Duodenal gangliosidosis in a cat: ultrastructural study.

Ultrastructural changes similar to those seen in gangliosidosis in man were detected in the duodenal mucosa of a cat (cat 1). The N-acetylneuraminic acid concentration was determined from the duodenum of cat 1 and from a clinically normal cat (cat 2). The total amount of gangliosides in the duodenum of cat 1 was 100 times greater than in the duodenum of cat 2 per unit wet weight. The lyophilizate from the intestines of both cats gave a blue-violet color that was regarded as qualitatively positive for N-acetylneuraminic acid determination. In cat 1, membranous cytoplasmic bodies were in all cell types of the duodenal mucosa.     

Long-term follow-up of laminin alpha2 (merosin)-deficient muscular dystrophy in a cat

Progressive muscle weakness beginning at 6 months of age was observed in a male Persian-mix cat. Muscle atrophy and joint contracture progressed over the next 3 years. The cat had developed gait difficulty at 8 months of age. The cat died at age of 5 years and 3 months due to an acute respiratory disorder. The clinical, laboratory, necropsy and histopathological findings of the cat were consistent with those of muscular dystrophy. The cat was diagnosed as having laminin alpha2 (merosin)-deficient muscular dystrophy on the basis of immunohistochemical findings. The cat was born in an inbred colony, and another related cat exhibited similar clinical signs. Few cases of laminin alpha2-deficient muscular dystrophy have been reported in cats, and this report provides additional information about the disease.     

The contribution of cat owners' attitudes and behaviours to the free-roaming cat overpopulation in Tel Aviv, Israel

The attitudes and behaviours of cat owners in regard to treatment of cats may have a cumulative effect on the food availability, reproduction, density and welfare of the free-roaming cat population and thus also on the extent of cat overpopulation. Understanding this is thus a vital step in the a priori planning of cat management programs on any scale, as well as in developing public education programs on this issue. Although recent years have seen an accumulation of knowledge in regard to cat owners' attitudes and behaviours, the findings vary among countries and locations and in Israel this has never been investigated systematically. Using a questionnaire provided to cat owners in veterinary clinics, this study aimed at identifying those attitudes and behaviours that may be contributing to cat overpopulation in Tel Aviv, Israel, and at exploring the socio-economic factors that influence this problem. The findings show that the influential factors can be predicted from the cat owners' socio-economic status, mainly education and income, as well as gender and age. A consistency in those cat owner behaviours that contribute to cat overpopulation was also uncovered, revealing a sub-population of individuals who persist in the undesirable behaviours. Finally, a strong relationship between attitude and consequent behaviour was demonstrated, indicating the importance of education and targeted publicity as a means to influence attitudes and thereby change behaviours in this respect. We propose several measures by which to reduce the current extent of cat owners' contribution to the cat overpopulation: discouraging unwanted owner behaviours such as abandonment of their cats and allowing them to breed; promoting awareness of the neutering option among cat caretakers; and increasing pre-adoption neutering rates in shelters. Regional and national laws promoting responsible pet ownership need to be enacted. By improving the current level of knowledge and awareness among cat owners regarding cat overpopulation issues, and encouraging a more responsible attitude, cat owners' bond with their cats could be strengthened, as well as their bond with and contribution to their environment.     

Surgical management of a recurrent spinal meningioma in a cat

A 13-year-old male neutered Persian crossbred cat was evaluated for hindlimb paresis, ataxia and urinary incontinence that had been progressing over the previous 3 months. Neurologically, the cat had thoracolumbar spinal cord deficits and a myelogram detected the presence of a mass compressing the thoracic spinal cord. A hemilaminectomy was performed to excise the soft tissue mass, subsequently identified histologically as a psammomatous meningioma. The cat regained ambulatory function and continence following surgery until a recurrence of paresis and ataxia 36 months later. A second myelogram suggested local recurrence of the tumour, which was confirmed by histological examination of the tumour after its removal at a second laminectomy. The cat again regained normal neurological function, until a further recurrence 16 months after the second surgery. The meningioma was surgically debulked a third time and the cat regained ambulation and continence postoperatively. This case demonstrates the successful use of repeated surgical resection in the management of a recurrent spinal meningioma in a cat. The cat was ambulatory and continent at a follow-up examination 63 months after the initial presentation.     

Acquired cervical spinal arachnoid diverticulum in a cat

A one‐year‐old, female entire, domestic, shorthair cat presented with acute onset non‐ambulatory tetraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging was consistent with a C3‐C4 acute non‐compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion and the cat was treated conservatively. The cat was able to walk after 10 days and was normal 2 months after presentation. The cat was referred five and a half years later for investigation of an insidious onset 3‐month history of ataxia and tetraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine was repeated, demonstrating a spinal arachnoid diverticulum at C3 causing marked focal compression of the spinal cord. This was treated surgically with hemilaminectomy and durectomy. The cat improved uneventfully and was discharged 12 days later.     

Cutaneous cryptococcosis in three cats

Cutaneous cryptococcosis was diagnosed in 3 cats. No other organ involvement was found. One cat has remained healthy after surgical excision of the cryptococcal skin lesion. One cat was euthanatized after diagnosis. The third cat was treated successfully with a 5-month course of ketoconazole.     

Minimal change glomerulopathy in a cat

A 6-year-old domestic shorthair male castrated cat was evaluated for sudden onset of vomiting and anorexia. A diagnosis of hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) was made, and the cat was treated with imatinib mesylate. The cat had an initial clinical improvement with the normalization of the peripheral eosinophil count. After approximately 8 weeks of treatment, lethargy and anorexia recurred despite the normal eosinophil count and a significant proteinuric nephropathy was identified. Treatment with imatinib was discontinued. Ultrasound guided renal biopsies exhibited histologic, ultrastructural, and immunostaining changes indicative of a minimal change glomerulopathy (MCG) which has not previously been reported in the literature in a cat. The proteinuria and HES initially improved while the cat was treated with more traditional medications; however, both the problems persisted for 30 months that the cat was followed subsequently. Previous studies demonstrating the safety and efficacy of imatinib in cats do not report any glomerular injury or significant adverse drug reactions, and the exact cause of this cat's proteinuric nephropathy is uncertain. Nonetheless, the possibility of an adverse drug reaction causing proteinuria should be considered when initiating treatment with imatinib in a cat.     

Prepubic urethrostomy and vaginoplasty in a female cat

A 1-year-old, intact female, domestic shorthaired cat was presented for dysuria resulting from perineal scarring subsequent to injuries incurred during a cat fight. A prepubic urethrostomy was performed to manage the dysuria. Eleven months later, the cat was re-presented with a 3-day history of pyrexia and inappetence. A pinpoint opening extending 0.5 cm ventral to the anus on midline, exuding a clear discharge, was noted in the perineal region. A contrast fistulogram was performed, and a vaginoperineal fistula was diagnosed. The fistulous tract was a result of vulvar stricture from the trauma of the cat fight. A vaginoplasty was performed to create an opening for vaginal secretions. This is the first published report of a prepubic urethrostomy performed in a female cat.     

Intraocular melanoma with multiple metastases in a cat

An 11-year-old cat with an intraocular melanoma was treated for 2 years for the secondary effects of the tumor (glaucoma, exposure keratitis) before enucleation was required. One year after enucleation, the cat was examined because of labored breathing. The cat was thin, appeared depressed, and had signs of respiratory compromise secondary to pleural effusion. Treatment was not instituted, and the cat was euthanatized. Metastasis of the primary melanoma to the lungs, pericardium, parietal pleura, mediastinum, hilar lymph nodes, diaphragm, liver, and omentum was confirmed at necropsy. Intraocular melanomas in the cat have been implicated to have a greater malignant potential than those in the dog; however, few cases have been reported with long-term follow-up information.     

Clemastine fumarate as an antipruritic agent in pruritic cats: results of an open clinical trial.

Clemastine fumarate was administered to 10 presumed or proven atopic cats to determine its efficacy in controlling their pruritus. Initially, each cat received 0.34 mg orally every twelve hours for 14 days. When none responded satisfactorily, the dosage was increased to 0.68 mg/cat every twelve hours. At that dosage, the pruritus in five cats (50%) was eliminated. Diarrhea was seen in one cat. Under the conditions of the study, clemastine was a useful antipruritic agent for the cat.     

Severe systemic hypertension in a cat with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism

A seven-year-old Burmese cat was presented with sudden onset blindness. On physical examination, the cat had bilateral retinal detachment and severe systemic hypertension. Further clinical investigations revealed pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. Antihypertensive therapy was discontinued when the hypertension resolved after bilateral adrenalectomy. Systolic blood pressure remained normal until 19 months post-operatively when systemic hypertension recurred and was attributed to chronic kidney disease. The cat was euthanased 47 months after initial presentation. A pituitary adenoma was identified at post-mortem examination. This case illustrates that systemic hypertension can occur secondary to hyperadrenocorticism in the cat.     

A case of Iriomote cat (Prionailurus bengalensis iriomotensis) with Hepatozoon felis parasitemia

We herein present clinical findings of an Iriomote cat with Hepatozoon felis parasitemia. A male Iriomote cat was captured for ecological analyses three times from January 2010 to January 2011. Although this cat did not show any hematological abnormalities at the time of the first capture, H. felis parasitemia and increased serum creatine kinase levels were detected at the second and third captures. H. felis infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction, and amplified 18S ribosomal RNA gene fragments were 100% identical to those of H. felis in leopard cats in Korea. Although the virulence of H. felis in this cat was suggested to be low, this is the first report of an H. felis-infected Iriomote cat with parasitemia.     

Influence of familiarity and relatedness on proximity and allogrooming in domestic cats (Felis catus)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate associations between relatedness and familiarity with the affiliative behaviors of maintaining proximity and allogrooming in cats. ANIMALS: 28 privately owned cats in 1 colony. PROCEDURE: 15 of the cats had 1 or more relatives present representing 5 genealogies. Each cat was observed in 15-minute intervals for 3.5 hours during the study. All occurrences of allogrooming behavior were recorded. At the onset of each 15-minute observation period and at 2-minute intervals thereafter, the identity and location of all cats within 1 m of the observed cat were recorded. RESULTS: Relatedness and familiarity was significantly associated with the number of times a cat was within 1 m of another cat and how often a cat was groomed. For relatives and nonrelatives that were equally familiar to a given cat, relatives were significantly more likely to be within 1 m and to be groomed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Familiarity and relatedness are significantly associated with allogrooming and proximity of another cat. This may be important when considering adoption of 1 or more kittens and when adding a new cat to a household in which other cats are present. Adopting small family groups may result in higher rates of affiliative behavior, stronger bonding, and lower incidence of conflict than periodically adopting single unrelated adult cats.     

Full recovery after cardiac arrest secondary to accidental iatrogenic venous air embolism in a cat

Objective – To describe the successful management of cardiac arrest following accidental venous air embolism (VAE) in a cat. Case Summary – A 3‐year‐old spayed female domestic shorthair cat, weighing 4 kg, was presented for continuation of its chemotherapy protocol. The cat was inadvertently administered approximately 5.5 mL of air IV during initiation of fluid therapy. Immediate cardiac arrest resulted and CPR successfully achieved return of spontaneous circulation. The cat was discharged 5 days later and is reportedly clinically normal 7 months post‐discharge. New or Unique Information Provided – VAE has been rarely reported in the veterinary literature. This is the first report of a cat surviving cardiac arrest secondary to VAE.     

In Vitro Development of Marbled Cat Embryos Derived from Interspecies Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer

The objective of the study was to investigate interspecies Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (iSCNT) techniques in marbled cats (Pardofelis marmorata), using domestic cat and rabbit oocytes as the recipient cytoplasm. The recipient oocytes were obtained from ovariohysterectomized cats and superovulated rabbits. The donor cells were collected from a male marbled cat that had died in captivity. Experiment 1 was conducted to observe the development of cloned marbled cat embryos (marbled cat donor cells-domestic cat oocytes; MC-DC), derived from oocytes matured for 24, 36 and 42 h. The result showed that the developmental rates of MC-DC cloned embryos at the 4-8 cell and the morula stages derived from oocytes cultured for 24 h were significantly greater than those cultured for 36 and 42 h (p < 0.05). Experiment 2 was conducted to compare the fusion rate of MC-DC couplets, fused by inducing different fusion voltages, 2.1 or 2.4 kV/cm. The result showed that there was no difference in fusion efficiency between the 2.1 and 2.4 kV/cm fusion protocols. Experiment 3 was conducted to compare the developmental rate of MC-DC and domestic cat (DC-DC) cloned embryos. In vitro fertilized cat embryos served as a control. The development of MC-DC and DC-DC cloned embryos to the 4- to 8-cell, morula and blastocyst stages was not significantly different. However, the development rates at morula and blastocyst stages of control were significantly greater than those of cloned embryos (p < 0.05). Experiment 4 rabbit (RB) oocytes were used as a recipient cytoplasm for marbled cat and domestic cat cloned embryos (MC- RB and DC-RB). RB-RB cloned embryos served as a control. There were no differences in the developmental rates between MC-RB, DC-RB and RB-RB embryos. In conclusion, marbled cat fibroblast cells can be reprogrammed in domestic cat and rabbit oocytes, and by using iSCNT it might be possible to produce marbled cat offspring in the future.     

MRI characteristics of suspected acute spinal cord infarction in two cats, and a review of the literature

A 10-year-old neutered male Persian cat and a 4-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair (DSH) cat were evaluated for acute-onset severe lateralising tetraparesis and hemiplegia, respectively. Both cats also had left-sided Horner's syndrome. Neurological examination of the cats localised the lesion to cranial to C5 in the Persian and the left cervical intumescence (C6-T2) in the DSH. Physical examinations were otherwise generally unremarkable. Routine laboratory tests and spinal radiography were normal for the Persian cat and were not performed for the DSH cat. A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tap was attempted for the Persian cat but aborted because of gross blood contamination, and was not performed for the DSH cat. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the Persian cat revealed a lesion within the spinal parenchyma at segments C1 to C3 (slightly more left-sided) which was iso- to hypointense on T1-weighted scans and hyperintense on T2-weighted scans, and which enhanced slightly with gadolinium. MRI of the DSH cat revealed a lesion within the spinal parenchyma at segment C7 (predominantly left-sided) which was hypointense on T1-weighted scans and hyperintense on T2-weighted gradient echo scans. Contrast was not administered. The MRI findings in both cases were highly suggestive of acute spinal cord infarction, based upon comparison to human cases. Both cats made full neurological recoveries with supportive treatment only. This paper describes two cases of suspected acute spinal cord infarction in the cat, demonstrates the potential diagnostic value of MRI, and discusses the clinical syndrome of this condition with a brief review of published cases.     

Surgical management of multi-system trauma in a cat

A cat was presented in coma following severe trauma. The cat was alert and walking within 24 hours, after treatment with intravenous dexamethasone and mannitol. However, he subsequently began to show evidence of severe abdominal pain. An exploratory laparotomy revealed traumatic avulsion of the left limb of the pancreas. A sub-total pancreatectomy was performed and the cat recovered well. Two weeks post-operatively, the cat was re-presented with ataxia, proprioceptive deficits, and upper motor neuron weakness in all four limbs. Radiographs revealed a fracture/luxation of C1–C2 which could not be adequately stabilized solely via a dorsal approach. A combined ventral and dorsal approach produced stabilization of the cervical spine which was clinically successful. Two months post-operatively there was stability but malalignment of C1–C2, and the cat appeared normal.     

Disseminated sporotrichosis in a cat.

Sporothrix (Sporotrichum) schenckii was identified as the causative agent of a large pyogranulomatous lesion on the right forepaw of a cat. Organisms also were observed in axillary lymph nodes of the affected forelimb and in the lungs and liver of the cat. The agent was transmitted to another domestic cat and to mice.     

Juvenile hyperthyroidism in a cat

An 8-month-old, male domestic shorthaired cat presented for chronic weight loss, intermittent dyspnea, chronic diarrhea, hyperactivity, and weakness. The cat had a palpable thyroid nodule and increased serum total thyroxine and 3,5,3' triiodothyronine levels. The cat was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, and a unilateral thyroidectomy was performed followed by radioactive iodine at a later date. The clinical signs resolved following radioactive iodine, and the cat subsequently developed clinical hypothyroidism.     

Acquired arachnoid cyst in a cat

A 5-year-old Birman cat presented with paraparesis associated with a fracture of the third thoracic vertebra and was managed conservatively. Voluntary function was regained over the next 6 months, but the cat was referred 4 years after the trauma because of recurrence of hindlimb paresis and ataxia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a spinal arachnoid cyst at the level of the fourth thoracic vertebra, which was treated surgically by dorsal laminectomy and durectomy, and hindlimb function subsequently recovered. The cat re-presented 4 years later for recurrent hindlimb paresis. Myelography and computed tomography–myelography (CT-M) showed dorsolateral pooling of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at the previous laminectomy site. The neurological signs after the second surgery improved, but not as much as after the first surgery and the cat remained ataxic with moderate paresis. Seven months later repeat CT-M revealed an atrophic spinal cord, but negligible pooling of CSF at the previous site of the arachnoid cyst. The cat could walk, but was being treated for self-induced trauma of the left hindlimb that was thought to be related to paraesthesia. The neurological signs gradually deteriorated over 3 months and the cat was euthanased.