2), nonhemolytic Streptococcus (n = 4), Bacillus species (n = 5), Escherichia coli (n = 6), Salmonella species (n = 3), Pseudomonas species (n = 2), Enterococcus species (n = 2), Clostridium sordelli (n = 1), Micrococcus species (n = 1), Lactobacillus species (n = 1), and Propionibacterium acnes (n = 1). One of 50 peripheral blood samples yielded an unidentified gram-positive coccus and a coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. No bacteria were isolated from portal blood samples of any dog. Further studies of this type on sick dogs are warranted before clinical recommendations can be made to culture mesenteric lymph nodes routinely.     

Haptoglobin concentrations in dogs undergoing trilostane treatment for hyperadrenocorticism

BACKGROUND: Increased concentrations of haptoglobin (Hp), a moderate acute phase protein, have been demonstrated in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC). Monitoring serum concentrations of Hp in hyperadrenocorticoid dogs before and after trilostane administration may provide valuable information on the response to therapy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to measure Hp concentrations in dogs with spontaneously occurring HAC at the time of diagnosis and after treatment with trilostane. METHODS: Serum Hp concentration was measured using an automatic biochemical assay based on Hp-hemoglobin binding and utilizing SB-7 reagent in 12 dogs with spontaneous HAC before and after treatment with trilostane (30 or 60 mg PO q 12-24 h). Post-treatment Hp concentrations were measured at the time the owner reported an improvement in clinical signs. Pretreatment and post-treatment Hp values were compared with reference values and with values from 4 healthy control dogs. RESULTS: Two dogs with HAC had pretreatment Hp values within the reference interval; 10 dogs had moderate (n = 8) or marked (n = 2) increases in Hp concentration. After treatment with trilostane, Hp concentration remained within the reference interval (n = 2), decreased to within the reference interval (n = 3), or remained moderately increased (n = 7; 3-10 g/L). Overall, a significant decrease was observed in Hp concentration after trilostane treatment compared with pretreatment values (P <.005). Both untreated and treated dogs with HAC had significantly higher Hp concentrations (P <.001) when compared with control dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical control of HAC did not closely relate to serum Hp concentration. Further studies are required to assess whether this is because of inadequate control of disease or because a build-up of cortisol precursors or secondary effects of HAC affect Hp concentration.     

Changes in gas composition and acid-base values of venous blood samples stored under different conditions in 4 domestic species

BACKGROUND: The effect of storage temperature and time on blood gas and acid-base values has been investigated intensively in cattle and dogs; however, data are lacking in other species. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate changes in gas composition and acid-base values in venous blood stored at different temperatures and for different times in 4 domestic species in Italy. METHODS: Blood samples from Comisana sheep (n = 10), Maltese goats (n = 10), Ragusana donkeys (n = 10), and Thoroughbred horses (n = 10) were analyzed after storage at 23 degrees C (room temperature) for 15 minutes (group I), 23 degrees C for 1 hour (group II), 37 degrees C for 8 hours (group III), and 4 degrees C for 24 hours (group IV). Results were analyzed using a 1-way repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: In all species no statistically significant differences in pH values were present in samples stored at 4 degrees C for 24 hours. This also was true for PCO2 in all species except the horse. Except for HCO3- concentration in the horse, significant changes in PO2, HCO3- concentration, base excess, and the standard bicarbonate concentration were observed for all species in samples stored at 4 degrees C. In samples stored for only 1 hour at room temperature, significant changes in most analytes were detected. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study underline the need for rapid assessment of acid-base samples, because any delay, even for 1 hour, may affect the results.     

青海四种土蝗(直翅目:斑翅蝗科)染色体核型分析

用常规染色体制片方法研究了青海高山草地的四种土蝗：黄胫异痂蝗（Bryodemella bolderei holdereri Krauss,)、白边痂蝗（Bryodema luctuosum luctuosun Stoll)，黄胫小车蝗（Oedaleus infernalis Sauss）、亚洲小车蝗（Oedaleu asiatisc B.-Bienko）的染色体数目和核型。四种土蝗染色体数目均为，（2n♂）＝23＝27＝22＋XO；全部染色体都为近端着丝点类型；四种土蝗染色体的核型公式均为K(2n,♂）＝23＝23T＝4L＋14M＋4S＋XO。结果表明，斑翅蝗科3属间的蝗虫主要区别为常染色体和性染色体相对长度有明显差异，小车蝗属内2种间区别主要为常染色体相对长度的差异。     

Breed‐associated variability in serum biochemical analytes in four large‐breed dogs

Background: Genetic background can influence the expected values of hematologic and serum biochemical analytes in domestic animal species. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if there are breed‐related differences in serum biochemical variables in healthy purebred dogs of 4 breeds and to develop appropriate reference intervals. Methods: Alaskan Malamutes (n=59), Siberian Huskies (n=78), Golden Retrievers (n=90), and English Setters (n=77) were included in the study. The dogs had a median age of 42 months (range 10–112 months) and each breed included a mix of intact and neutered dogs of both sexes. Serum biochemical profiles (Olympus AU400e) were performed along with physical examinations, CBCs, and urinalyses to ensure dogs were clinically healthy. Differences in the values of biochemical analytes were assessed nonparametrically and reference intervals for all breeds combined were calculated as the central 95% percentile. Results: Significant differences were observed between breeds for all serum biochemical analytes except alkaline phosphatase, glucose, and chloride. The analyte ranges had a large degree of overlap between the different breeds. Conclusions: Although many statistically significant breed‐related differences in serum biochemical values were observed, the differences were small and unlikely to have clinical relevance or impact medical decision making.     

Canine and feline hematology reference values for the ADVIA 120 hematology system

Background: The ADVIA 120 is a laser-based hematology analyzer with software applications for animal species. Accurate reference values would be useful for the assessment of new hematologic parameters and for interlaboratory comparisons.

Objective:

Objective: The goal of this study was to establish reference intervals for CBC results and new parameters for RBC morphology, reticulocytes, and platelets in healthy dogs and cats using the ADVIA 120 hematology system.

Methods:

Methods: The ADVIA 120, with multispecies software (version 1.107-MS), was used to analyze whole blood samples from clinically healthy dogs (n=46) and cats (n=61). Data distribution was determined and reference intervals were calculated as 2.5 to 97.5 percentiles and 25 to 75 percentiles.

Results:

Results: Most data showed Gaussian or log-normal distribution. The numbers of RBCs falling outside the normocyticnormochromic range were slightly higher in cats than in dogs. Both dogs and cats had reticulocytes with low, medium, and high absorbance. Mean numbers of large platelets and platelet clumps were higher in cats compared with dogs.

Conclusions:

Conclusions: Reference intervals obtained on the ADVIA 120 provide valuable baseline information for assessing new hematologic parameters and for interlaboratory comparisons. Differences compared with previously published reference values can be attributed largely to differences in methodology.     

Bacterial cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis with or without concurrent cholecystitis in four dogs

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical, clinical pathology, diagnostic imaging, microbiological and pathological features of cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis in the dog. METHODS: The study design was a retrospective review of cases of bacterial cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis presented to the University of Bristol during the period 1995 to 2000. The diagnosis was made based on hepatic histopathological findings and positive bile culture results. RESULTS: Four dogs met the inclusion criteria. Common presenting signs included anorexia (n=4), jaundice (n=4), vomiting (n=4) and pyrexia (n=2). All four dogs had a leucocytosis or neutrophilia reported at some time in their history along with serum bilirubin elevation. In addition, serum alkaline phosphatase and alanine transaminase activity was increased in all of the dogs in which it was measured both before and at the time of referral. In general, the diagnostic imaging findings were non-specific. Organisms cultured from bile aspirates were Escherichia coli (n=3), Clostridium species (n=2) and a faecal Streptococcus species (n=1). Two cases resolved with medical treatment alone; two with concurrent cholecystitis required cholecystectomy. Following surgery, both of these cases showed a resolution of clinical signs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This report highlights the fact that bacterial cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis with or without concurrent cholecystitis should be considered as a potential differential in dogs presenting with signs referable to biliary tract disease.     

Measurement of thyroid hormones (thyroxine, T4; triiodothyronine, T3) in captive nondomestic felids.

The aim of this research was to obtain basic values for the evaluation of thyroid function in nondomestic felids. Serum thyroid hormone concentrations (thyroxine, T4; triiodothyronine, T3) were measured by radioimmunoassay in 145 cats, representing nine species of captive nondomestic felids: jaguar (Panthera onca), n = 49; puma (Puma concolor), n = 10; ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), n = 22; oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus), n = 12; geoffroy (Oncifelis geoffroyi), n = 4; jaguarundi (Herpailurus yaguarondi), n = 8; margay (Leopardus wiedii), n = 7; lion (Panthera leo), n = 26; and tiger (Panthera tigris), n = 7. For each species, mean +/- SEM of T3 and T4, respectively, were as follows: jaguar, 0.56 +/- 0.03 and 9.7 +/- 0.8 ng/ml; puma, 0.67 +/- 0.04 and 11.2 +/- 1.2 ng/ml; ocelot, 0.48 +/- 0.03 and 13.8 +/- 1.5 ng/ml; oncilla, 0.43 +/- 0.03 and 10.0 +/- 1.6 ng/ml; geoffroy, 0.44 +/- 0.04 and 8.0 +/- 0.16 ng/ml; jaguarundi, 0.7 +/- 0.03 and 5.0 +/- 1.0 ng/ml; margay, 0.48 +/- 0.04 and 12.2 +/- 2.3 ng/ml; lion, 0.43 +/- 0.02 and 5.7 +/- 2.6 ng/ml; and tiger, 0.66 +/- 0.03 and 12.6 +/- 0.9 ng/ml. Within species, T3 and T4 concentrations did not differ (P > 0.05) between males and females.     

Cerebrospinal fluid creatine kinase activity in horses with central nervous system disease: 69 cases (1984-1989)

The CSF creatine kinase (CK) activity was determined in 70 CSF samples from 69 horses with CNS disease. Abnormal values (greater than or equal to 1 IU/L) were determined from 32 CSF samples, and normal values (less than 1 IU/L) were found in 38 samples. Increased CK activity was most frequently associated with a diagnosis of equine protozoal myelitis; CK activity was not increased in 11 horses with cervical compressive myelopathy. Other diagnoses, in which CSF CK activity was increased included trauma (n = 1), idiopathic epilepsy (n = 2), botulism (n = 2), articular facet fracture (n = 1), intervertebral disk protrusion (n = 1), and toxemia (n = 1).     

Comparative electrocardiography in four species of macaws (genera Anodorhynchus and Ara)

Electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded during isoflurane anaesthesia from 52 macaws of four species of the genera Anodorhynchus and Ara in order to establish electrocardiographic reference values. The birds examined were clinically healthy macaws of the following species: hyacinth macaw (HM; Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus, n = 14); green-winged macaw (GWM; Ara chloroptera, n = 11); blue-throated macaw (BTM; Ara glaucogularis, n = 15); and red-fronted macaw (RFM; Ara rubrogenys, n = 12). All ECGs were recorded using a paper speed of 50 mm/s and a calibration of 10 mm = 1 mV. Significant differences were determined between species for the heart rate, duration and amplitude of the P wave, amplitude of the T wave, and amplitude of the QRS complex, specially comparing the RFM to the other macaw species. No significant differences were found between two species of similar body weight: the HM and the GWM.     

Evaluation of hemostatic analytes after use of hypertonic saline solution combined with colloids for resuscitation of dogs with hypovolemia.

The effects of hypertonic saline solution (HTSS) combined with colloids on hemostatic analytes were studied in 15 dogs. The analytes evaluated included platelet counts, one-stage prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, von Willebrand's factor antigen (vWf:Ag), and buccal mucosa bleeding times. The dogs were anesthetized, and jugular phlebotomy was used to induced hypovolemia (mean arterial blood pressure = 50 mm of Hg). Treatment dogs (n = 12) were resuscitated by infusion (6 ml/kg of body weight) of 1 of 3 solutions: HTSS combined with 6% dextran 70, 6% hetastarch, or 10% pentastarch. The control dogs (n = 3) were autotransfused. Hemostatic analytes were evaluated prior to induction of hypovolemia (baseline) and then after resuscitation (after 30 minutes of sustained hypovolemia) at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 6 and 24 hours. All treatment dogs responded rapidly and dramatically to resuscitation with hypertonic solutions. Clinically apparent hemostatic defects (epistaxis, petechiae, hematoma) were not observed in any dog. All coagulation variables evaluated, with the exception of vWf:Ag, remained within reference ranges over the 24-hour period. The vWf:Ag values were not statistically different than values from control dogs, and actual values were only slightly lower than reference ranges. Significant (P < or = 0.04) differences were detected for one-stage prothrombin time, but did not exceed reference ranges. The results of this study suggested that small volume HTSS/colloid solutions do not cause significant alterations in hemostatic analytes and should be considered for initial treatment of hypovolemic or hemorrhagic shock.     

Radiographic, computed tomographic, and ultrasonographic findings with migrating intrathoracic grass awns in dogs and cats.

The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical, radiographic, and computed tomographic findings in dogs and cats with migrating intrathoracic grass awns. Thirty-five dogs and five cats with visual confirmation of a grass awn following surgery, endoscopy or necropsy, and histology were assessed. The medical records and all diagnostic imaging studies were reviewed retrospectively. Labrador Retrievers or English Pointers < 5 years of age, with a history of coughing and hyperthermia, were the most common presentations. Seventeen animals had an inflammatory leukogram of which 14 had a left shift or toxic neutrophils. Radiographs were performed in 38 animals and computed tomography (CT) in 14. Thoracic radiographs were characterized by focal pulmonary interstitial to alveolar opacities (n = 26) that occurred most commonly in the caudal (n = 19) or accessory lobes (n = 8). Additional findings included pneumothorax (n = 9), pleural effusion (n = 8), and pleural thickening (n = 7). Pulmonary opacities identified on radiographs correlated to areas of pneumonia and foreign body location. CT findings included focal interstitial to alveolar pulmonary opacities (n = 12) most commonly in the right caudal lung lobe (n = 9), pleural thickening (n = 11), mildly enlarged intrathoracic lymph nodes (n = 10), soft tissue tracking (n = 7) with enhancing margins (n = 4), pneumothorax (n = 6), pleural effusion (n = 4), and foreign body visualization (n = 4). Histologic diagnoses included pulmonary and mediastinal granulomas or abscesses, bronchopneumonia, and pleuritis. Migrating intrathoracic grass awns should be considered as a differential diagnosis in coughing, febrile animals with focal interstitial to alveolar pulmonary opacities, pleural effusion, pleural thickening, and/or pneumothorax on radiographs or CT.     

Pancreatic abscess in dogs: six cases (1978-1986)

Pancreatic abscess was diagnosed by exploratory celiotomy in 6 dogs. The most common clinical signs included acute onset of lethargy (n = 5), anorexia (n = 6), vomiting (n = 5), and diarrhea (n = 2). Physical examination revealed pain response to abdominal palpation (n = 5), depression (n = 5), icterus (n = 3), fever (n = 3), and cranial abdominal mass (n = 2). Consistent preoperative clinicopathologic abnormalities included leukocytosis with left shift, observance of toxic neutrophils on the blood smear, hyperlipasemia, hyperamylasemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity. In 5 of 6 dogs, abdominal radiography revealed increased soft tissue density in the cranial portion of the abdomen. Ultrasonography performed on 4 dogs confirmed pancreatic mass. In all dogs, exploratory celiotomy revealed a cavitary pancreatic mass that contained sterile, mucopurulent material. Histopathologic diagnoses included acute necrotizing or chronic-active pancreatitis and steatitis. Two dogs were euthanatized at the time of diagnosis, and the remaining 4 were treated by use of pancreatic debridement(s), open abdominal drainage, and intensive administration of fluids and antibiotics. One dog was euthanatized 4 days after surgery, because of progressive pancreatic abscessation. Three dogs recovered and were discharged.     

Hematological survey of common neotropical bat species from Costa Rica

Although bats are one of the largest groups within the class Mammalia and may carry several zoonotic diseases, basic information about their hematology is limited. In this study, hematocrit (Hct), total white blood cell counts (TWBC; leukocytes), and differential white blood cell counts (DWBC) of free-ranging Neotropical bats were quantified. Blood samples from 255 bats representing 26 species from the families of Emballonuridae (3 species; 33 individuals), Molossidae (2 species; 26 individuals), Mormoopidae (1 species; 1 individual), Phyllostomidae (18 species; 180 individuals), and Vespertilionidae (2 species; 15 individuals) were collected in a Caribbean lowland rainforest of Costa Rica. Hct was measured after centrifugation of microhematocrit capillaries, TWBCs were performed using the Unopette system and a hemocytometer, and DWBCs were performed on eosin methylene blue stained blood films. Hct of bats ranged between 51.8 +/- 0.7% for Phyllostomus discolor (n = 27) and 65.8 +/- 2.2% for Molossus sinaloae (n = 6). Bat species of the same taxonomic family had comparable TWBCs; these were lower for insectivorous emballonurid, molossid, and vespertilionid bat species than for mostly phytophagous phyllostomid bat species. However, Ectophylla alba (Phyllostomidae) exhibited exceptionally low TWBCs (836 +/- 166 /microl; n = 10); this was less than half of the TWBCs of all other bat species, which ranged from 1,714 +/- 297/microl for Molossus bondae (n = 20) to 7,339 +/- 1,503/microl for Trachops cirrhosus (n = 6). Species with higher TWBCs tended to have lower Hct values. Overall, blood cell morphology was similar to other mammalian species. A large number of polychromatophilic erythrocytes and differences in lymphocyte morphology were noted. This study provides important hematological values for Neotropical bat species and significantly expands the knowledge on basal physiological measurements of Chiroptera.     

Measurement and clinical significance of equine fetal protein in pregnant mares serum

An assay for the determination of the concentration of an equine fetal protein (EQFP) in pregnant mares serum was developed and used to quantitate more than 2000 serum samples from Thoroughbred mares during pregnancy. The concentration of EQFP increased throughout pregnancy. Mares with unproblematic (normal) pregnancies were used to establish the reference values at given gestational ages (GA). Mares with pregnancy failures (n=58) were found to have EQFP concentrations outside the reference values established at given GA's; 10 were high and 48 were low. Twin pregnancies (n=21), placentitis and impending abortion (n=71) were associated with elevated concentration. Twin pregnancies were detected by elevated EQFP concentration, in one case as early as 12 days after breeding.     

Genotyping of Clostridium perfringens isolated from domestic and exotic ruminants and swine

Clostridium perfringens types A, B, C, D and E are known to cause severe enteritis/enterotoxaemia and diseases (especially caused by type A) belonging to the gas oedema complex in many species. Samples from the small intestine as well as faeces of domestic and exotic animals suffering from enterotoxaemic signs or having died within days after first occurance of toxaemia were submitted for typing C. perfringens toxovars by multiplex PCR. The following species have been investigated: domestic sheep (Ovis ammon; n = 10), domestic goat (Capra aegagrus hircus; n = 26), Japanese serow (Capricornis sumatraensis; n = 4), lechwe waterbuck (Hydrotragus leche; n = 1), blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra; n = 1), European reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus; n = 4), domestic swine (Sus scrofa; n = 52), and collared peccary (Tayassu albirostris; n = 1). Interestingly, the predominant C. perfringens toxovar in domestic sheep was type A. This toxovar could also be diagnosed in all reindeer, in three Japanese serows, one lechwe waterbuck and most pigs (n = 47), the majority of those being at suckling age. Type D was the most prevalent toxovar (n = 18) in domestic goats, but also types A and E could be identified as pathogens in this species. Type C could only be found in domestic swine (n = 5) and in one case of clostridiosis in a Japanese serow. Two cases of enterotoxaemia in goats, one case in reindeer, and a single case in blackbuck and collared peccary were caused by C. perfringens type E. Genotyping of C. perfringens is recommended before starting vaccination programmes as it could be shown, that the importance of specific toxovars has been underestimated in specific species and/or age groups.     

Clinical evaluation of axial pattern skin flaps in dogs and cats: 19 cases (1981-1990).

Nineteen axial pattern skin flaps were used in 16 dogs and cats to provide skin for repair of extensive cutaneous defects. Retrospective evaluation of medical records was used to determine percentage flap survival, postoperative complications, and long-term outcome of axial pattern skin flaps. The most common indication for use of axial pattern flaps was to augment wound closure following tumor resection (n = 7). Other indications included trauma (n = 5), chronic nonhealing wounds (n = 4), urine-induced cellulitis (n = 1), idiopathic dermal necrosis (n = 1), and chronic lymphoplasmocytic dermatitis (n = 1). Mean flap survival (+/- SD) was 96% (+/- 8). Postoperative complications included wound drainage (n = 15), partial dehiscence of the sutured flap (n = 7), distal flap necrosis (n = 6), infection (n = 3), edema (n = 3), and seroma formation (n = 2). After a median follow-up time of 5 months, evaluation of animals indicated that surgery provided successful wound reconstruction with good cosmetic results. Reconstruction of large cutaneous defects is facilitated by axial pattern flap application regardless of cause of wound. Postoperative complications are common but amenable to standard wound management techniques such as drain placement and surgical debridement of devitalized distal flap skin.     

Primary Hypoadrenocorticism in Ten Cats

Primary hypoadrenocorticism was diagnosed in ten young to middle-aged cats of mixed breeding. Five of the cats were male, and five were female. Historic signs included lethargy (n = 10), anorexia (n = 10), weight loss (n = 9), vomiting (n = 4), and polyuria (n = 3). Dehydration (n = 9), hypothermia (n = 8), prolonged capillary refill time (n = 5), weak pulse (n = 5), collapse (n = 3), and sinus bradycardia (n = 2) were found on physical examination. Results of initial laboratory tests revealed anemia (n = 3), absolute lymphocytosis (n = 2), absolute eosinophilia (n = 1), and azotemia and hyperphosphatemia (n = 10). Serum electrolyte changes included hyponatremia (n = 10), hyperkalemia (n = 9), hypochloremia (n = 9), and hypercalcemia (n = 1). The diagnosis of primary adrenocortical insufficiency was established on the basis of results of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation tests (n = 10) and endogenous plasma ACTH determinations (n = 7). Initial therapy for hypoadrenocorticism included intravenous administration of 0.9% saline and dexamethasone and intramuscular administration of desoxycorticosterone acetate in oil. Three cats were euthanatized shortly after diagnosis because of poor clinical response. Results of necropsy examination were unremarkable except for complete destruction of both adrenal cortices. Seven cats were treated chronically with oral prednisone or intramuscular methylprednisolone acetate for glucocorticoid supplementation and with oral fludrocortisone acetate or intramuscular injections of repository desoxycorticosterone pivalate for mineralocorticoid replacement. One cat died after 47 days of therapy from unknown causes; the other six cats are still alive and well after 3 to 70 months of treatment.