Isolated abdominal fat tissue inflammation and necrosis in a cat

This report describes a rare clinical case of a 4.5-month-old, female domestic shorthair, cat with isolated abdominal fat tissue inflammation and necrosis, resembling human omental panniculitis. Its possible relationship with pancreatitis or bile induced chemical peritonitis is also discussed. The overall clinical course was considered benign. Initial clinical signs were vomiting and anorexia, presumably due to inflammation, followed by mass development. It was speculated that, eventually, the kitten was vomiting because of mechanical pressure from the mass, and that this pressure subsided as the kitten grew. The mass was surgically resected and no relapse was evident during the next 4 years.     

Diffuse alveolar damage in a young cat

A 10-month-old cat was diagnosed with congenital subvalvular aortic stenosis. To resolve its hypoxia, oxygen therapy was administered a couple of times a week during two months. The oxygen partial pressure in the chamber was maintained between 30 and 35%, and the time for one procedure was 12-24 hr. The animal died due to severe respiratory failure. At necropsy, the lungs were voluminous and had a rubbery texture. Histologically, large type II pneumocytes with occasional atypia had diffusely proliferated within the lungs. Interstitial fibrosis was not observed, although some alveolar septa were thickened along with fibrinous exudates and neutrophilic infiltration. The histology of these lesions was consistent with diffuse alveolar damage (DAD), which might have been partially due to oxygen toxicity.     

Corneal necrosis in the cat

An unusual corneal disease characterized by a localized necrosis of its epithelium and stroma has been seen in a number of cats of varying breeds and age. Its aetiology remains obscure, but this paper would appear to be the first occasion that the clinical and histological features of the lesion have been reported. Attention is drawn to the risks involved in surgical interference and the lapse of time before the necrotic tissue becomes detached.
Résumé. On a vu, chez un certain nombre de chats de races et d'âge variés, une maladie cornéale peu commune, caractérisée par une nécrose localisée de son épithélium et stroma. Son étiologie reste obscure mais cet exposé semblerait être la première occasion que les traits cliniques et histologiques de la lésion ont eue d'être rapportés. On attire l'attention sur les risques qu'entraînent l'intervention chirurgicale et le laps de temps avant que le tissu nécrotisé se détache.
Zusammenfassung. Eine ungewöhnliche korneale Krankheit durch eine lokalisierte Nekrose seines Epitheliums und Stromas gekennzeichnet, fand man in einer Anzahl Katzen von verschiedenen Rassen und Alters. Seine Ätiologie bleibt unklar aber dieses Blatt mag die erste Gelegenheit sein, dass über die klinischen und histologischen Merkmale der Läsionen berichtet wurde. Ihre Aufmerksamkeit wird auf die Gefahren gelenkt, die chirurgische Einmischung und die Zeitspanne bevor das abgestorbene Gewebe sich loslöst, in such schliessen.     

Myelofibrosis in a cat (abstract)

A 2-year-old female domestic shorthair cat was presented with ill-health and marked ascites. Clinically, there was marked pallor of mucous membranes. Two haematological examinations and transudate-exudate analyses of peritoneal fluid were conducted 1 week apart, as well as a coagulation screen and routine serum biochemistry. The haematological examinations revealed a severe persistent non-regenerative anaemia. There were no abnormalities within the neutrophil and lymphocyte cell lines. Very occasional nucleated red blood cells (RBCs) in peripheral circulation and some RBC agglutination were seen. Analysis of peritoneal fluid disclosed a modified transudate, and small numbers of erythroid and myeloid precursors were observed on the second occasion. The cat was FIV/FeLV-negative, and there were no coagulation abnormalities. Following necropsy and histopathological examination, myelofibrosis and extramedullary haematopoiesis were seen. Thoracic masses were hyperplastic lymph nodes in which there was evidence of extramedullary haematopoiesis. The exact cause of the myelofibrosis was not obvious but it may have been a case of myeloid metaplasia, however not all the characteristics of this entity were present.     

Diffuse cutaneous granulomatous lesions associated with acid-fast bacilli in a cat

Feline cutaneous granulomas associated with acid-fast bacilli are reviewed briefly. A case of diffuse cutaneous granulomatous lesions associated with acid-fast bacilli and the presence of acid-fast bacilli in the draining lymph nodes and liver is reported and described. The unusual clinical appearance of the skin lesions in this case and the varied clinical presentation of lesions associated with acid-fast bacilli is discussed.     

A case of metabolic epidermal necrosis in a cat

Abstract  This report describes clinical, histological and post-mortem findings in a cat, that are similar to necrolytic migratory erythema in humans and to metabolic epidermal necrosis in dogs.
Resumen  Este articulo describe los hallazgos clinicos, histopatológicos y post mortem en un gato, similares a Eritema Necrolitico Migratorio en la especie humana y a Necrosis Epidérmica Metabólica en el perro. [Patel, A., Whitbread, J., McNeil. P. A case of metabolic epidermal necrosis in a cat. (Un caso de necrosis epidérmica en un gato.) Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 221–226.]
Résumé  Ce cas décrit les lésions cliniques, histopathologiques et nécropsiques chez un chat, évoquant l'érythème nécrolytique migrant de l'homme et la nécrose épidermique métabolique du chien. [Patel, A., Whitbread, J., McNeil. P. A case of metabolic epidermal necrosis in a cat. (Un cas de nécrose épidermique métabolique chez un chat.) Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 221–226.]
Zusammenfassung  Dieser Bericht beschreibt klinische, histopathologische und Sektionsbefunde bei einer Katze, die dem hekrolytischen migratorischen Erythem beim Menschen und der stoffwechselbedingten epidermalen Nekrose beim Hund ähneln. [Patel, A., Whitbread, J., McNeil. P. A case of metabolic epidermal necrosis in a cat. (Ein Fall von stoffwechselbedingter epidermaler nekrose bei der Katze) Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 221–226.]     

Disseminated mycobacteriosis in a cat (abstract)

A 12-year-old, FIV-positive domestic cat from rural Northland presented with diffuse and slowly progressive swellings of the vulva, tail base, head, and distal limbs. Fine needle aspirate biopsy of the subcutis revealed large numbers of pleomorphic acid fast bacteria. At necropsy, the dermis and subcutis in the affected areas were expanded by a pale yellow opaque infiltrate. Large ulcerated cutaneous swellings were present in the left maxillary area and bilaterally at the point of the jaw corresponding to the submandibular lymph nodes. Cutaneous nodules were present in the pre-auricular area. The skin of the carpi and tarsi was thickened and there was extensive hair loss, also evident over the tail base. The internal organs were normal in appearance. Histopathologically, the cutaneous swellings consisted of sheets of large foamy macrophages, macrophages, containing yellow/brown pigment and large numbers of acid-fast bacilli, that extended from the superficial dermis to the subcutis and fascia. Infiltrates of acid fast-laden macrophages were present in the liver, lung, spleen, and lymph nodes. Infection by a novel saprophytic Mycobacterium spp was considered most likely.     

Extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma (paraganglioma) in a cat

Extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma (paraganglioma) arising from periadrenal tissue was diagnosed in an 18-year-old spayed domestic shorthair cat. The tumor was palpable on physical examination, but not apparent on plain radiographs. The cat developed temporary cardiac arrhythmia while the mass was being handled during excision, suggesting that the tumor was functional. The tumor was characterized histologically by nests and sheets of neoplastic cells separated by thin, vascular stroma. The cells had abundant eosinophilic granular cytoplasm and prominent nuclei. Diffuse, dark, intracytoplasmic granules were seen in sections stained with Grimelius stain. Ultrastructurally, the cells contained round and oblong, membrane-limited, dense core neurosecretory-type granules. Serotonin was detected in the cytoplasm of the neoplastic cells by use of immunocytochemical analysis.     

Clinical and histologic outcome in a dog surviving massive hepatic necrosis

This report describes the clinical and histologic recovery of a 2‐year‐old mixed‐breed dog presented with hypovolemic shock, markedly increased serum alanine amino transferase activity, and hemoabdomen. Emergency exploratory surgery revealed a friable liver with multiple capsule hemorrhages necessitating removal of the left lateral lobe. Histologic evaluation showed acute massive hepatic necrosis with centrilobular and midzonal distribution. The dog survived, and all monitored laboratory values normalized within 7 weeks. A liver biopsy taken 8 weeks after presentation revealed normal hepatic architecture with a few, randomly distributed neutrophilic foci. Follow‐up included intermittent determination of liver variables including liver function tests for a period of 7 years. The dog's health status, and all test results remained normal during this time. Complete recovery and good long‐term quality of life after life‐threatening acute liver failure secondary to massive hepatic necrosis is possible in dogs.     

Cerebrocortical necrosis (Polioencephalomalacia) in a goat

Extract

A Saanen goat, approximately two years old, which had been tethered on clean pasture, showed sudden onset of blindness, collapse, and aimless paddling movements of the legs when stimulated by touch. Respirations were deep and irregular. The temperature was normal. Death ensued 48 hours after the onset of symptoms.     

Cerebral high-grade astrocytoma (glioblastoma) in a cat

A cerebral tumour was found in the right frontal lobe of a 7-year-old female mongrel cat. The mass showed infiltrative growth and caused deformation of the corpus callosum. Histopathologically, the tumour cells showed anaplasia, pleomorphism and mitotic figures. Necrosis and vascular proliferation were prominent. The neoplastic cells surrounded areas of necrosis, but as an indistinct pseudopalisade formation. Immunohistochemically, low numbers of tumour cells labelled positively for anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein and anti-S100 protein. Electron microscopically, the majority of tumour cells had no filaments and cytoplasmic processes, but the differentiated cells presented cytoplasmic filaments and glycogen granules. Based on these findings, the tumour was diagnosed as cerebral high-grade astrocytoma, glioblastoma.     

Primary hyperoxaluria (L-glyceric aciduria) in a cat

A 7-month-old, male European cat was examined because of weakness and inappetence. The cat was dehydrated, polypnoeic and severely weak. Severe, generalised muscle atrophy was present. Spinal reflexes were all decreased to absent. Blood analysis and urinalysis showed several abnormalities, including intermittent hyperoxaluria. The L-gliceric acid concentration was remarkably increased. Electrodiagnostic tests of the peripheral nervous system were abnormal. At necropsy, generalised muscle atrophy was observed. Microscopically, both kidneys showed intraluminal birefringent oxalate crystals. Motor neuron degeneration and accumulation of neurofilaments were observed in the axons of the spinal motor neurons.     

Collagen dysplasia (cutaneous asthenia) in a cat

Hereditary collagen dysplasias comprise a complex group of connective-tissue disorders that result in the reduced tensile strength of affected tissues. These processes are called cutaneous asthenia in the skin of dogs and cats. We report here the case of a crossbred male cat, aged 6 months, that presented with two skin wounds in the region of the right thorax and right iliac tuberosity. The skin of these regions and of the animal's dorsum was hyperextensible, smooth to the touch, and easily torn with minor trauma. Microscopic examination of skin samples revealed reduced dermal connective tissue consisting of shortened and fragmented collagen fibers. Normal fibers were intermingled with altered fibers. Ultrastructural changes in collagen fibers included disorientation of fibrils within the same bundle, marked spacing differences, and variation in the diameter of transverse sections. The fibrils maintained the transverse striations characteristic of normal collagen.     

Deleted in colorectal cancer (netrin‐1 receptor) antibodies and limbic encephalitis in a cat with hippocampal necrosis

A 7‐year‐old neutered female domestic shorthaired cat born in Poland and then moved to Japan presented to the local clinic with recent onset of convulsive cluster seizures and status epilepticus. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral swelling of the hippocampus with T2 hyperintensity and contrast enhancing image, suggesting hippocampal necrosis. The cat completely recovered after treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AED) and administration of prednisolone (1 mg/kg PO q24h for 4 days and tapered). However, cluster seizures reoccurred and developed into status epilepticus despite increasing doses of AED. Although the convulsions were resolved by other AEDs, stupor and renal failure developed, and the cat was euthanized. Pathological findings were consistent with hippocampal necrosis. Immunological analysis for leucine‐rich glioma inactivated 1 (LGI1) autoantibodies was negative, but antibodies against DCC (deleted in colorectal carcinoma) known as netrin‐1 receptor were found. This report describes a case of feline autoimmune limbic encephalitis and hippocampal necrosis that were presumably associated with DCC autoantibodies.