Use and perception of collars for companion cats in New Zealand

AIMS: To investigate the use and utility of collars for companion cats in New Zealand, and to explore public perception of collar use.

METHODS: An online questionnaire was distributed using emails and social media to members of the general public in New Zealand. The questionnaire collected details of respondents, cat ownership status, and responses to a number of questions regarding collar use in cats.

RESULTS: A total of 511 responses were collected. Of these, 393/511 (76.9%) reported owning ≥1 cat at the time of the survey, and 141/393 (35.9%) stated that ≥1 of their cats wore collars and 211/393 (53.7%) had ≥1 of their cats micro-chipped. Of the respondents with a pet cat, 351/393 (89.3%) allowed their cats some outdoor access. Respondents mainly used collars for identification and to reduce predation. Reasons for not using collars included cat intolerance of collars, repeated collar loss and concern over collar safety. Differences were found between cat owners and non-owners regarding whether they agreed that cats were important for pest control (43 vs. 25%, p<0.001); that not all cats will tolerate collars (81 vs. 64%, p<0.001); that cats should be kept indoors at night (37 vs. 58%, p<0.001); or disagreed that well fed cats will not catch birds (60 vs. 70%, p=0.04); and disagreed that a cat without a collar was likely to be a stray (85 vs. 76%, p<0.001). Respondents most trusted veterinarians and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as sources of pet care information.

CONCLUSIONS: Collar use within this sample of cat owners in New Zealand appeared to be low, with more using microchips for identification. The majority of cat owners in this study indicated their cats had some outdoor access, with collars being used for cat identification and to reduce hunting behaviour. Significant differences existed in opinions on cat management between cat owners and non-owners in this study. It should be noted that this preliminary exploration was based on a self-selected group of respondents and so results and conclusions cannot be extrapolated to the wider population.

RELEVANCE: As the most trusted source of information about pet care, an enhanced understanding of cat ownership and management may be of use to veterinarians to promote responsible pet ownership and to develop national policies and practices to improve cat welfare.     

Spirometra erinacei / S. erinaceieuropaei in a feral cat in Manawatu with chronic intermittent diarrhoea

CASE HISTORY: A feral cat captured in the Manawatu region of New Zealand was treated for worms and fleas, and kept confined in a metabolic cage. It showed good appetite and weight gain but had intermittent watery, yellow diarrhoea.

CLINICAL FINDINGS: Clinical examination under sedation was unremarkable and routine blood tests showed no significant abnormalities. The cat was negative for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). Different canned cat foods did not alter the course of the diarrhoea, and the cat was euthanised 6 months after capture. At necropsy, two sections of adult Spirometra tapeworms were found in the jejunum and typical Spirometra eggs were found in colonic contents. Molecular identification of the parasite was undertaken, using the cytochrome- c oxidase subunit-1 gene (cox1) sequence.

DIAGNOSIS: Chronic intermittent diarrhoea associated with Spirometra erinacei / S. erinaceieuropaei infection.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Spirometra has not been reported in New Zealand before but has been associated with gastrointestinal disease in cats in other parts of the world. It requires speciestargeted treatment to be eliminated effectively, and is zoonotic. Diagnosis could be diffi cult for clinicians who are not familiar with the parasite and its life cycle.     

In vitro glucuronidation of the angiotensin II receptor antagonist telmisartan in the cat: a comparison with other species

Ebner, T., Schänzle, G., Weber, W., Sent, U., Elliott, J. In vitro glucuronidation of the angiotensin II receptor antagonist telmisartan in the cat: a comparison with other species. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap.  36 , 154–160. Glucuronidation of telmisartan comprises nearly its entire metabolic clearance in several mammalian species including human. However, data were lacking for the cat, a species noted for its inability to glucuronidate some drugs. Therefore, the glucuronidation of telmisartan was investigated using feline liver microsomes and compared to liver microsomes of rats, dogs, and human, intestinal human microsomes and cell lines expressing human UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases (UGT). Incubation of telmisartan with cat liver microsomes readily yielded telmisartan glucuronide, and pooled (N = 3 for each gender) cat liver microsomes even showed the highest glucuronidation rate (cat > dog >> human > rat). Michaelis Menten kinetics were observed with K_m of 7.5 and 10 μm and V_max of 3.9 and 3.3 nmol/min/mg for male and female cats, respectively. Confirming the in vitro data, telmisartan glucuronide was detected as the major circulating metabolite in cat plasma. To elucidate which UGT enzymes are involved, telmisartan was incubated with cell lines expressing human UGTs. The highest glucuronidation activity was observed for UGT1A8, UGT1A7, and UGT1A9. In conclusion, telmisartan was effectively glucuronidated in cats. Defects of the UGT1A6 gene in cats do not affect the glucuronidation of telmisartan as it is not a substrate of human UGT1A6.     

Analysis of cat retina for dopamine,dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, 3-methoxytyramine and homovanillic acid

Twenty retinas from 10 cats were evaluted for dopamine (DA) and its metabolites dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT) and homovanillic acid (HVA) by high pressure liquid chromatography and electrochemical detection. Dopamine was present in all 20 retinas at a mean concentration of 3.00±0.54 ng/mg protein. Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, 3-MT and HVA were detected in 16, 14 and 9 retinas respectively.In retinas in which these metabolites were detectable, they were present in the following mean concentrations: DOPAC, 1.07±0.21 ng/mg protein; 3-MT, 3.44±0.97 ng/mg protein and HVA, 4.54±1.05 ng/mg protein. Significantly higher concentrations of 3-MT (p=0.0108, paired t test) and HVA (p=0.0166, paired t test) than DOPAC were present in cat retina. Linear correlation analysis between DA and its metabolites indicated that the 3-MT and DOPAC concentrations correlated well with each other and with the amount of DA in cat retina. The concentrations of the end product metabolite, HVA, had poor correlations with the concentrations of 3-MT, DOPAC or DA. These data indicated that once DA is released in cat retina it can be metabolized to 3-MT, DOPAC and HVA.     

P‐59 Three cases of opportunistic dermatoses associated with internal diseases in cats

Opportunistic dermatoses can occur in case of immunosuppressive diseases. The first case was a 12‐year‐old domestic short‐haired cat suffering from diabetes with a phaeohyphomycosis due to Scytalidium spp.associated with cutaneous hemangiosarcoma. A painless and ulcerated nodule was observed on a digit with fistulous tracts over the metatarsal joint. Histopathological examination of the nodule revealed a hemangiosarcoma in which brownish fungal colonies were found. Itraconazole (5 mg/kg twice daily), then amputation, allowed 12 months of survival (pulmonary metastases). The second case concerned a 13‐year‐old Siamese cat with cheyletiellosisassociated with spontaneous Cushing's disease and diabetes mellitus. This cat exhibited scales and miliary dermatitis on the trunk associated with polyuria, polydipsia and a pot‐belly. Acetate tape impression showed Cheyletiella blakei mites and eggs. Blood analysis revealed diabetes mellitus and spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism. The owner refused treatment. The third case was a 14‐year‐old domestic short‐haired cat with generalized demodicosis associated with iatrogenic Cushing's disease and diabetes mellitus. Long‐acting glucocorticoids had been used for treatment of plasma cell stomatitis for 5 years. This cat exhibited erythema, scales, self‐induced alopecia, thin skin and moderate pruritus associated with polyuria and polydipsia. Cutaneous lesions principally developed on the abdomen and flanks. Skin scrapings and trichogram showed numerous Demodex cati mites. Routine blood work demonstrated diabetes mellitus and iatrogenic Cushing's disease. Treatment was based on insulin therapy, milbemycin oxime (1 mg/kg once daily) and chlorambucil (0.2 mg/kg once daily). The demodicosis was cured after 4 months, but the cat died of cutaneous and ocular herpesvirus infection 10 months later. Funding: Self‐funded.     

Molecular characterization of Hepatozoon species in a Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) from Thailand

Abstract: Hepatozoon gamonts were observed by light microscopy in neutrophils of a male, wild‐caught Leopard Cat. Complete blood counts at presentation and 6 months later were unremarkable. Serologic tests were negative for both FIV and FeLV. A partial sequence of the 18S rRNA gene from the Hepatozoon found in the cat indicated that, compared with all species examined, the protozoan had the closest relationship (99.2% sequence similarity) with the Hepatozoon of the water python (Stegonotus cucullatus). The cat was clinically healthy at last report. Although Hepatozoon has been found in another wild cat in Thailand, this is the first report in a Leopard Cat. The pathogenicity of Hepatozoon in these cats remains uncertain.     

Effects of Serum-Free Culture Media on in vitro Development of Domestic Cat Embryos Following In Vitro Maturation and Fertilization

This study was conducted to determine the adequate medium for a serum‐free culture system of domestic cat embryos produced by in vitro maturation (IVM) and fertilization (IVF). Cumulusoocyte complexes recovered from cat ovaries were matured in vitro for 24 h, and then inseminated in vitro for 12 h. After insemination, the oocytes were cultured in five media [Ham's F10, Waymouth 752/1 (Waymouth), TCM199, modified Earle's balanced salt solution (MK‐1) and CR1aa], each of which contained 0.4% bovine serum albumin. There were no significant differences among the rates of fertilization of oocytes cultured in five media following IVF. The rate of oocytes/embryos developed to at least the morula stage was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in Waymouth than in MK‐1, TCM199 and CR1aa. Moreover, none of the embryos cultured in Ham's F10 and Waymouth developed to the blastocyst stage. There were no differences among the rates of development to the blastocyst stage of oocytes/embryos cultured in MK‐1, TCM199 and CR1aa. These results indicate that the type of serum‐free medium has a major impact on in vitro development of domestic cat embryos derived from IVM/IVF, and MK‐1, TCM199 and CR1aa media are suitable for in vitro culture of cat embryos in a serum‐free culture system.     

Effects of clopidogrel therapy on whole blood platelet aggregation,the Plateletworks® assay and coagulation parameters in cats with asymptomatic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a pilot study

Background: Although scientific evidence is limited, clopidogrel is frequently used as prophylaxis for arterial thromboembolism in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Objectives: Evaluating effects of clopidogrel therapy in asymptomatic cats with HCM on (1) conventional whole blood aggregation (WBA), (2) alternative platelet aggregation assessed with tubes of the Plateletworks® assay and (3) standard coagulation parameters.

Animals and methods: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Fourteen asymptomatic HCM cats were randomly allocated to receive placebo (n = 5) or clopidogrel (18.75 mg/cat q24h, n = 9) as part of a larger study. Aggregation responses (to 20 µM adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and 10 µg/ml collagen) in WBA and the Plateletworks® assay and standard coagulation parameters were evaluated at baseline and after seven days of therapy.

Results: Clopidogrel therapy significantly reduced aggregation responses to ADP and collagen in the Plateletworks® agonists tubes (ADP and collagen: P < 0.001), but did not significantly reduce aggregation responses to ADP and collagen in the WBA technique (ADP: P = 0.07, collagen: P = 0.30). Clopidogrel therapy did not show a significant effect on prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, antithrombin, D-dimers and fibrinogen concentrations.

Conclusion and clinical importance: Clopidogrel therapy at a dose of 18.75 mg/cat q24h for seven days causes a significant decrease in in vitro platelet aggregation evaluated with the Plateletworks® assay, without affecting standard coagulation parameters in cats with asymptomatic HCM.     

In vitro and ex vivo inhibition of COX isoforms by robenacoxib in the cat: a comparative study

Schmid, V.B., Seewald, W., Lees, P., King, J.N. In vitro and ex vivo inhibition of COX isoforms by robenacoxib in the cat: a comparative study. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 33 , 444–452. Robenacoxib is a novel nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) developed for use in companion animals. Whole blood assays were used to characterize in the cat the pharmacodynamics of robenacoxib for inhibition of the cyclooxygenase (COX) isoforms, COX‐1 and COX‐2, in comparison with other NSAIDs. Based on in vitro IC₅₀COX‐1:IC₅₀COX‐2 ratios, robenacoxib was COX‐2 selective (ratio = 32.2), diclofenac (ratio = 3.9) and meloxicam (ratio = 2.7) were only weakly COX‐2 preferential, and ketoprofen (ratio = 0.049) was COX‐1 selective. In an in vivo pharmacokinetic ex vivo pharmacodynamic study, after both p.o. (1–2 mg/kg) and subcutaneous (2 mg/kg) dosing, robenacoxib achieved peak blood concentrations rapidly (T_max = 1 h for both administration routes) and was cleared from blood relatively rapidly (mean residence time was 1.70 h after p.o. and 1.79 h after subcutaneous dosing). In ex vivo COX isoform inhibition assays, orally (1–2 mg/kg) or subcutaneously (2 mg/kg) administered robenacoxib significantly inhibited COX‐2, with a relatively short duration of action in the central compartment, and had no effect on COX‐1. Therefore robenacoxib was COX‐2 selective and spared COX‐1 in vivo. In contrast, meloxicam (0.3 mg/kg via subcutaneous injection) inhibited both COX‐1 and COX‐2 isoforms significantly for at least 24 h, indicating nonselectivity in vivo.     

Excretion mass balance evaluation,metabolite profile analysis and metabolite identification in plasma and excreta after oral administration of [14C]‐meloxicam to the male cat: preliminary study

Grudé, P., Guittard, J., Garcia, C., Daoulas, I., Thoulon, F., Ebner, T. Excretion mass balance evaluation, metabolite profile analysis and metabolite identification in plasma and excreta after oral administration of [¹⁴C]‐meloxicam to the male cat: preliminary study. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. doi: 10.1111/j.1365‐2885.2010.01157.x. The objective of this study was to investigate the metabolic pathways and routes of excretion of oral meloxicam in the cat. [¹⁴C]‐meloxicam was administered orally to three fasted male cats. Urine, faeces, vomit and cage washes were collected over the following 144 h period. Blood was collected predosing and at 3 and 12 h postdosing. Metabolites were identified by HPLC/MS/MS. When possible a metabolic structure was proposed for each metabolite detected. Only unchanged meloxicam was identified in plasma. Five major metabolites were detected in urine and four in faeces, which were identified by HPLC/MS/MS as products of oxidative metabolism. No conjugated metabolites were detected. Elimination occurred early (61% during the first 48 h). A total of 21% of the recovered dose was eliminated in urine (2% as unchanged meloxicam, 19% as metabolites) and 79% in the faeces (49% as unchanged meloxicam, 30% as metabolites). The results indicate that after oral administration the major route of excretion of meloxicam in the cat is faecal and that the main pathway of biotransformation of meloxicam in the cat is oxidation.     

Suspected clostridial myositis in a domestic cat

Extract

Sir:- A long-haired domestic cat. aged two years, appeared normal when fed by the owner, at 9.00am. At 3.00pm the cat arrived home walking on three legs. The other leg appeared very painful. The owner brought the cat to the clinic immediately as she thought it has been hit by a car.     

Q Fever (Coxiella burnetii) Knowledge and Attitudes of Australian Cat Breeders and Their Husbandry Practices

A Q fever outbreak in a small animal veterinary hospital, associated with a cat caesarean section, initiated a cat seroprevalence study (n = 712) that found circulating antibodies to Coxiella burnetii was highest in cattery‐confined breeding cats (9.3%). These findings stimulated interest about potential sources of C. burnetii infection for cats and humans associated with cats. Cat breeders are potentially a group at increased risk of C. burnetii infection, and this study sought to identify potential risk factors. A cross‐sectional online survey was conducted targeting all domestic cat breeders registered with an affiliate member body in Australia in 2015. Responses from 177 cat breeders across Australia were analysed. Forty per cent of responding cat breeders had not heard of Q fever. Raw meat was fed as an integral constituent of the diet by 89% of respondents. Eighty per cent of respondents allowed queens access to the home for parturition, and assistance of queens and resuscitation of kittens at the time of birth were reported by 97% of respondents. Respondents who perceived some level of exposure to Q fever through their breeding activities were three times less likely to perform mouth‐to‐snout resuscitation (OR 0.3 95% CI 0.1–0.9; P = 0.034) than those who did not perceive a risk of exposure. Similarly, respondents who perceived Q fever as a risk through breeding activities were close to eight times more likely to use personal protective equipment during parturition (OR 7.7 95% CI 1.5–39.9; P = 0.015) than those who did not. Husbandry practices of cat breeders that may increase the risk of C. burnetii transmission require further targeted investigations to assess the contribution of these risk factors to the acquisition of disease. Concurrent education forums are recommended to inform Australian cat breeders of the aetiopathogenesis of Q fever.     

Clinical,metabolic, and genetic characterization of hereditary methemoglobinemia caused by cytochrome b5 reductase deficiency in cats

Two non‐pedigreed male castrated cats had persistent cyanosis over a 3‐year observation period. Clinical cardiopulmonary evaluations did not reveal abnormalities, but the blood remained dark after exposure to air. Erythrocytic methemoglobin concentrations were high (~40% of hemoglobin) and cytochrome b₅ reductase (CYB5R) activities in erythrocytes were low (≤15% of control). One cat remained intolerant of exertion, and the other cat developed anemia and died due to an unidentified comorbidity. Whole‐genome sequencing revealed a homozygous c.625G>A missense variant (B4:137967506) and a c.232‐1G>C splice acceptor variant (B4:137970815) in CYB5R3, respectively, which were absent in 193 unaffected additional cats. The p.Gly209Ser missense variant likely disrupts a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)‐binding domain, while the splicing error occurs at the acceptor site for exon 4, which likely affects downstream translation of the protein. The 2 novel CYB5R3 variants were associated with methemoglobinemia using clinical, biochemical, genomics, and in silico protein studies. The variant prevalence is unknown in the cat population.     

Metabolizable energy intake of client‐owned adult cats

A retrospective analysis of the metabolizable energy (ME) intake of privately owned pet cats from the authors’ nutrition consultation practice (years 2007–2011) was carried out to test whether current recommendations are suitable for pet cats. Data of 80 adult cats (median age: 9.0 years, median deviation from ideal weight: +22.5%, majority neutered) at maintenance were available. Six percentage of the cats were healthy and the others were affected by various chronic diseases. A standardized questionnaire was used, cat owners weighed cat and food. For ration calculation, the software Diet Check Munich^? was used (ME prediction according to National Research Council, 2006: Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academy Press, Washington, DC). Data were analysed for the factors deviation from ideal weight, breed, age, gender, disease and type of feeding [prepared food (dry, wet) vs. home‐made]. Over‐ or underweight were defined as ≥15% deviation from ideal body weight (BW) according to Kienzle and Moik (British Journal of Nutrition 2011, 106, Suppl 1: S113). Cat owner's estimation of ideal BW was higher than literature data from Kienzle and Moik (2011). Based on literature data, 26.3% of the pet cats were normal weight, 63.7% overweight and 10% underweight. The mean ME intake of all adult cats amounted to 0.40 ± 0.14 MJ/kg actual BW^0.67 (n = 80). When the data were analysed according to normal, over‐ and underweight, there was a significant effect with normal weight cats eating 0.46 MJ/kg BW^0.67. Underweight cats ate even more (0.49 MJ/kg BW^0.67), whereas overweight cats ate considerably less (0.36 MJ/kg BW^0.67). The other factors had no influence on ME intake of adult cats.     

Suspected Bartonella-associated myocarditis and supraventricular tachycardia in a cat

A 4-year old female spayed domestic short hair cat presented for evaluation of a tachyarrhythmia identified on routine physical examination. Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) was identified on electrocardiogram (ECG). Echocardiogram failed to identify any structural heart disease. A positive Bartonella antibody titer was identified on serological evaluation. The cat received anti-arrhythmics for control of the SVT and azithromycin for Bartonella. After completion of antibiotic therapy, a four-fold decrease in the Bartonella antibody titer was measured and the cat was eventually weaned off anti-arrhythmic medications. At 1 week, 1 month and 3 month re-checks off all therapy, no SVT was identified.     

Cell cycle synchronization and analysis of apoptosis‐related gene in skin fibroblasts from domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) and kodkod (Leopardus guigna)

The kodkod population is in constant decrease and the somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) might help to preserve the genetic pool of this species. The cell cycle synchronization of donor cells plays a crucial role in SCNT. The objective of this research was to evaluate two different methods for quiescence induction, serum starvation (SS) and contact inhibition (CI), both for 1, 3 and 5 days, on skin fibroblast from domestic cat and kodkod. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that in domestic cat, SS and CI, both at 3 and 5 days, increased the percentage of fibroblasts in G0/G1 compared to growing cells (GC) (p < .05). In kodkod, only SS for 3 and 5 days and CI for 1 and 3 days increased the percentage of fibroblasts in G0/G1 compared to GC (p < .05). Viability analysis by differential staining revealed that SS for 5 days decreased the proportion of live fibroblasts in domestic cat and kodkod (p < .05). Regarding gene expression analysis, in domestic cat fibroblasts, no differences were found in the BAX/BCL2 ratio in SS and CI (both at 1, 3 and 5 days) compared to GC. In kodkod fibroblasts, BAX/BCL2 ratio was increased in CI at 3 and 5 days compared to SS at 3 and 5 days (p < .05). In conclusion, in kodkod fibroblasts SS for 5 days and CI after 3 days might have a negative impact on cellular viability. According to these results, we suggest SS for 3 days for cell cycle synchronization in kodkod fibroblasts.     

Identification of Rickettsia felis in fleas but not ticks on stray cats and dogs and the evidence of Rickettsia rhipicephali only in adult stage of Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides

Rickettsia spp. are zoonotic pathogens and mainly transmitted by various arthropod vectors, such as fleas, ticks, and lice. Previous epidemiological studies indicated that ectoparasites infested on dogs or cats may be infected by Rickettsia spp., and transmit them to human beings accidentally. In this study, the prevalence of Rickettsia infection was evaluated using fleas and ticks from stray dogs and cats in Taiwan. A total of 158 pools made by 451 cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) from 37 dogs and 4 cats were used for analysis. Besides, 386 Rhipicephalus ticks collected from the other 62 stray dogs were included in this study. Nymphal and adult ticks were individually analyzed but larvae were separated into 21 pools for molecular detection. Partial sequencing analysis of the gltA gene was applied for Rickettsia identification. The results showed that 44.3% (70/158) of the cat flea pools were harboring Rickettsia DNA. Although 6.9% (13/187) of adult ticks were infected with Rickettsia, neither larval pools nor nymphal ticks were found to contain Rickettsia DNA. According to the results of sequencing analyses, all Rickettsia PCR-positive cat flea pools were infected with R. felis, and all Rickettsia PCR-positive adult ticks were infected with R. rhipicephali. The results of this study demonstrated that C. felis but not Rhipicephlus sanguineus (the brown dog tick) and Rh. haemaphysaloides collected from stray animals in Taiwan could be infected the zoonotic pathogen R. felis. Moreover, R. rhipicephali was only identified in adult stage of Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Rh. haemaphysaloides.     

An insight into population structure and gene flow within pure‐bred cats

Investigation of genetic structure on the basis of pedigree information requires indicators adapted to the specific context of the populations studied. On the basis of pedigree‐based estimates of diversity, we analysed genetic diversity, mating practices and gene flow among eight cat populations raised in France, five of them being single breeds and three consisting of breed groups with varieties that may interbreed. When computed on the basis of coancestry rate, effective population sizes ranged from 127 to 1406, while the contribution of founders from other breeds ranged from 0.7 to 16.4%. In the five breeds, F_IS ranged between 0.96 and 1.83%, with this result being related to mating practices such as close inbreeding (on average 5% of individuals being inbred within two generations). Within the three groups of varieties studied, F_IT ranged from 1.59 to 3%, while values were estimated between 0.04 and 0.91%, which was linked to various amounts of gene exchanges between subpopulations at the parental level. The results indicate that cat breeds constitute populations submitted to low selection intensity, contrasting with relatively high individual inbreeding level caused by close inbreeding practices.     

Nodular presentation of Dirofilaria repens infection in a cat mimicking a fibrosarcoma

A cat with multiple subcutaneous nodules suggesting a soft tissue sarcoma by physical and computed tomographic examination was diagnosed as being affected by subcutaneous filariosis based on cytologic and ultrasonographic assessments. Nodules were surgically removed and extracted nematodes were identified by PCR as Dirofilaria repens. Furthermore, DNA of Dipetalonema dracunculoides (syn. Acantocheilonema dracunculoides) was detected by PCR, with no evidence of circulating microfilariae. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this represents the first report describing adults of D repens in multiple subcutaneous nodules in a cat. Cytopathologic examination allowed characterization of the parasitic nature of the nodules. Veterinary practitioners should be aware of the possible nodular presentation of D repens in cats and should include D repens in the differential diagnosis of subcutaneous neoformations in the cat.