The use of a T-maze to measure cognitive–motor function in cats (Felis catus)

Few tests have been developed to evaluate the cognitive and motor capabilities of domestic cats, despite the suitability of cats for specific studies of neuroanatomy, infectious diseases, development, aging, and behavior. The present study evaluated a T-maze apparatus as a sensitive and reliable measure of cognition and motor function in cats. Eighteen purpose-bred, specific pathogen-free, male, neutered domestic short-haired cats (Felis catus), 1-2 years of age, were trained and tested to a T-maze protocol using food rewards. The test protocol consisted of positional discrimination training (left arm or right arm) to reach a predetermined criterion, followed by 2 discrimination reversal tests. The 2 reversal tests documented the ability of the subjects to respond to a new reward location by switching arms of the T-maze. Data were collected on side preference, number of correct responses, and latency of the responses by the subjects. Aided by a customized computer program (CanCog Technologies), data were recorded electronically as each cat progressed from the start box to the reward arm. The protocol facilitated rapid training to a high and consistent level of performance during the discrimination training. This learning was associated with a decrease in the latency to traverse the maze to a mean of 4.80 ± 0.87 seconds, indicating strong motivation and consistent performance. When the rewarded side was reversed in the test phase, the cats required more trials to reach the criterion, as expected, but again showed reliable learning. The latency to the reward in the first session of reversal increased 86% from the first to the last trial, indicating that it may provide a useful index of cognitive processing. Latencies subsequently decreased as the new reversal paradigm was learned. This paradigm provides a relatively rapid and reliable test of cognitive–motor performance that can be used in various settings for the evaluation of feline cognitive and motor function.     

Molecular detection of Leishmania sp. in cats (Felis catus) from Andradina Municipality, São Paulo State, Brazil

The aim of this work was to molecularly detect Leishmania species in 52 cats from Andradina Municipality, S?o Paulo State, Brazil. The direct parasitological test was performed by using imprints of poplited lymph node, bone marrow and spleen to verify amastigote forms of Leishmania spp. The samples that were positive parasitological tests were subjected to molecular analysis (PCR) and sequencing. Infection was detected for 5.76% (3/52) of the examined cats and two had presence of amastigote forms of Leishmania spp. in lymph nodes. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of kinetoplast minicircle DNA, indicated positive amplification for samples of spleen and lymph nodes and the sequencing resulted in 97% similarity with Leishmania (L.) chagasi. This study proved the occurrence of infection with Leishmania (L.) chagasi in felines from Andradina municipality, S?o Paulo State.     

Anemia in cats with hemotropic mycoplasma infection: Retrospective evaluation of 23 cases (1996–2005)

This study summarizes the diagnostic findings from all anemic cats diagnosed with hemotropic mycoplasma (HM) infections at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine — Veterinary Teaching Hospital between 1996 and 2005. The objectives were to determine the frequency of HM-induced anemia among all cats presented with anemia during this period, the clinical findings and risk factors associated with clinical HM infection, and factors affecting or predicting survival. Medical records were examined from 23 cats with HM-induced anemia from the total of 170 cats diagnosed with anemia during this period. The frequency of HM-induced anemia was 14% (23/170) among all anemic cats. Cats with HM-induced anemia were less likely to be purebred (P = 0.04) than other cats with anemia. Of the cats with HM-induced anemia, those with positive retroviral status (P = 0.01), concurrent illness (P < 0.01), or lack of erythroid regeneration (P = 0.01) were most likely to die. The 1-year survival of HM-infected cats was 65% (13/20).     

Long-term outcome of permanent tracheostomies in dogs: 21 cases (2000–2012)

This retrospective study reports long-term outcome, survival, and complications in dogs which received a permanent tracheostomy due to upper airway obstruction. Data were collected from medical records (n = 21) in 2 institutions over a 12-year period. Patients were followed until death, complications, causes of death, and survival times are reported. Major complications were reported in 50% of patients with 20% of patients receiving revision surgery. The most common complications were aspiration pneumonia and need for revision surgery. Median survival time was 328 days with 25% of patients surviving 1321 days or longer. Some (26%) patients died acutely at home at various times after surgery. Permanent tracheostomy is a viable procedure for patients with end stage upper airway obstruction; however, a subpopulation of patients suffers acute death at various times after surgery, which is thought to be due to airway obstruction.     

Feline (Felis catus) Skull and Pelvic Morphology and Morphometry: Gender‐Related Difference?

This study demonstrates sexual dimorphism of feline bones, based on a morphometric analysis of 38 dried feline skulls and pelvic bones (20 males, 18 females). A total of 44 parameters (skull = 12, mandible = 10, pelvis = 22) were measured using a digital vernier calliper. In morphological observation of these bones, there were three hallmarks indicating a remarkable difference between sexes: the coronoid process of the mandible (accuracy rate = 88.2%); and the os coxae – caudal ventral iliac spine (accuracy rate = 94.4%), and the angle of the ischiatic arch (accuracy rate = 74.3%). In addition, based on morphometric characteristics, six parameters were found to be significantly different (P < 0.05) between males and females, consisting of one in the mandible and five in the pelvis, but no parameters in the skull. Effective equations to discriminate gender were generated through a stepwise discriminant analysis from feline mandible and pelvic bones. Our findings showed that an equation from the pelvic bones, Y = [?16.066*T/O] + [2.559*IC/PS] + [13.357*TTL/ISA] ? [4.478], appeared to be more applicable with a 97.3% accuracy rate, while a function from the mandible gave a 64.9% accuracy rate. In conclusion, we suggest that an equation from feline pelvic measurements and three hallmarks, one on the mandible and two on the os coxae, can be used for sex estimation.     

Transvenous coil embolization of patent ductus arteriosus in small (≤3.0 kg) dogs

Background: Surgical and interventional therapy for occlusion of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in small dogs is challenging. Interventional closure of a PDA is rarely described in small dogs. Hypothesis: Transvenous single‐coil occlusion of a PDA in small (≤3.0 kg) dogs is possible and safe. Animals: Twenty‐one client‐owned dogs with a left‐to‐right shunting PDA. Methods: Prospective clinical study. Inclusion criteria were a left‐to‐right shunting PDA and a body weight ≤3.0 kg. Dogs with additional congenital cardiac diseases were excluded. Without arterial access, a single detachable coil was implanted by a transvenous approach with a 4 Fr catheter. Results: Twenty‐one dogs were the study population with Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier being the commonest breeds (n = 6 and n = 5, respectively). There were 14 female and 7 male dogs. The age range was 1.9–83.5 months (median, 7.7 months), and the body weight was 1.0–2.9 kg (1.87 ± 0.45). By angiography, the minimal ductal diameter measured 1.2–2.4 mm (median, 1.8 mm) and the PDA ampulla diameter was 2.4–5.9 mm (median, 4.6 mm). Coil implantation was successful in all dogs. After detachment of the coil from the delivery cable, repositioning of the pulmonary loop of the coil became necessary in 1 dog. The prevalence of immediate closure was 76%. The prevalence of cumulative closure was 90%. Conclusion: For an experienced cardiologist, transvenous occlusion of a PDA in small dogs is possible with a 4 Fr catheter and a commercial single detachable coil. Arterial access is not essential. The procedure is safe and successful in experienced hands.     

Use of pimobendan in 170 cats (2006–2010)

Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo describe the therapeutic use of pimobendan in cats, describe the patient population to which it was administered, document potential side effects and report the clinical course following administration of pimobendan in conjunction with standard heart failure therapy. It is hypothesized that cats with advanced heart disease including congestive heart failure from a variety of causes will tolerate pimobendan with a minimum of side effects when used in treatment in conjunction with a variety of other medications.Animals, materials and methodsOne hundred and seventy client owned cats with naturally occurring heart disease, one hundred and sixty four of which had congestive heart failure. Medical records were reviewed and owners and referring veterinarians were contacted for follow-up data. Data collected included pimobendan dose, other medications administered concurrently, data collected at physical examination, presence or absence of heart failure, adverse effects, classification of heart disease, echocardiographic data and survival time. The data were analyzed for significance between the initial visit and any follow-up visits.ResultsAll cats were treated with pimobendan. The median pimobendan dose was 0.24 mg/kg q 12 h. Pimobendan was used in combination with multiple concurrent medications including angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, diuretics and anti-thrombotics. Five cats (3.0%) had potential side effects associated with pimobendan. One cat (0.6%) had presumed side effects severe enough to discontinue pimobendan use. Median survival time for 164 cats with congestive heart failure after initiation of pimobendan was 151 days (range 1–870).ConclusionPimobendan appears to be well tolerated in cats with advanced heart disease when used with a variety of concurrent medications. Randomized controlled studies need to be performed to accurately assess whether it is efficacious for treatment of congestive heart failure in cats.     

Long-bone fractures in llamas and alpacas: 28 cases (1998–2008)

Treatment and outcome of camelids with long-bone fractures are described. Medical records (1998–2008) of camelids (n = 28) with long-bone fractures were reviewed for signalment, time to presentation, fracture type, method of repair, duration of hospitalization, and post-operative complications. Follow-up information was obtained via telephone interviews with owners. Mean age and weight at presentation were 3.4 years and 56.3 kg, respectively. Twenty-six fractures were treated with internal fixation (n = 11), external fixation (n = 10), combination of internal and external fixation (n = 3), amputation (n = 1), and external fixation followed by amputation (n = 1). Long-term follow-up information was obtained for 19 of the 26 animals. The post-operative complication rate was 23% and owner satisfaction was high. Animals with open fractures were more likely to experience complications. Internal fixation was associated with superior alignment and outcome. Internal fixation techniques should be recommended for camelids.     

Outcome based on treatment protocol in patients with primary canine immune-mediated thrombocytopenia: 46 cases (2000–2013)

This study investigated the relationship between treatment protocol, survival to discharge, and relapse in 46 dogs diagnosed with primary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine between 2000 and 2013. Treatment was at the discretion of the attending clinician and consisted of either a corticosteroid alone or a corticosteroid plus a secondary therapy. There was no association between survival to discharge and treatment protocol (P = 0.23). Of the surviving in-patients, 39% experienced a relapse. Our study failed to show a significant difference in survival and relapse based on treatment protocol.     

Gastric squamous cell carcinoma in the horse: Seven cases (2009–2019)

This report describes gastric squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC) in seven horses. It records the clinical signs, treatment and outcomes. Main clinical signs were mostly nonspecific and included weight loss, anorexia, fever, tachycardia and tachypnoea. Some more suggestive clinical signs were observed such as recurrent choke, halitosis and hypersalivation. Chronic anaemia and hypoalbuminaemia were common findings. Gastroscopy identified a gastric mass in four cases (57.1%); however, visualisation of the stomach was precluded in the other three horses due to distal oesophageal neoplastic infiltration and compression. Gastric wall thickening was noticed using abdominal ultrasonography in four horses (57.1%). Neoplastic cells could only be detected in the peritoneal fluid of 2 out of 7 horses. Endoscopic-guided or transabdominal ultrasound-guided biopsies allowed an ante-mortem diagnosis in three horses (42.8%). Gastric masses were identified at post-mortem examination and metastasis were confirmed in the liver and/or the spleen for 4/4 cases. In the cases for which palliative therapy was attempted, most of the horses were subjected to euthanasia within 4 weeks. In conclusion, GSCC is an uncommon neoplastic disease in horses. A combination of diagnostic tests is often necessary to achieve a diagnosis, which is frequently only made late in the course of the disease. As a result, GSCC is commonly associated with a poor short-term prognosis.     

Prevalence and anatomopathological characterization of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas with regional and distant metastases in dogs and cats: 20 cases (1985–2020)

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of regional and distant metastases from cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) in dogs (n = 11) and cats (n = 9) in a retrospective case series over 36 years (1985–2020), as well as to characterize its macroscopic aspects (location and size), degree of differentiation (well, moderately and poorly differentiated [WD, MD and PD, respectively]) and the rate of cell proliferation, by counting the AgNORs. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to identify patterns of tumour migration and invasion (islands, ribbons, cords, small aggregates, individual cells [fusiform and amoeboid]) and to evaluate the intensity of desmoplasia and the amount of myofibroblasts. The prevalence of metastatic SCCs was 4.39% (21/478), being 3.8% in dog (12/309) and 5.3% in cat (9/169). Metastases affected lymph nodes in all dogs and 66% (6/9) of cats, and less frequently distant organs. Primary tumours predominantly affected the abdominal skin in dogs and the nasal planum in cats. Among the 20 cases, 52% were MDs, 34% were WDs, and 14% were PDs. Histological lesions suggestive of exposure to chronic solar radiation were present in 57% (8/14). The main patterns of tumour migration and invasion were islands for WD SCCs and individual cells for PD SCCs. MD SCCs had a mix of patterns. In cats, individual spindle cells were restricted to PDs. A marked desmoplastic reaction was more associated with PD SCCs and often with MDs. This study highlights that the prevalence of SCC metastases in dogs and cats is predominantly regional. The IHC was essential in the identification of individual fusiform keratinocytes, whose presence in surgical margins may represent a greater risk of recurrence. Although the presence of myofibroblasts was observed in all infiltrative and metastatic tumours, further studies evaluating these cells may be important to better understand their role in the tumour microenvironment of cutaneous SCCs with metastasis in dogs and cats.