Portal Vein Thrombosis in Cats: 6 Cases (2001–2006)

Background: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in cats is sparsely reported.
Purpose of Study: To evaluate the clinical signs and diseases associated with PVT in cats.
Animals: 6 client-owned cats.
Methods: Medical records for cats with a portal vein thrombus diagnosed on abdominal ultrasound or at necropsy were reviewed. Signalment, historical data, underlying disorders, clinical findings, clinicopathologic and histopathologic data, diagnostic imaging findings, treatment, and outcome were recorded.
Results: All 6 cats identified with PVT also had hepatic disease. Evidence of a congenital portosystemic shunt was present in 3/6 cats. Two cats had primary or metastatic hepatic neoplasia. One cat had acute cholangitis, acute pancreatitis, and locally extensive acute centrilobular hepatic necrosis. Two cats were suspected to have acute thrombi and 4 cats had chronic thrombi.
Conclusion and Clinical Significance: PVT might be an important concurrent finding in cats with hepatic disease.     

Portal vein thrombosis in cats: 6 cases (2001-2006).

BACKGROUND: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in cats is sparsely reported. PURPOSE OF STUDY: To evaluate the clinical signs and diseases associated with PVT in cats. Animals: 6 client-owned cats. METHODS: Medical records for cats with a portal vein thrombus diagnosed on abdominal ultrasound or at necropsy were reviewed. Signalment, historical data, underlying disorders, clinical findings, clinicopathologic and histopathologic data, diagnostic imaging findings, treatment, and outcome were recorded. RESULTS: All 6 cats identified with PVT also had hepatic disease. Evidence of a congenital portosystemic shunt was present in 3/6 cats. Two cats had primary or metastatic hepatic neoplasia. One cat had acute cholangitis, acute pancreatitis, and locally extensive acute centrilobular hepatic necrosis. Two cats were suspected to have acute thrombi and 4 cats had chronic thrombi. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: PVT might be an important concurrent finding in cats with hepatic disease.     

Subclinical airway inflammation despite high-dose oral corticosteroid therapy in cats with lower airway disease

Management of feline chronic lower airway disease focuses on controlling clinical signs and decreasing airway inflammation. This retrospective study evaluated the correlation between the resolution of clinical signs in cats with lower airway disease receiving oral glucocorticoids with the resolution of inflammation based on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology. Ten cats diagnosed with lower airway disease based on characteristic clinical signs and inflammatory BALF cytology received oral glucocorticoids for at least 3 weeks. They were required to have resolution of clinical signs and BALF collected while asymptomatic and still receiving glucocorticoids. Cats received prednisolone or prednisone (average dose of 1.8±0.2mg/kg daily) for 35.7±5.5 days. Three cats had resolution of clinical signs and lacked inflammatory BALF cytology; seven had persistent inflammatory BALF cytology despite resolution of clinical signs. Given that subclinical inflammation during high-dose glucocorticoid treatment was common, current recommendations to taper therapy based on resolution of clinical signs should be re-evaluated.     

Phase I clinical trial evaluating STI571 in tumor bearing cats

Introduction: STI571 (Gleevec, imatinib mesylate) is a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor with selectivity for Bcr‐Abl, platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), stem cell factor (SCF), and c‐Kit. Side effects with use in humans include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, myalgia, edema, and cutaneous reactions. Renal and hepatic toxicity have also been reported. In dogs, there is significant hepatic toxicity at sub‐clinical doses. The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the toxicity level and potential treatment protocol in tumor bearing cats. Methods: A phase I clinical trial was performed in client owned cats using an escalating dose of STI571 in tumor bearing cats. Cats included in the study had a histologic diagnosis of fibrosarcoma or other tumors and were staged with CBC, biochemical profile, thoracic radiographs, and abdominal ultrasound. None of the cats received concurrent chemotherapy, but those previously treated with surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, were not excluded. The initial starting dose was 5 mg/cat PO SID and was gradually increased to 10 and 20 mg/cat PO SID at a 2–6 week interval depending on laboratory work and disease progression. A repeat physical examination, CBC, and biochemical profile, were performed every 2 weeks for 2 rechecks, then every 4 weeks. Results: Six cats were enrolled in the study. Four cats had oral squamous cell carcinoma, and two cats had cutaneous fibrosarcoma. One cat demonstrated leukocytosis, increased liver enzymes, and signs of acute renal failure two weeks after initiating therapy (5 mg PO SID). No dose escalation was made in this cat. Five cats endured dose escalations of 10 mg PO SID in two cats and 20 mg PO SID in three cats and were treated for 2–4 months. None of these cats experienced any signs of toxicity as measured by CBC and biochemical profile. Conclusions: Only one cat experienced toxicity that may have been associated with low dose administration of STI571. As most cats tolerated the drug without an adverse effect, further evaluation of STI571 in a phase II clinical trial is warranted.     

Localised tetanus in two cats after ovariohysterectomy

Localised tetanus was diagnosed in two cats 14 and 21 days after ovariohysterectomy by a left flank surgical approach. The diagnosis in each case was based on their history, clinical signs and diagnostic investigations which excluded other possible diagnoses. Both cats showed scoliosis of the lumbar spine and left hind limb spasticity. One cat's clinical signs were exacerbated after the administration of corticosteroids. One cat was treated with oral amoxycillin and diazepam, and the second cat received penicillin, tetanus antitoxin, methocarbarnol and diazepam. Both cats improved after treatment but recovery was prolonged and the spasticity did not resolve until 12 weeks after diagnosis in one cat. The second cat was lost to follow up after 8 weeks.     

Chlorpyrifos Toxicosis in Two Cats

Organophosphate compounds are widely employed for control of external parasites in cats and for control of insects in homes and yards. Chlorpyrifos is a long-acting organophosphate (OP) available for use as a systemically and topically acting parasiticide and insecticide in cattle. Its use on cats is not recommended, and no previous clinical cases of toxicosis have been described. Two cases of chronic chlorpyrifos toxicosis in cats are presented and pathophysiology as well as treatment are discussed. The cats had been showing signs of chronic organophosphate toxicosis before diazepam administration. Signs of acute organophosphate toxicosis were precipitated after diazepam was given. Treatment with pralidoxime chloride (2-PAM) and atropine was attempted. Response to treatment was dramatic and complete recovery was achieved with six injections of pralidoxime and atropine administration.     

Use of cis-bis-neodecanoato-trans-R,R-1,2-diaminocyclohexane platinum (II), a liposomal cisplatin analogue, in cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical response and toxic effects of cis-bis-neodecanoato-trans-R,R-1,2-diaminocyclohexane platinum (II) (L-NDDP) administered i.v. at escalating doses to cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). ANIMALS: 18 cats with oral SCC. PROCEDURE: Cats that failed to respond to conventional treatment or had nonresectable tumors were included. Data included a CBC, serum biochemical analyses, urinalysis, cytologic examination of a fine-needle aspirate of enlarged lymph nodes, and thoracic and oral radiographs for clinical staging. A starting dose (75 to 100 mg/m2 of L-NDDP) was administered i.v.. At 21-day intervals, subsequent doses increased by the rate of 5 or 10 mg/m2. Response was evaluated every 21 days by tumor measurement and thoracic radiography. Quality of life was assessed by owners, using a performance status questionnaire. RESULTS: On average, cats received 2 treatments. Toxicoses included an intermittent, acute anaphylactoid-parasympathomimetic reaction, lethargy or sedation (< or = 24 hours), inappetence or signs of depression (< or = 72 hours), mild to moderate increase in hepatic enzyme activity, and melena. Pulmonary, renal, or hematopoietic abnormalities were not evident. Performance status surveys indicated normal behavior and grooming or decreased activity and self-care (19/20 assessments), ate well with or without assistance (15/20), and did not lose weight (15/20). Median survival time was 59.8 days (mean, 54.1 days). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: L-NDDP was ineffective for treatment of cats with oral SCC. None of the cats had a complete or partial remission. Acute toxicoses and poor therapeutic response limit therapeutic usefulness of L-NDDP in cats, unless dosage, frequency, and administration procedures can be improved.     

Efficacy and Toxicity of Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide Used in the Treatment of Selected Malignant Tumors in 23 Cats

Twenty-three cats with malignant, nonhematopoietic tumors were treated with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide. Fourteen cats had nonresectable tumors of the mammary gland, and nine had tumors of the oral cavity. Of the cats with mammary gland adenocarcinoma, seven cats had a partial response to treatment and seven cats had no response. Of the cats with oral tumors, one cat had a complete response, three cats had a partial response, and five cats had no response. All 23 cats are dead because of tumor progression or recurrence. Toxic effects were seen in 18 of the cats; most were transient and required no alteration in the treatment protocol. A high response rate combined with acceptable toxicity warrants further evaluation of combination doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy in cats with nonhematopoietic neoplasia.     

Evaluation of serum feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity for the diagnosis of pancreatitis in cats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate serum feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity (fTLI) concentration and results of abdominal ultrasonography, CBC, and serum biochemical analyses for diagnosis of pancreatitis in cats. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 28 cats with clinical signs compatible with pancreatitis. PROCEDURE: Serum fTLI concentrations were determined, and abdominal ultrasonography, CBC, and serum biochemical analyses were performed prior to histologic evaluation of pancreatic, hepatic, and intestinal specimens. On the basis of histologic results, cats were categorized as having a normal pancreas (n = 10), pancreatic fibrosis with ongoing inflammation (9), pancreatic fibrosis without inflammation (4), and acute necrotizing pancreatitis (5). Serum fTLI concentrations and results of CBC, serum biochemical analyses, and histologic evaluation of hepatic and intestinal specimens were compared among groups. RESULTS: Significant differences in serum fTLI concentrations or any hematologic or biochemical variable were not detected among the 4 groups of cats. Median serum fTLI concentrations were 51 micrograms/L (range, 18 to 200 micrograms/L) in cats with a normal pancreas, 32 micrograms/L (range, 12 to > 200 micrograms/L) in cats with pancreatic fibrosis and ongoing inflammation, 124 micrograms/L (range, 36 to > 200 micrograms/L) in cats with pancreatic fibrosis without ongoing inflammation, and 30 micrograms/L (range, 24 to 84 micrograms/L) in cats with acute necrotizing pancreatitis. We detected a high prevalence of concurrent hepatic and intestinal tract disease in cats with pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In cats with clinical signs of pancreatitis, serum fTLI concentration is poorly associated with histopathologic diagnosis.     

The pathology of Cestrum laevigatum (Schlechtd.) poisoning in cattle

The clinical features and pathological findings of 6 steers drenched with dried plant material of Cestrum laevigatum are described. Doses ranging from 0.5 to 10 g/kg/day were given intraruminally for 1 to 38 days. Animals that received 5 to 10 g/kg/day showed nervous signs including ataxia, muscle tremors, hypersensitivity and intermittent chewing. Clinical signs in the steers which received 0,5 to 4 g/kg/day were mild. High doses induced moderate to severe hepatosis characterized by centrilobular to midzonal coagulative necrosis, haemorrhage and congestion. At lower rates only mild hepatic lesions, characterized by disappearance of hepatocytes and collapse of the reticulin stroma in the centrilobular areas were evident. Ultrastructural changes were primarily limited to the hepatocytes and comprised degeneration, necrosis and fatty change. Degeneration and necrosis of endothelial cells and disruption of sinusoidal walls were occasionally observed.     

Successful treatment of hepatic failure secondary to diazepam administration in a cat

A 2-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat developed acute hepatic failure following oral diazepam administration for behavioral problems. The patient survived with intensive supportive care and was discharged after 5 days in hospital. Successful treatment of diazepam-associated fulminant hepatic failure in cats has rarely been described in the veterinary literature.     

Purpura haemorrhagica in 53 horses

The medical records of 53 horses with purpura haemorrhagica were reviewed. Seventeen of them had been exposed to or infected with Streptococcus equi, nine had been infected with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, five had been vaccinated with S. equi M protein, five had had a respiratory infection of unknown aetiology, and two had open wounds; the other 15 cases had no history of recent viral or bacterial infection. The horses were between six months and 19 years of age (mean 8.4 years). The predominant clinical signs were well demarcated subcutaneous oedema of all four limbs and haemorrhages on the visible mucous membranes; other signs included depression, anorexia, fever, tachycardia, tachypnoea, reluctance to move, drainage from lymph nodes, exudation of serum from the skin, colic, epistaxis and weight loss. Haematological and biochemical abnormalities commonly detected were anaemia, neutrophilia, hyperproteinaemia, hyperfibrinogenaemia, hyperglobulinaemia and high activities of muscle enzymes. All of the horses were treated with corticosteroids; 42 also received non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and 26 received antimicrobial drugs. Selected cases received special nursing care, including hydrotherapy and bandaging of the limbs. Most of the horses were treated for more than seven days and none of them relapsed. Forty-nine of the horses survived, one died and three were euthanased, either because their severe clinical disease failed to respond to treatment or because they developed secondary complications. Two of the four non-survivors had been vaccinated against S. equi with a product containing the M protein, one had a S. equi infection and the other had a respiratory infection of undetermined aetiology.     

Clinicopathological features of equine primary hepatic disease: a review of 50 cases.

The clinicopathological features of 50 cases of equine hepatic disease were reviewed. There was a wide range of clinical signs and at least 50 per cent of the animals exhibited either dull demeanour, anorexia, abdominal pain, cerebral dysfunction and/or weight loss. Life-threatening complications of hepatic failure recorded were: gastric impaction in 10 cases, bilateral laryngeal paralysis in seven cases and coagulopathy in five cases. All the cases had high activities of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and most had high activities of glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and high concentrations of bile acids. Fewer of the horses had abnormal concentrations of bilirubin, albumin and globulin. The horses that were euthanased or died had significantly higher concentrations of GGT, GLDH and bile acids than the survivors. There were biochemical data for 18 cases with signs of hepatic encephalopathy, all of them had plasma ammonia levels greater than 90 micromol/litre but this was not significantly correlated with the clinical severity of the condition. Half of the cases with hepatic encephalopathy were hyperglycaemic, none was hypoglycaemic, and none had abnormally low levels of plasma urea.     

Necrosis of hippocampus and piriform lobe: clinical and neuropathological findings in two Italian cats

The present paper reports the clinical and neuropathological findings in two cats with a neuropathologically confirmed diagnosis of necrosis of the hippocampus and piriform lobe. The cats were presented because of acute onset of behavioural changes and complex partial seizures. The neurological examination suggested a forebrain lesion. The results of blood examination were within the normal range, and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and computed tomography (CT) scan in one cat did not show any abnormality. Despite therapy with diazepam (Valium; Roche) there was deterioration of the clinical signs and the cats were euthanased. The neuropathological examination revealed hippocampal necrosis that included the piriform lobe.     

Death in sheep following dosing with copper diethylamine oxyquinoline sulphonate as a commercial injectable copper preparation

Death occurred in sheep following diethylamine oxyquinoline sulphonate (DOS) copper injections given at recommended dose rates. The copper content in unused portions of DOS copper packs was normal and free of bacterial contamination. Liver and blood copper levels in dead and sick sheep were not high. Sick sheep showed signs of hepatic encephalopathy and dead sheep were generally piled against fences and scrub. Deaths were associated with acute, severe, generalised, centrilobular, hepatocellular necrosis and live sheep had elevated circulating levels of liver enzymes consistent with liver damage. In recovered sheep there were no residual complications. It would appear that even at 0.5 mg/kg of DOS copper the safety threshold may sometimes be exceeded in some sheep.     

Lymphocytic/plasmacytic gastroenteritis in cats: 14 cases (1985-1990).

Over a 5-year period, lymphocytic/plasmacytic gastroenteritis was diagnosed in 14 cats. Purebred cats were affected significantly (P less than 0.025) more often than nonpurebred cats. Mean age at onset of clinical signs was 6.8 years (range, 1 to 13 years); 11 cats were male. Vomiting and weight loss, each reported in 10 of 14 cats, were the most common clinical signs. Diarrhea was reported in 7 of 14 cats. Alopecia was found in 4 of 14 cats. High hepatic enzyme activities and low plasma protein concentrations were frequent biochemical findings. Hyperemia, hemorrhage, and a roughened or "cobblestone" mucosa were visualized by endoscopy in only 2 of 8 cats with duodenal disease and in 2 of 5 cats with gastric disease. Lymphocytic/plasmacytic inflammation was detected in biopsy specimens from the stomach or duodenum or both in all cats; the duodenum was affected most commonly. Degree of inflammation frequently varied among gastric, duodenal, and colonic specimens from the same cat. Glucocorticoid treatment and dietary management adequately controlled clinical signs in 7 cats, but treatment was ineffective in 6 cats, 5 of which were euthanatized because of severity of clinical signs.     

Feline cerebrovascular disease: clinical and histopathologic findings in 16 cats

Sixteen cats with cerebrovascular disease confirmed via histology to be of nontraumatic and nonneoplastic origins are described. In addition, the anatomy of the arterial supply of the cat's brain is reviewed. It is suggested that this unique arterial design may influence the incidence of cerebrovascular accidents in this species. Of the 16 cats reviewed, seven cats had ischemic infarctions, five had hemorrhagic infarctions, and four were diagnosed with intracranial hemorrhage. The median age was 8 yr and 9.5 yr in cats with infarctions and intracranial hemorrhages, respectively. Clinical signs were severe, acute, consistent with the localization of the cerebrovascular lesion, and influenced by underlying pathology. Four cats with infarction showed lateralized neurologic signs. Four cats with infarctions were diagnosed with pulmonary disease antemortem and three cats had hyperthyroidism. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis and computed tomography scans were available in two cats. None of the infarctions were grossly visible. All cats with hemorrhagic infarcts had severe liver pathology and nephritis was identified in four cats. Hypoxia was a feature in four cats and one cat suffered cardiac failure. In conclusion, the clinical picture is influenced by the type of cerebrovascular disease, the localization of the intracranial lesions, and any underlying pathology.     

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC FINDINGS OF FUNGAL RHINITIS AND SINUSITIS IN CATS

The computed tomographic (CT) findings of fungal rhinitis/sinusitis in cats were characterized. The CT images of 10 cats ranging in age from 7 to 13 years were examined. The mean age was 10.8 years and all were neutered males. Nasal aspergillosis was diagnosed in five cats, cryptococcosis in three cats, hyalohyphomycosis in one cat, and trichosporonosis in one cat. Bilateral disease was present in eight cats, seven had abnormal soft tissue attenuation in two-thirds of the nasal cavity, and six had turbinate lysis. Seven cats had also lysis of the hard palate, nasal septum, or frontal bone. One cat had lysis of the cribriform plate. Five of the nine cats whose lymph nodes were imaged had lymph node enlargement. There was contrast medium enhancement in the nasal cavity in all cats, with either a primarily peripheral rim or heterogeneous pattern. There appears to be an overlap of clinical signs, age, and CT features of cats with nasal neoplasia and those with fungal rhinitis/sinusitis.     

Potassium iodide capsule treatment of feline sporotrichosis

Sporotrichosis is a mycosis caused by Sporothrix schenckii. The most affected animal is the cat; it has played an important role in the zoonotic transmission of this disease, especially in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, since 1998. In order to evaluate the treatment of feline sporotrichosis with potassium iodide, an observational cohort was conducted in 48 cats with sporotrichosis at Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Evandro Chagas, Fiocruz. All cats received potassium iodide capsules, 2.5 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg q24h. The cure rate was 47.9%, treatment failure was 37.5%, treatment abandonment was 10.4% and death was 4.2%. Clinical adverse effects were observed in 52.1% of the cases. Thirteen cats had a mild increase in hepatic transaminase levels during the treatment, six of them presented clinical signs suggestive of hepatotoxicity. Compared to previous studies with itraconazole and iodide in saturated solution, potassium iodide capsules are an alternative for feline sporotrichosis treatment.     

Orthopaedics

Practice records from November 1994 to April 2000 were searched for cats with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA). Signalment, historical features and findings, treatment and response to treatment were recorded with the aim of planning prospective studies. Thirty-one cases were found. The average age at presentation was 13·8 years (range, nine to 17 years); 67 per cent were female and 33 per cent male. Clinical signs noted included chronic changes of stiff/abnormal gait (12), difficulty/reluctance in jumping (20) and reluctance to move (five). Eleven cases had acute or chronic lameness. Seven of the records indicated that the cat had been overweight. Physical findings included thickened joints (23), pain on joint manipulation (seven) and crepitus (four).Twenty cases had been radiographed. Findings included osteophytes (14), sclerosis (10), periosteal new bone (four) and remodelling (three). Routine blood tests were performed in 15 cats and showed single abnormalities in five cases. Concurrent diseases diagnosed included hyperthyroidism, dental diseases and chronic renal failure. The final diagnosis had been based on the history, examination, diagnostic tests and response to treatment. The joints thought to have been affected by OA were as follows: bilateral elbows (12), bilateral stifles (four), bilateral elbows and stifles (four), unilateral elbow (three), bilateral hips (two), other combinations of joints (six). Seventeen cats had both meloxicam treatment and a follow-up examination (they may have had concurrent treatments). The clinical notes recorded whether the owners considered there to have been an improvement: three showed marked improvement, 11 showed moderate improvement, one showed no improvement, one had an inconclusive response, and side effects stopped treatment in one. One cat showed a marked improvement after treatment with courses of pentosan polysulphate.