Tracheal rupture in cats: 16 cases (1983-1998)

OBJECTIVE: To determine causes of tracheal rupture in cats and the mechanism of injury. DESIGN: A retrospective study was conducted to identify cats with tracheal rupture. A second study was conducted to establish mechanism of injury, and a third study was conducted to determine volume of air needed to obtain an airtight seal when inflating the cuff of an endotracheal tube in a cat. ANIMALS: 16 cats with clinical signs of tracheal rupture, 10 cat cadavers, and 20 clinically normal cats that were undergoing anesthesia. PROCEDURES: Details were extracted from medical records of 16 cats with tracheal rupture (9 treated surgically and 7 treated conservatively). For the cadaver study, the trachea of each cat cadaver was intubated and observed during overinflation of the endotracheal tube cuff. For clinically normal cats, volume of air needed to obtain an airtight seal for the endotracheal tube was recorded. RESULTS: Most ruptures were associated with cats anesthetized for dental procedures. Clinical signs associated with tracheal rupture included subcutaneous emphysema, coughing, gagging, dyspnea, anorexia, and fever. Tracheoscopy was the method of choice for documenting tracheal rupture. Surgical and conservative management were successfully used, unless the injury extended to the carina. In the cadaver study, overinflation of the endotracheal tube cuff with > 6 ml of air resulted in tracheal rupture in 7 of 10 cadavers. For clinically normal cats, the volume of air (mean +/- SD) needed to obtain an airtight seal was 1.6 +/- 0.7 ml. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Overinflation of an endotracheal tube cuff may result in tracheal rupture in cats.     

Laryngeal paralysis in cats: 16 cases (1990-1999)

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical signs, physical examination findings, radiographic features, and concurrent diseases in cats with laryngeal paralysis, as well as evaluate the outcome of medical or surgical management. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 16 cats. PROCEDURE: Medical records from January 1990 to April 1999 were examined for cats with laryngeal paralysis. Signalment, clinical signs, physical examination findings, cervical and thoracic radiographic findings, laryngeal examination results, and clinical outcome were reviewed. RESULTS: No breed or sex predilection was identified in 16 cats with laryngeal paralysis. The most common clinical signs included tachypnea or dyspnea, dysphagia, weight loss, change in vocalization, coughing, and lethargy. Clinical signs were evident for a median of 245 days. Airway obstruction was apparent on cervical and thoracic radiographic views in 9 cats. Examination of the larynx revealed bilateral laryngeal paralysis in 12 cats and unilateral laryngeal paralysis in 4 cats. The 4 cats with unilateral disease were managed with medical treatment, and 3 of these had acceptable long-term outcomes. Seven of 12 cats with bilateral paralysis underwent surgery; procedures performed included left arytenoid tie back, bilateral arytenoid tie back and ventriculo-cordectomy, and partial left arytenoidectomy. One cat was euthanatized as a result of complications from surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Laryngeal paralysis is an uncommon cause of airway obstruction in cats. Cats with less severe clinical signs (often with unilateral paralysis) may be successfully managed with medical treatment, whereas cats with severe airway obstruction (often with bilateral paralysis) may benefit from surgical intervention.     

Intraluminal tracheal stenting for treatment of tracheal narrowing in three cats

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of intraluminal tracheal stenting in 3 cats with either benign or malignant tracheal obstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Three client-owned cats. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed and information regarding signalment, clinical signs, physical examination findings, diagnostic tests performed, treatment, outcome and follow-up were retrieved. Intraluminal tracheal stent placement was performed as previously described in the literature. RESULTS: Three cats received intraluminal tracheal stents for the treatment of tracheal obstruction due to 3 different underlying causes: stricture secondary to traumatic endotracheal intubation, stricture secondary to a previous tracheotomy, and neoplasia. Self-expanding metallic stents of varying sizes were placed, and all cats recovered uneventfully from the procedures. The cat with tracheal neoplasia was euthanized because of pulmonary metastatic disease 6 weeks post-stent placement. The two cats with tracheal obstructions secondary to benign strictures are currently 39 months and 32 weeks post-stent placement, respectively. No complications were noted during the post-stent period in any of the 3 cats. CONCLUSIONS: Intraluminal tracheal stenting was easily, safely, and rapidly performed without complications and resulted in immediate improvement in clinical signs in all three cases. None of the cats in this study developed significant stent-associated complications during the study period. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Intraluminal tracheal stenting has the potential to be a viable option for the treatment of tracheal obstruction in cats and perhaps for similar disease processes in other veterinary patients.     

A comparison of four methods of analgesia in cats following ovariohysterectomy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative administration of oral carprofen, subcutaneous ketoprofen, and local nerve block with bupivacaine in preventing postoperative pain-associated behavior in cats after ovariohysterectomy. ANIMALS: Fifty-two female intact cats. Materials and methods Cats received butorphanol (0.44 mg kg(-1) IM), carprofen (2.2 mg kg(-1) PO), ketoprofen (2.2 mg kg(-1) SQ), or bupivacaine infiltration block (1.1 mg kg(-1) SQ) before surgery. Cortisol and drug concentrations and visual analog scale (VAS) and interactive visual analog scale (IVAS) pain-associated behavior scores were measured 2 hours before and 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours after ovariohysterectomy. RESULTS: Cats receiving butorphanol had significantly increased IVAS scores 2 hours after surgery compared with baseline measurements. Cats receiving carprofen, ketoprofen, and bupivacaine had significant increases from baseline in VAS and IVAS scores 1 and 2 hours after surgery. VAS and IVAS scores for cats receiving bupivacaine were significantly greater 1 and 2 hours after surgery than for cats that received butorphanol. Cats receiving carprofen had significant increases in cortisol 1 hour after surgery and significant decreases 24 hours after surgery compared with baseline measurements. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Preoperative carprofen and ketoprofen have effects on pain-associated behavior similar to butorphanol in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Cats receiving bupivacaine blocks may require additional analgesics immediately after surgery.     

Management and outcome of cats with ureteral calculi: 153 cases (1984-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To determine outcome of medical and surgical treatment in cats with ureteral calculi. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 153 cats. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed. Owners and referring veterinarians were contacted for follow-up information. RESULTS: All cats were initially treated medically before a decision was made to perform surgery. Medical treatment included parenteral administration of fluids and diuretics to promote urine production and passage of the ureteral calculus and supportive treatment for renal failure. Ureteral calculi in the proximal portion of the ureter were typically removed by ureterotomy, whereas ureteral calculi in the distal portion of the ureter were more likely to be removed by partial ureterectomy and ureteroneocystostomy. Ureterotomy could be performed without placement of a nephrostomy tube for postoperative urine diversion. Postoperative complication rate and perioperative mortality rate were 31% and 18%, respectively. The most common postoperative complications were urine leakage and persistent ureteral obstruction after surgery. Chronic renal failure was common at the time of diagnosis and continued after treatment, with serum creatinine concentration remaining greater than the upper reference limit in approximately half the cats. Twelve-month survival rates after medical and surgical treatment were 66% and 91%, respectively, with a number of cats dying of causes related to urinary tract disorders, including ureteral calculus recurrence and worsening of chronic renal failure. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that medical and surgical management of ureteral calculi in cats are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Treatment can stabilize renal function, although many surviving cats will continue to have impaired renal function.     

Tracheal necrosis following tracheal intubation in a dog

Tracheal rupture and stenosis are well-reported problems in human beings and cats following endotracheal intubation. However, this problem has been rarely reported in dogs. This case report describes a case of tracheal necrosis 5 days following endotracheal intubation in a dog associated with overinflation of the endotracheal tube cuff and multiple changes in position.     

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.     

Outcome of medical and surgical treatment of cecal impaction in horses: 114 cases (1994-2004)

OBJECTIVE: To determine short- and long-term outcomes, including recurrence rates, for horses with cecal impaction treated medically or surgically. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 114 horses. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed for information on signalment, history, clinical findings, treatment (medical vs surgical), and short-term outcome. Information on longterm outcome was obtained through a mail survey and telephone interview with owners. RESULTS: 54 horses were treated medically, 49 horses were treated surgically, and 11 horses were euthanized after initial examination without further treatment. Horses treated surgically were significantly more likely to have signs of moderate or severe pain than were horses treated medically. Forty-four of the 54 (81%) horses treated medically were discharged from the hospital. Twelve of the 49 horses treated surgically were euthanized at surgery because of cecal rupture. Thirty-five of the 37 (95%) horses that were allowed to recover from surgery were discharged from the hospital. In 34 horses treated surgically, typhlotomy without a bypass procedure was performed. Long-term (>or= 1 year) follow-up information was available for 19 horses treated medically and 28 horses treated surgically. Eighteen (95%) and 25 (89%) of the horses, respectively, were alive at least 1 year after treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that medical and surgical treatment were both associated with favorable outcomes in horses with cecal impactions. In this population, typhlotomy alone without cecal bypass was associated with a low recurrence rate. The long-term prognosis for horses that were discharged from the hospital was good.     

Post-anesthetic hyperthermia in cats

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether administration of hydromorphone and, or ketamine are associated with post-anesthetic hyperthermia in cats undergoing routine surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Forty healthy, adult cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OVH), castration, or declaw surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each cat was assigned randomly to one of four groups (n = 10). For pre-anesthetic medication, all cats received subcutaneous (SC) glycopyrrolate (0.01 mg kg(-1)) and acepromazine (0.02 mg kg(-1)) and either hydromorphone (0.1 mg kg(-1) SC) or medetomidine (7.5 microg kg(-1) SC). Anesthesia was induced with either diazepam (0.1 mg kg(-1)) and ketamine (5 mg kg(-1)) or propofol (6 mg kg(-1) injected to effect). Group 1 (HDK) received hydromorphone and diazepam-ketamine. Group 2 (HP) received hydromorphone and propofol. Group 3 (MDK) received medetomidine and diazepam-ketamine. Group 4 (MP) received medetomidine and propofol. Rectal temperature was measured before drugs were given, at tracheal extubation and at hourly intervals for 5 hours thereafter. RESULTS: During the 5 hours after anesthesia and surgery, at least one cat in every group had a rectal temperature >39.2 degrees C (102.5 degrees F). The percentage of observations for which a cat's temperature exceeded its pre-anesthetic temperature in groups HDK, HP, MDK, and MP were 86%, 80%, 25%, and 34%, respectively. Maximum temperatures in groups HDK, HP, MDK, and MP were 41.6 degrees C (107.0 degrees F), 40.3 degrees C (104.2 degrees F), 39.2 degrees C (102.6 degrees F), and 40.1 degrees C (104.1 degrees F), respectively. By 5 hours after tracheal extubation there were no differences in temperature between the treatment groups. CONCLUSION: For up to 5 hours following anesthesia and surgery, cats might have body temperatures that exceed their pre-anesthesia body temperatures. The use of hydromorphone is associated with post-anesthetic hyperthermia. However, hyperthermia may occur when other drugs are used. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cats given hydromorphone should be closely monitored for hyperthermia following anesthesia and surgery.     

Pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus after multidose oral administration and efficacy in the prevention of allograft rejection in cats with renal transplants

OBJECTIVE: To describe pharmacokinetics of multi-dose oral administration of tacrolimus in healthy cats and evaluate the efficacy of tacrolimus in the prevention of allograft rejection in cats with renal transplants. ANIMALS: 6 healthy research cats. PROCEDURE: Cats received tacrolimus (0.375 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h) for 14 days. Blood tacrolimus concentrations were measured by a high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry assay. Each cat received an immunogenically mismatched renal allograft and native kidney nephrectomy. Tacrolimus dosage was modified to maintain a target blood concentration of 5 to 10 ng/mL. Cats were euthanatized if plasma creatinine concentration exceeded 7 mg/dL, body weight loss exceeded 20%, or on day 50 after surgery. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted for 6 cats treated with tacrolimus and for 8 cats with renal transplants that did not receive immunosuppressive treatment. RESULTS: Mean (+/- SD) values of elimination half-life, time to maximum concentration, maximum blood concentration, and area under the concentration versus time curve from the last dose of tacrolimus to 12 hours later were 20.5 +/- 9.8 hours, 0.77 +/- 0.37 hours, 27.5 +/- 31.8 ng/mL, and 161 +/- 168 hours x ng/mL, respectively. Tacrolimus treated cats survived longer (median, 44 days; range, 24 to 52 days) than untreated cats (median, 23 days; range, 8 to 34 days). On histologic evaluation, 3 cats had evidence of acute-active rejection, 1 cat had necrotizing vasculitis, and 2 cats euthanatized at study termination had normal appearing allografts. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Tacrolimus may be an effective immunosuppressive agent for renal transplantation in cats.     

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia in cats: 34 cases (1991-2001)

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether signalment, duration of hernia, clinical signs, contents of hernia, CBC and serum biochemical abnormalities, concurrent injuries, perioperative treatment and administration of analgesics, results of intraoperative anesthetic monitoring data, or level of training of the veterinarian performing the herniorrhaphy was associated with mortality rate after surgical repair of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia in cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 34 cats. PROCEDURE: Review of medical records and a telephone follow-up with owners and referring veterinarians were performed. RESULTS: Mean age of affected cats was 3.6 years; cats that survived to the time of discharge were significantly younger than cats that died or were euthanatized. Tachypnee was the most common clinical sign at hospital admission; cats that survived to the time of discharge had significantly higher respiratory rates than cats that died or were euthanatized after surgery. Postoperative complications developed in 50% of cats; tachypnea and dyspnea were most common. Mortality rate was not associated with duration of hernia or results of preoperative CBC and serum biochemical analyses, but was significantly associated with concurrent injuries. Mortality rate was not associated with hernia contents, intraoperative use of positive inotropes or corticosteroids, episodes of hypotension or severe hypoxia during anesthesia, or level of training of the veterinarian performing the surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cats that are older or have low to mildly increased respiratory rates and concurrent injuries are more likely to die after surgical repair of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia.     

Pneumothorax in cats with a clinical diagnosis of feline asthma: 5 cases (1990–2000)

Objective: This paper characterizes the clinical findings in 5 cats with feline asthma complicated by concurrent pneumothorax. Design: Retrospective study. Medical records of cats with concurrent diagnoses of asthma and pneumothorax that were presented to the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania from 1990 to 2000 were reviewed. Results: Of 421 cases of feline asthma, 5 cats fulfilled the inclusion criteria (1.2%). All 5 had respiratory distress at presentation. One cat was panting, and the other 4 cats had respiratory rates of 28, 52, 58 and 120 breaths per minute (bpm), respectively (mean RR 65±39 bpm). Historical findings included untreated chronic cough (n=3), previously treated asthma (n=1), and no previous illness (n=1). Thoracocentesis was performed in 4/5 cats, and 3 of those cats required thoracostomy tubes. Four cats required immediate oxygen supplementation, and 1 of those cats required ventilation. All 5 cats had evidence of pneumothorax on initial radiographs. Follow‐up radiographs revealed partial or complete resolution of pneumothorax in 4 cats which were discharged alive with total hospitalization of 2–7 days, but were then lost to follow‐up. One cat was euthanized because it could not be weaned off mechanical ventilation, and necropsy confirmed end‐stage feline asthma and emphysema. Conclusion: Small airway obstruction can predispose asthma patients to increased alveolar pressure, emphysema, and spontaneous pneumothorax, which can lead to dyspnea in affected cats. The short‐term outcome in these cats was good despite the severity of dyspnea at presentation.     

Long-term outcome of cats treated conservatively or surgically for peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia: 66 cases (1987-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To determine long-term outcome of cats treated conservatively or surgically for peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH). DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 67 cats with PPDH. PROCEDURE: Medical records of cats with a diagnosis of PPDH made from 1987 through 2002 were reviewed. Information regarding long-term outcome was obtained from owners. RESULTS: Prevalences of PPDH in domestic longhair and Himalayan cats were significantly greater and prevalence of PPDH in domestic shorthair cats was significantly lower than prevalence of PPDH in the hospital cat population over the 15-year study period. Historical problems most commonly related to the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia was the primary diagnosis in 40 cats and an incidental finding in 27 cats. One cat died prior to arrival at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Thirty-seven of 66 cats were treated surgically, and 29 were treated conservatively. The postoperative mortality rate was 14%. Postoperative complications developed in 29 of 37 cats, the most common of which was hyperthermia. Two of 22 conservatively treated cats had progression of clinical signs necessitating surgical intervention or resulting in death. Owner satisfaction with treatment choice and long-term outcome was rated as very satisfied by 88% of owners of surgically treated cats and 68% of owners of conservatively treated cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cats with overt clinical signs attributable to PPDH are good candidates for surgical herniorrhaphy. Postoperative complications may develop but are generally minor and self-limiting. Long-term outcome of cats treated conservatively or surgically was rated as very good by most owners.     

Radiation therapy for long-term control of odontogenic tumours and epulis in three cats.

Orthovoltage radiation was used to treat odontogenic tumours in three cats following incomplete surgical resection. Cats received a total radiation dose of 48-52 Gy over a period of 26-29 days. Acute toxicities were mild, consisting of hair loss within the radiation field in all cats, and mild mucositis in one cat. All cats had long-term (>35 months) control of their tumour, and two cats are still alive without recurrence of tumour 60 and 39 months, respectively, after completing treatment. Radiation therapy should be considered to be an adjuvant to incomplete surgery in cats with odontogenic neoplasms or epulides.     

Comparison of oral and subcutaneous administration of buprenorphine and meloxicam for preemptive analgesia in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of preoperative PO and SC administration of buprenorphine and meloxicam for prevention of postoperative pain-associated behaviors in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. DESIGN: Randomized controlled study. ANIMALS: 51 female cats (4 to 60 months old; weight range, 1.41 to 4.73 kg [3.1 to 10.4 lb]). PROCEDURE: Cats received 1 of 5 treatments at the time of anesthetic induction: buprenorphine PO (0.01 mg/kg [0.0045 mg/lb]; n = 10), buprenorphine SC (0.01 mg/kg; 10), meloxicam SC (0.3 mg/kg 10.14 mg/lb]; 10), meloxicam PO (0.3 mg/kg; 10), or 0.3 mL of sterile saline (0.9% NaCI) solution SC (control group; 11). Sedation scores and visual analog scale and interactive visual analog scale (IVAS) pain-associated behavior scores were assigned to each cat 2 hours before and at intervals until 20 hours after surgery. RESULTS: Cats receiving meloxicam PO or SC had significantly lower IVAS scores (2.91 and 2.02, respectively), compared with IVAS scores for cats receiving buprenorphine PO (755). Pain-associated behavior scores for cats administered buprenorphine or meloxicam PO or SC preoperatively did not differ significantly from control group scores. Rescue analgesia was not required by any of the cats receiving meloxicam, whereas 3 of 10 cats receiving buprenorphine PO, 2 of 10 cats receiving buprenorphine SC, and 1 of 11 cats receiving the control treatment required rescue analgesia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: On the basis of pain-associated behavior scores, cats receiving meloxicam PO or SC before ovariohysterectomy appeared to have less pain after surgery than those receiving buprenorphine PO preoperatively.     

Efficacy of lidocaine hydrochloride for laryngeal desensitization: a clinical comparison of techniques in the cat

Assessment of laryngeal relaxation and ease of intubation in cats was made after preanesthetic medication with acepromazine/meperidine/atropine (IM) and induction of anesthesia 20 minutes later by thiopental administration (IV). Healthy cats (n = 32) scheduled for elective surgery were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups to be provided with laryngeal desensitization: group 1, 2% lidocaine HCl (2 mg/kg of body weight) given IV 30 seconds before thiopental induction; group 2, 2% lidocaine HCl (2 mg/kg) topically applied to the larynx; group 3, 10% lidocaine HCl (10 mg) as a topical aerosol; and group 4, no treatment before intubation. A significant (P less than 0.05; ANOVA) difference between groups in the reaction to intubation attempts was apparent. Cats receiving 2% lidocaine IV or no treatment for desensitization had a greater response to intubation than did those receiving 2% or 10% lidocaine topically. The number of attempts required to intubate cats was significantly (P less than 0.05) greater in cats with no treatment than in cats treated topically with 2% or 10% lidocaine. Response to IV administration of 2% lidocaine HCl was not significantly different from the response to other treatments, indicating little advantage over no laryngeal desensitization. It was concluded that topical application of 2% lidocaine (2 mg/kg) or 10% lidocaine aerosol 1 1/2 minutes before intubation provides effective laryngeal desensitization in the cat.     

Comparison of carprofen and butorphanol as post-surgical analgesics in cats

Post‐operative pain management by a single subcutaneous (SC) injection of carprofen has been found to be effective in cats and dogs. This clinical study compared the analgesic properties of injectable carprofen and butorphanol in 71 healthy cats (0.5–5 years, mean weight 3.24 ± 0.61 kg) undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Cats were randomly assigned to three groups: Group C received carprofen 4 mg kg^?1 SC at intubation and sterile saline 0.08 mL kg^?1 SC at extubation; Group B received sterile saline 0.08 mL kg^?1 SC at intubation and butorphanol 0.4 mg kg^?1 SC at extubation; Group S received sterile saline 0.08 mL kg^?1 SC at intubation and extubation. All cats were pre‐medicated with atropine (0.04 mg kg^?1 SC), acepromazine (0.02 mg kg^?1 SC), ketamine (5 mg kg^?1 SC), and induced IV with ketamine (5 mg kg^?1) and diazepam (0.25 mg kg^?1). Serum biochemistry values were taken at 24 and 48 hours post‐surgically and compared to a pre‐surgical baseline. Behavioral data were collected by a blinded investigator prior to surgery (baseline) and 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 hours post‐surgery; the data were compiled into composite pain scores on a scale from 0 to 21 and complemented by visual analogue scores (VAS). Scoring was based on changes in behavior, posture, vocalization, and response to interactive stimulation. Cats with pain scores >12 were considered to be moderately painful, received meperidine (4 mg kg^?1 IM), and were excluded from further statistical analyses. Sixty of 71 cats completed the study. Anesthetic time was 88.5 ± 21.8 minutes (mean ± SD). Meperidine was given to one cat in C, three in B, and five in S. There were no significant differences in biochemistry values. There were no significant differences in pain scores between C and B at any time period; B and C pain scores were significantly lower than S at 1, 2, 12, 16, and 20 hours post‐operatively, and C lower than S at 3 and 8 hours post‐surgery. Pain scores decreased over the 24‐hour study in all groups; the greatest decrease in each group was between 4 and 8 hours post‐operatively. In this study, carprofen provided post‐surgical analgesia comparable to butorphanol.     

Differential activity of cythioate against female and male Ctenocephalides felis on cats.

A study was conducted to determine whether cythioate, a systemically active insecticide, has different activity against male and female Ctenocephalides felis, the cat flea. Eighteen cats were allotted equally to 1 control and 2 treatment groups and infested on day 0 with fixed ratios of male and female cat fleas. Cats in the untreated control group and treatment group 2 were infested with 50 fleas with a female-to-male ratio of approximately 2:1. Cats in treatment group 1 were infested with 50 fleas with a female-to-male ratio of 1:1. Cythioate was administered orally to cats in the treatment groups at the dosage of 3.6 mg/kg of body weight once daily on days 0 and 3. Fleas remaining after treatment were removed, sexed, and counted on day 5. The efficacy of cythioate after 2 dosings was 82.8 and 33.4% against female and male fleas, respectively. The greater activity against female fleas resulted in post-treatment female-to-male ratios in treatment groups 1 and 2 of 0.32:1 and 0.54:1, respectively. Fleas recovered from untreated control cats had a final female-to-male ratio of 2.27:1. Total population control efficacies for treatment groups 1 and 2 were 61.7 and 67.6%, respectively.     

Use of surgery and electron beam irradiation, with or without chemotherapy, for treatment of vaccine-associated sarcomas in cats: 78 cases (1996-2000).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate responses of cats with vaccine-associated sarcomas to treatment with surgery and radiotherapy, with or without adjunctive chemotherapy. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 76 cats (78 tumors). PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed. Factors potentially associated with survival time, time to recurrence, and time to development of metastases were evaluated. RESULTS: Following excision, electron beam radiation, and, in some cases, chemotherapy, 32 (41%) cats experienced recurrence, and 9 (12%) cats developed metastases. One- and 2-year survival rates were 86 and 44%, respectively. Median survival time from onset of disease was 730 days (range, 30 to 2,014 days). Median disease-free interval was 405 days (range, 30 to 925 days). Cats that underwent only 1 surgery prior to radiotherapy had a lower recurrence rate than did cats that underwent > 1 surgery and had a significantly longer disease-free interval. Survival time and disease-free interval decreased as time between surgery and the start of radiotherapy increased. Cats that developed metastases had significantly shorter survival times and disease-free intervals than did cats that did not develop metastases. Castrated male cats had a significantly shorter survival time than did spayed female cats. Cats with larger tumors prior to the first surgery had shorter survival times. Twenty-six cats received chemotherapy in addition to surgery and radiotherapy. Whether cats received chemotherapy was not associated with recurrence rate, metastasis rate, or survival time. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that excision followed by electron beam irradiation may be beneficial for treatment of cats with vaccine-associated sarcomas. Extent of excision prior to radiotherapy did not seem to be associated with recurrence rate.