Middle ear tumours with brainstem extension treated by ventral bulla osteotomy and craniectomy in two cats

Two geriatric domestic shorthaired cats (DSH) were treated surgically with a ventral bulla osteotomy and craniectomy for middle ear tumours that invaded the calvarium. Both cats had a history of vestibular disease. One cat had a normal neurological examination. Both cats underwent computed tomographic imaging of the head. After intravenous injection of an iodinated contrast material, one cat had a ring‐enhancing intracranial lesion and the other had a uniform contrast‐enhancing intracranial lesion, which either communicated with the bulla or was associated with bulla osseous lysis/production. One cat had a papillary adenoma and the other had an adenocarcinoma. Both cats had prolonged survivals (630 days; alive and lost to follow‐up at 840 days), which is longer than reported in cats with middle ear neoplasia. Craniectomy, in addition to ventral bulla osteotomy, may be part of the treatment plan for middle ear tumours that invade the calvarium.     

Sequelae of ventral rhinotomy in dogs and cats with inflammatory and neoplastic nasal pathology: a retrospective study.

The medical records of 58 patients that had undergone ventral rhinotomies were reviewed to determine the long-term outcome and sequelae of this procedure. The signalment, history, and postoperative survival of these patients were found to be similar to other reports in the literature. The deaths of 2 cats immediately postoperatively were attributed to the use of carotid artery tourniquets. Postoperative complications included 1 oronasal fistula, and a persistent mucopurulent or serous discharge in 76% of the patients that had a primary rhinitis before surgery. Ventral rhinotomy was useful as a diagnostic modality for the removal of foreign material and the curettage of focal lesions, and it may be useful in the palliation of nasal tumors in cats.     

Assessment of the neurologic effects of dietary deficiencies of phenylalanine and tyrosine in cats

OBJECTIVE: To determine the neurologic effects of reduced intake of phenylalanine and tyrosine in black-haired cats. ANIMALS: 53 specific pathogen-free black domestic shorthair cats. PROCEDURE: Cats were fed purified diets containing various concentrations of phenylalanine and tyrosine for < or = 9 months. Blood samples were obtained every 2 months for evaluation of serum aromatic amino acid concentrations. Cats were monitored for changes in hair color and neurologic or behavioral abnormalities. Three cats with neurologic deficits underwent clinical and electrophysiologic investigation; muscle and nerve biopsy specimens were also obtained from these cats. RESULTS: After 6 months, neurologic and behavioral abnormalities including vocalization and abnormal posture and gait were observed in cats that had received diets containing < 16 g of total aromatic amino acid/kg of diet. Electrophysiologic data and results of microscopic examination of muscle and nerve biopsy specimens from 3 cats with neurologic signs were consistent with sensory neuropathy with primary axonal degeneration. Changes in hair color were detected in cats from all groups receiving < 16 g of phenylalanine plus tyrosine/kg of diet. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggested that chronic dietary restriction of phenylalanine and tyrosine in cats may result in a predominantly sensory neuropathy. In cats, the long-term nutritional requirement for phenylalanine and tyrosine appears to be greater for normal neurologic function than that required in short-term growth experiments. Official present-day recommendations for dietary phenylalanine and tyrosine in cats may be insufficient to support normal long-term neurologic function.     

Characterization of the anemia of inflammatory disease in cats with abscesses, pyothorax, or fat necrosis

The purpose of this study was to describe the anemia of inflammatory disease (AID) in cats with naturally-occurring inflammatory diseases, such as abscesses (n = 12), pyothorax (n = 6), and fat necrosis (n = 3). Exclusion criteria were positive FeLV/FIV tests, neoplasia, nephro-, hepato- or endocrinopathies, and blood loss anemia. CBC, clinical biochemistry, measurements of serum erythropoietin, iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin, acute phase proteins, erythrocytic osmotic fragility (OF), and Coombs' tests were performed. A decrease in hematocrit of 1-28% (median, 10%) occurred within 3-16 days (median, 8 days). The anemia was mild (n = 11), moderate (n = 8), or severe (n = 2). In most cases it was normocytic normochromic, non-regenerative (n = 18), or mildly regenerative (n = 3). Sixteen cats had leukocytosis and 5 mild hyperbilirubinemia. The Coombs' test results were negative for 8 cats and positive for 1 cat. OF was increased in 2 out of 14 cats. Hypoalbuminemia (n = 18) and hyperglobulinemia (n = 16) resulted in a lowered albumin/globulin-ratio in 19 cats. Iron and TIBC were low in 2/19 and 6 /19 cats, respectively. The ferritin concentrations were normal in 7 cats and increased in 12 cats. The acute phase proteins alpha1-acid-glycoprotein and haptoglobin were increased in 14/14 and 13/14 cats, respectively. Erythropoietin was normal (n = 4), mildly increased (n = 7) or severely increased (1). Two cats were euthanized due to their underlying disease, 3 cats needed blood transfusions. AID in cats is usually mild to moderate, non-regenerative, and normocytic normochromic. It can be clinically relevant causing severe and transfusion-dependent anemia. AID seems to be multifactorial with evidence of iron sequestration, decreased RBC survival, and insufficient erythropoietin production and bone marrow response. Specific and supportive therapy, including transfusions, can reverse these processes.     

Cholesterol granuloma associated with otitis media and destruction of the tympanic bulla in a dog

An 8-year-old, male neutered Irish Setter was presented with a 2-week history of pain upon opening the mouth and chronic otitis externa. Computed tomography examination revealed destruction of the left tympanic bulla with a soft-tissue density within the remains of the tympanic cavity. Cytology of aspirates collected from tissue adjacent to the tympanic bulla revealed suppurative inflammation and bacteria. A ventral bulla osteotomy was performed. Histopathology of granulation tissue within the remains of the tympanic cavity was diagnostic of cholesterol granuloma.     

Anaesthetic,analgesic and cardiorespiratory effects of intramuscular medetomidine‐ketamine combination alone or with morphine or tramadol for orchiectomy in cats

ObjectivesTo compare the anaesthetic, analgesic and cardiorespiratory effects of intramuscular (IM) medetomidine and ketamine administered alone or combined with morphine or tramadol, for orchiectomy in cats.Study designRandomised, blinded, prospective clinical study.AnimalsThirty client-owned cats.Materials and methodsCats (n = 10 in each group) received a combination of medetomidine (60 μgkg^?1) and ketamine (10 mg kg^?1) alone (MedK); combined with morphine (0.2 mg kg^?1) (MedKM), or combined with tramadol (2 mg kg^?1) (MedKT) IM. Time of induction, surgical and recovery events were recorded, and physiological parameters measured and recorded. Analgesia was evaluated with a visual analogue scale, a composite scoring system and the von Frey mechanical threshold device, every hour from three to eight hours post-drug administration injection. Data were analyzed with a linear mixed model, Kruskal–Wallis or Chi-square tests (p < 0.05).ResultsMedian (IQR) induction and recovery times (minutes) were not significantly (p = 0.125) different between groups: 5.6 (2.7–8.0), 7.4 (5.1–9.6) and 8.0 (5.8–14.9) for induction and 128.5 (95.1–142.8), 166.4 (123.1–210.0) and 142.9 (123.4–180.2) for recovery, with MedK, MedKT and MedKM, respectively. Two cats (MedKM) required alfaxalone for endotracheal intubation. In all groups, three or four cats required additional isoflurane for surgery. Arterial oxygen tension overall (mean ± SD: 66 ± 2 mmHg) was low. Surgery resulted in increased systolic arterial blood pressure (p < 0.001), haemoglobin saturation (p < 0.001), respiratory (p = 0.003) and heart rates (p = 0.002). Pain scores did not differ significantly between groups. Von Frey responses decreased over time; changes over time varied by treatment (p < 0.001), MedK returning to baseline values more rapidly than MedKM and MedKT. No cat required rescue analgesics.Conclusion and clinical relevanceAll three protocols can provide adequate anaesthesia and analgesia for orchiectomy in cats. However, rescue intervention to maintain surgical anaesthesia may be required in some cats. Oxygen supplementation is advised.     

Risk of removal and effects on milk production associated with paratuberculosis status in dairy cows

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects on production and risk of removal related to Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis (MAP) infection at the individual animal level in dairy cattle. DESIGN: Longitudinal study. ANIMALS: 7,879 dairy cows from 38 herds in 16 states. PROCEDURE: A subset of dairy cattle operations that participated in the National Animal Health Monitoring System Dairy 2002 study was evaluated via a serum ELISA for antibodies against MAP and categorized according to ELISA score. Dairy Herd Improvement Association records were obtained to collect current and historical lactation data and removal (ie, culling) information. Production variables were evaluated on the basis of serum ELISA category. RESULTS: Cows with strong positive results had mature equivalent (ME) 305-day milk production, ME 305-day maximum milk production, and total lifetime milk production that were significantly lower than cows in other categories. No differences were observed for ME 305-day fat and protein percentages, age, lactation, and lactation mean linear somatic cell count score between cows with strong positive results and those with negative results. After accounting for lactation number and relative herd-level milk production, cows with strong positive results were significantly more likely to have been removed by 1 year after testing. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Without management changes designed to reduce the farm-level prevalence of MAP infection, paratuberculosis will continue to reduce farm income by decreasing milk production and potentially increasing premature removal from the herd.     

Effect of tympanic cavity evacuation and flushing on microbial isolates during total ear canal ablation with lateral bulla osteotomy in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate differences in bacterial numbers, identity, and susceptibility in samples obtained from the tympanic cavity on entry (preflush) and after evacuation and lavage (postflush) and assess perioperative and empiric antimicrobial selection in dogs that underwent total ear canal ablation (TECA) with lateral bulla osteotomy (LBO) or reoperation LBO. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: 34 dogs. PROCEDURE: TECA with LBO or reoperation LBO was performed on 47 ears. Pre- and postflush aerobic and anaerobic samples were obtained from the tympanic cavity. Isolates and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were compared. RESULTS: Different isolates (31/44 [70%] ears) and susceptibility patterns of isolate pairs (6/44 [14%] ears) were detected in pre- and postflush samples from 84% of ears. Evacuation and lavage of the tympanic cavity decreased the number of bacterial isolates by 33%. In 26% of ears, bacteria were isolated from post-flush samples but not preflush samples. Only 26% of isolates tested were susceptible to cefazolin. At least 1 isolate from 53% of dogs that received empirically chosen antimicrobials postoperatively was resistant to the selected drugs. Anaerobic bacteria were recovered from 6 ears. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Accurate microbiologic assessment of the tympanic cavity should be the basis for selection of antimicrobials in dogs undergoing TECA with LBO. Bacteria remain in the tympanic cavity after evacuation and lavage. Cefazolin was a poor choice for dogs that underwent TECA with LBO, as judged on the basis of culture and susceptibility testing results.     

Comparison of the effects of propofol or alfaxalone for anaesthesia induction and maintenance on respiration in cats

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of propofol and alfaxalone on respiration in cats.Study designRandomized, ‘blinded’, prospective clinical trial.AnimalsTwenty cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.MethodsAfter premedication with medetomidine 0.01 mg kg⁻¹ intramuscularly and meloxicam 0.3 mg kg⁻¹ subcutaneously, the cats were assigned randomly into two groups: group A (n = 10) were administered alfaxalone 5 mg kg⁻¹ minute⁻¹ followed by 10 mg kg⁻¹ hour⁻¹ intravenously (IV) and group P (n = 10) were administered propofol 6 mg kg⁻¹ minute⁻¹ followed by 12 mg kg⁻¹hour⁻¹ IV for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia, respectively. After endotracheal intubation, the tube was connected to a non-rebreathing system delivering 100% oxygen. The anaesthetic maintenance drug rate was adjusted (± 0.5 mg kg⁻¹ hour⁻¹) every 5 minutes according to a scoring sheet based on physiologic variables and clinical signs. If apnoea > 30 seconds, end-tidal carbon dioxide (Pe′CO₂) > 7.3 kPa (55 mmHg) or arterial haemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO₂) < 90% occurred, manual ventilation was provided. Methadone was administered postoperatively. Data were analyzed using independent-samples t-tests, Fisher's exact test, linear mixed-effects models and binomial test.ResultsManual ventilation was required in two and eight of the cats in group A and P, respectively (p = 0.02). Two cats in both groups showed apnoea. Pe′CO₂ > 7.3 kPa was recorded in zero versus four and SpO₂ < 90% in zero versus six cats in groups A and P respectively. Induction and maintenance dose rates (mean ± SD) were 11.6 ± 0.3 mg kg⁻¹ and 10.7 ± 0.8 mg kg⁻¹ hour⁻¹ for alfaxalone and 11.7 ± 2.7 mg kg⁻¹ and 12.4 ± 0.5 mg kg⁻¹ hour⁻¹ for propofol.Conclusion and clinical relevanceAlfaxalone had less adverse influence on respiration than propofol in cats premedicated with medetomidine. Alfaxalone might be better than propofol for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia when artificial ventilation cannot be provided.     

Staining abnormalities of dermal collagen in eosinophil- or neutrophil-rich inflammatory dermatoses of horses and cats as demonstrated with Masson's trichrome stain

A retrospective study was performed on skin biopsy specimens from horses and cats having eosinophilic granulomas with 'collagen degeneration', eosinophilic skin diseases without 'collagen degeneration' and pyogranulomas without 'collagen degeneration'. Neither the appearance of collagen fibres nor the dominant polymorphonuclear cells, as seen in H & E-stained sections, were predictive of Masson's trichrome findings. Hence, a Masson's trichrome staining abnormality of collagen fibres was no more likely to be present in lesions with 'collagen degeneration' than in those lesions without 'collagen degeneration'. In addition, evaluation of trichrome-stained specimens suggested that there is no collagen degeneration in equine and feline eosinophilic granulomas and that the areas previously referred to as collagen degeneration are more appropriately called flame figures.     

Cardiovascular effects of dexmedetomidine,with or without MK-467, following intravenous administration in cats

Objective

To characterize the cardiovascular effects of dexmedetomidine, with or without MK-467, following intravenous (IV) administration in cats.

Outcome of stereotactic body radiation for treatment of nasal and nasopharyngeal lymphoma in 32 cats

BackgroundThe safety and efficacy of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in the treatment of localized nasal lymphoma in cats has not been described.HypothesisStereotactic body radiation therapy with or without adjuvant chemotherapy is an effective and well‐tolerated treatment for localized nasal lymphoma in cats.AnimalsThirty‐two client owned cats referred to Colorado State University for the treatment of nasal lymphoma.MethodsRetrospective study of cats treated with SBRT between 2010 and 2020 at Colorado State University. Diagnosis of nasal lymphoma was obtained via cytology or histopathology. Signalment, radiation protocol, concurrent treatments, adverse effects, and survival were recorded.ResultsProgression free survival was 225 days (95% CI 98–514) and median survival time (MST) was 365 days (95% CI 123–531). No significant difference in survival was identified between cats that received 1 versus greater than 1 fraction (MST 427 vs. 123 days, P = 0.88). Negative prognostic factors included cribriform lysis (MST 121 vs. 876 days, P = 0.0009) and intracalvarial involvement (MST 100 vs. 438 days, P = 0.0007). Disease progression was noted in 38% (12/32), locally in 22% (7/32), and systemically in 16% (5/32). No cats developed acute adverse effects. Ten cats developed late adverse effects: keratitis/keratitis sicca (n = 2), alopecia (n = 4), and leukotrichia (n = 4). Twenty‐four cats (75%) had signs consistent with chronic rhinitis.ConclusionsSBRT is effective and well tolerated for treating localized nasal lymphoma in cats. Outcomes for cats with lower stage disease (canine modified Adam''s stage 3 and lower) are comparable to historic data of cats treated with fractionated radiation therapy.     

Intramuscular alfaxalone and methadone with or without ketamine in healthy cats: effects on sedation and echocardiographic measurements

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of alfaxalone and methadone administered intramuscularly (IM), with or without ketamine, on sedation and echocardiographic measurements in healthy cats.Study designA randomized, blinded, clinical study.AnimalsA group of 24 client-owned cats.MethodsBaseline echocardiographic evaluation (bEchoCG) was performed. Cats were given IM alfaxalone (2 mg kg^–1) and methadone (0.3 mg kg^–1) with (AMK group) or without (AM group) ketamine (1 mg kg^–1). A sedation score (0–5, indicating none to good sedation) was assigned at 5 (T5), 10 (T10) and 15 (T15) minutes after IM injection. At T15, a second echocardiographic evaluation (sEchoCG) was performed. Data are shown as median (range). Significance was p < 0.05.ResultsFinally, 21 cats were included. Sedation score was significantly higher in the AMK (11 cats) than in the AM group (10 cats): 4 (1–5) versus 0.5 (0–4) at T5 (p = 0.003); 4 (1–5) versus 1.5 (0–5) at T10 (p = 0.043); and 4 (1–5) versus 2 (0–5) at T15 (p = 0.024). All echocardiographic measurements obtained were within reference ranges. Between the groups, aortic root area (p = 0.009) and end-diastolic aortic dimension (p = 0.011) were significantly higher in the AM group at bEchoCG and sEchoCG, respectively. Within each group, values at bEchoCG and sEchoCG showed no significant differences, except for pulmonary peak velocity (0.85 m second^–1; p = 0.028) in the AMK group and ejection time (154 m second; p = 0.03) in the AM group; both variables decreased after sedation.Conclusions and clinical relevanceIn this population of healthy cats, neither protocol produced clinically meaningful effects on the echocardiographic variables evaluated. Alfaxalone with methadone produced mild sedation, whereas the addition of 1 mg kg^–1 ketamine induced adequate sedation for diagnostic procedures.     

Caudocranial horizontal beam radiographic projection for evaluation of femoral fracture and osteotomy repair in dogs and cats

A new radiographic projection of the femur was evaluated for use in the assessment of fracture or osteotomy repair in small animals. The view is obtained by directing the x-ray beam horizontally through the hind limb, from caudad to craniad, with the animal positioned in lateral recumbency, the hip flexed, and the stifle extended. Views obtained, using the new projection, were compared with the standard ventrodorsal views of the pelvis, with hind limbs extended. Osteotomy lines in the femoral shaft were significantly (P less than 0.01) more visible on the horizontal beam view. Significant difference was not evident in visibility of fracture lines between the 2 radiographic projections. The horizontal beam view was easily obtained, and equivalent to the standard ventrodorsal view for radiographic evaluation of femoral fracture and osteotomy repair.