Uveitis associated with septic peritonitis in a cat

Objective – To report a case of bilateral uveitis believed to be a consequence of septic peritonitis in a 19‐month‐old cat. Case Summary – Bilateral anterior uveitis with suspicion of extension to the posterior segment was documented in a previously healthy young cat during hospitalization for severe septic peritonitis. Based on medical history and other findings uveitis was believed to result from concurrent abdominal sepsis, due either to metastatic seeding of bacterial organisms or to effects of bacterial toxins and inflammatory mediators on the blood‐aqueous barrier. The cat was surgically and medically managed, and made a full recovery with respect to both his ocular and his abdominal disease. New or Unique Information Provided – Ocular complications secondary to systemic sepsis are well documented in people but seldom reported in the veterinary literature. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of uveitis linked to septic peritonitis in any veterinary species and the first to report sepsis‐related uveitis in a cat. Ocular inflammatory disease in the context of critical illness deserves attention as a potential significant source of morbidity. The development of ocular inflammatory disease may serve as a sentinel lesion for systemic sepsis and other life‐threatening conditions.     

Presumptive migrating gall bladder mucocoele in two dogs with gall bladder rupture

A 10‐year‐old neutered female soft‐coated wheaten terrier and a 10‐year‐old, entire female Pomeranian were presented for vomiting and anorexia. Using ultrasound, an oval structure with a stellate, kiwifruit‐like appearance typical of a gall bladder mucocoele was observed in the caudal abdomen of the soft‐coated wheaten terrier and adjacent to the liver in the Pomeranian. There was also a moderate volume of abdominal effusion in both dogs. Cytology of the peritoneal fluid indicated a sterile exudative process but varied between the two dogs, with an absence of bile pigment in the soft‐coated wheaten terrier and marked bile peritonitis in the Pomeranian. An entire free‐floating ectopic mucocoele was confirmed via exploratory laparotomy with concomitant gall bladder rupture and common bile duct obstruction. Both dogs recovered completely after surgery. This is the first report of cases of gall bladder rupture with entire free‐floating gall bladder mucocoeles in dogs.     

Gall bladder rupture associated with cholecystitis in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius)

A six‐year‐old neutered female albino ferret was presented with an acute episode of lethargy and anorexia. Clinical examination revealed marked cranial abdominal pain. A severe neutrophilic leukocytosis was present. Abdominal ultrasound was consistent with a diffuse peritonitis and severe bile duct inflammation. Cytology of the abdominal effusion revealed bile peritonitis. An exploratory laparotomy was performed and the gall bladder appeared inflamed with multiple perforations. A cholecystectomy was performed. The ferret recovered without complication. Bacteriological culture of the bile and gall bladder yielded a pure growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Histopathological analysis of the gall bladder and liver was consistent with a marked cholecystitis and cholangiohepatitis. On the basis of sensitivity testing, the ferret was treated with marbofloxacin for one month. No complications or reoccurrence were seen up to 1 year after the diagnosis. To the author's knowledge, this is the first report of bile peritonitis secondary to gall bladder rupture in a ferret.     

Obstructive cholelithiasis and gall bladder rupture in a dog

The literature on canine cholelithiasis is briefly reviewed. Details of a case of gall bladder rupture secondary to cholelithiasis in a six-year-old, neutered female, German shepherd dog are presented. The cholelith was found to be of amorphous composition and consisted of bilirubin and bile salts, with small amounts of calcium, phosphorus and cholesterol. These findings are compared with previous reports of canine choleliths.     

Gastrointestinal small-cell lymphoma with gall bladder involvement in a cat

A 13-year-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat presented for investigation of decreased appetite and increased serum liver enzyme concentrations. An abdominal ultrasound revealed multiple sessile hyperechoic structures along the luminal aspect of the gall bladder wall and a mildly enlarged liver with hyperechoic nodules. Cholecystectomy was performed and biopsies were obtained by laparotomy. Histopathologic examination with immunohistochemistry was consistent with a diagnosis of small-cell lymphoma of T cells within the gall bladder, liver and small intestine. Clonality testing confirmed the diagnosis. The cat remains clinically stable 23 months after institution of treatment with prednisolone, chlorambucil and ursodeoxycholic acid. This is the first report of small-cell lymphoma in the gall bladder of a cat.     

Priapism in a castrated cat associated with feline infectious peritonitis

This report describes a case of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in a castrated cat which first presented with the unusual sign of priapism. Laboratory examinations showed increased serum protein content and decreased albumin/globulin ratio. Serum electrophoresis revealed increased alpha 2- and gamma-globulin content. One month after the first examination, the cat died. At necropsy, histopathological evaluation of organs showed inflammatory granulomatous lesions compatible with non-effusive FIP and coronavirus-specific polymerase chain reaction confirmed the diagnosis. FIP antigen was demonstrated immunohistochemically in penile tissue.     

Papular cutaneous lesions in a cat associated with feline infectious peritonitis

A 7-month-old-intact male domestic shorthair cat was presented with fever, anterior uveitis in the right eye and respiratory distress when handled. These signs along with mild changes in serum protein levels and the exclusion of other potential causes were suggestive of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). As the disease progressed, more clinical signs consistent with FIP, including renal involvement and later pleural effusion, became evident. Non-pruritic cutaneous lesions, characterized by slightly raised intradermal papules over the dorsal neck and over both lateral thoracic walls, were recognized at the end stage of the disease. The identification of papules in well-haired skin was difficult, and clipping of the fur facilitated their detection. Definitive diagnosis of FIP was made by histopathology and by immunohistochemical demonstration of coronavirus antigen in macrophages within kidney and skin lesions. The case was classified as a mixed form of FIP. Recognition of associated cutaneous lesions may facilitate a diagnosis of FIP in suspicious cases.     

Neospora caninum associated with septic peritonitis in an adult dog

A 7-year-old, male neutered Rhodesian Ridgeback dog was referred to the University of California-Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital with a 4-month history of peritonitis and episodic abdominal discomfort, lethargy, and weakness. Marked abdominal distension with a prominent fluid wave was noted on physical examination. Cytologic analysis of the abdominal fluid indicated a septic exudate with mixed bacteria and many protozoal zoites. Differentials for the identity of the protozoal zoites included Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis neurona, and Neospora caninum. Indirect latex agglutination antigen testing, standard indirect fluorescent antibody testing, and PCR analysis were performed to identify the zoites. The dog's serum antibody titer for N caninum tachyzoites was 1:20,480, known polysera to N caninum reacted against zoites in the abdominal fluid, and PCR analysis of the abdominal fluid was positive for the presence of a known gene of N caninum. Based on the morphologic, immunologic, and molecular findings, the zoites were identified as N caninum. It remains unclear how the tachyzoites gained access to the peritoneal cavity. To the authors' knowledge, there are no reports of free N caninum in abdominal fluid of any species.     

Rectal prolapse associated with urinary bladder neoplasia in a cat

A case of feline rectal prolapse which appeared to be secondary to transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is described. The cat was reported to be incontinent and treatment was declined by the owners. Euthanasia was performed and necropsy revealed an extensive nodular thickening of the entire urinary bladder wall. A diagnosis of urinary bladder transitional cell carcinoma was made on histopathological examination.     

Successful management of jejunojejunal anastomosis dehiscence by extra-abdominal exteriorization and bandaging in a cat with septic peritonitis

Duodenal and jejunal resections were performed in a cat with septic peritonitis due to small intestinal perforations by a linear foreign body. Three days later jejunal resection and anastomosis were repeated due to dehiscence of the anastomosis site. This segment of intestine was exteriorized through the body wall and managed with bandages for 5 days before it was surgically replaced into the abdomen. The cat made a full recovery.     

Renal pelvic rupture,intrapelvic haematoma and retroperitoneal haemorrhage associated with obstructive ureterolithiasis in a cat

A neutered female cat presented with a 9-day history of hyporexia and depression. The referring veterinarian had identified moderate non-regenerative anaemia, haematuria and suspected unilateral obstructive ureterolithiasis. Subsequent ultrasonography revealed moderate distension of the left renal pelvis with echogenic material, ureteral distension and ureterolithiasis. A partial ureteral obstruction was suspected. After 4 days of medical management, there was further distension of the renal pelvis with well-delineated echogenic material and an accumulation of perinephric fluid. A left nephroureterectomy was performed. Renal pelvic rupture with intrapelvic haematoma and retroperitoneal haemorrhage was confirmed by histopathology. Eighteen months following surgery, the cat remained clinically well with normal renal values.     

Nocardial peritonitis in a cat

Objective To illustrate a successfully managed case of nocardial peritonitis in a cat.
Design Case report.
Animal An 8 year old neutered male Burmese cat presented for nonspecific signs of depression, anorexia, pallor and mild dehydration. Pyrexia, loss of weight and abdominal distension developed despite treatment with amoxycillin-clavulanate and supportive therapy.
Procedure Various medical and surgical procedures were used.
Results Haematology revealed severe inflammatory left shift. Biochemistry showed mild prerenal azotemia. A "ground glass" appearance to the abdomen was seen on radiographs. Fluid collected by abdominocentesis contained "sulphur granules" and had characteristics of a septic exudate. Laparotomy allowed drainage of peritoneal fluid and extensive lavage of the peritoneal cavity. Culture of the fluid revealed Nocardia sp. Sensitivity testing resulted in a change of antimicrobial therapy to trimethoprim-sulphadiazine.
Conclusion Response to surgical drainage and change in antibacterial therapy was excellent. No toxic side effects were encountered during the 3 months course of trimethoprim-sulphonamide. The cat made a complete recovery.     

Retroflexion of the urinary bladder associated with a perineal hernia in a female cat

A case of retroflexion of the urinary bladder into a bilateral perineal hernia in a female domestic shorthaired cat, three weeks postpartum, is reported. The bladder was repositioned and a cystopexy performed. A pelvic ostectomy was also carried out in order to alleviate the narrowing of the pelvic canal caused by an untreated acetabular fracture. Bilateral perineal herniorrhaphy was performed.     

Pericardial effusion in a cat with feline infectious peritonitis

This case report describes the disease progression of a male cat with pericardial effusion. Clinical signs (dyspnea, lethargy, and weakness) started very acutely. The initial laboratory profile showed only an increase in alanine aminotransferase enzyme activity. Diagnostic imaging revealed pericardial effusion. Effusion analysis showed a Rivalta-positive, modified transudate. Detection of feline coronavirus antigen in macrophages was negative. General condition and laboratory parameters dramatically worsened within seven days. Therefore, the owners decided to euthanize the cat. Even if effusion variables are macroscopically and microscopically suspicious for FIP, a definitive diagnosis of FIP could only be made by histology (including immunhistochemical staining).