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.     

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.     

Myasthenia gravis in two cats

A case of the autoimmune form of myasthenia gravis and a case of what is probably a congenital form of myasthenia gravis were diagnosed in 2 unrelated cats. Neuromuscular weakness exacerbated by exercise was a prominent feature in both cats. Weakness was eliminated temporarily by administration of anticholinesterase drugs. Serum autoantibodies to acetylcholine receptors of skeletal muscle were present in the 1st cat and were not detected in the 2nd cat. A characteristic decrement in the amplitude of the compound muscle action potential during repetitive stimulation of the motor nerve was elicited in the 2nd cat. There was marked electromyographic improvement in response to anticholinesterase drugs. Electromyography was not performed in the 1st cat.     

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.     

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.     

Evaluation of a short glass fibre-reinforced tube as a model for cat femur for biomechanical testing of orthopaedic implants.

The biomechanical testing of tubes made of third generation short glass fibre-reinforced (SGFR) material approximating cat femurs was performed in order to determine their suitability as cat femur surrogates for the biomechanical testing of orthopaedic implants. The tubes were tested in compression, three-point bending, notch testing, and screw pullout. Thin walled (B1-tubes) had a 13% lower maximum load to failure, a 19% higher maximum strength and a 13% lower elastic modulus compared to cat femurs tested in compression. B1-tubes maximum load to failure in three-point bending and screw pullout strength were considerably lower compared to cat femurs (29% and 63%, respectively). Notch testing was not performed on B1-tubes due to low bending strength. Thicker walled (B2-tubes) had a 23% higher maximum load to failure, a 10% higher maximum strength and a 21% lower elastic modulus compared to cat femurs tested in compression. The comparison of B2-tubes and cat femurs in three-point bending revealed a 7% increase in maximum load to failure for the B2-tubes. Drilled B2-tubes (notch testing) were weaker with a 30% lower load to failure compared to cat femurs. A screw pullout comparison of B2-tubes and cat femurs revealed a 2% increase in maximum load to failure for the B2-tubes. These tubes were intended to provide a model as a suitable surrogate for cat femurs for testing the bending strength of various orthopaedic constructs involving plates and screws. Testing revealed that third generation SGFR tubes were not suitable for these purposes and emphasizes the need to carefully evaluate the suitability of any model.     

A feline case of isolated fourth ventricle with syringomyelia suspected to be related with feline infectious peritonitis

A one-year-old female cat was unable to stand. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed, and an enlargement of the lateral, third, and fourth ventricles and syringomyelia were detected. The cat was diagnosed with an isolated fourth ventricle (IFV) with syringomyelia. The serum isoantibody test for the feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) virus was 1:3,200. After the cat died, a pathological examination revealed nonsuppurative encephalomyelitis. We suspected that the IFV, detected in the cat, was associated with FIP encephalomyelitis. To our knowledge, there has been no report on IFV in veterinary medicine.     

Permanent Pacemaker Implantation for Treatment of Symptomatic Bradycardia in Two Cats

Two cats with bradycardia and syncope were treated by permanent pacemaker implantation. Cat 1 had multiple episodes of syncope intermittently over a 10-month period and then multiple episodes within 24 hours; cat 2 had episodes of collapse over a 3-month period. Clinical signs included disorientation, vocalization, and collapse. High-grade second-degree AV block was recorded in both cats, with left and right bundle branch block in cat 1 and right bundle branch block in cat 2. Neither responded to pharmacologic therapy. In cat 1, an epimyocardial electrode was implanted into the left ventricular apex by a ventral abdominal transdiaphragmatic surgical approach. Cat 2 had a permanent smooth endocardial pacing lead introduced into the fight external jugular vein and directed into the right ventricular apex. Both cats were clinically normal within three days after implantation. Complications in cat 2 included failure of pacemaker capture, endocardial lead dislodgement, and pulse generator pocket seroma. Cats with symptomatic bradycardia caused by second-degree and third-degree AV block can be effectively treated by pacemaker implantation by surgical endomyocardial or perivenous endocardial lead placement.     

Hyperadrenocorticism in cats: seven cases (1978-1987)

Hyperadrenocorticism was diagnosed in 7 cats with concurrent diabetes mellitus. Four cats had pituitary adenoma with bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia, 1 cat had pituitary carcinoma with bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia, 1 cat had adrenocortical carcinoma, and 1 cat had adrenocortical adenoma of the left adrenal gland. One year later, adrenocortical adenoma involving the right adrenal gland also was diagnosed in this cat. Clinical signs included polyuria and polydipsia (n = 7), development of pot-bellied appearance (n = 5), dermatologic alterations (n = 5), lethargy (n = 3), weight loss (n = 3), dyspnea/panting (n = 2), and recurrent bacterial infections (n = 2). In 6 cats, the diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism was established before death on the basis of results of the ACTH stimulation test (n = 3) and the dexamethasone screening test (n = 5). Pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism was differentiated from adrenocortical neoplasia on the basis of results of the dexamethasone suppression test (n = 4), endogenous ACTH concentration (n = 3), results of abdominal radiography and ultrasonography (n = 3), and exploratory celiotomy (n = 1). Four cats died or were euthanatized without treatment attempts. Treatment with mitotane followed by 60Co teletherapy was ineffective in one cat with pituitary adenoma. One cat with pituitary carcinoma died one week after bilateral adrenalectomy. Bilateral adrenocortical adenomas were removed surgically in the affected cat.     

Tracheal obstruction caused by tree needles in a cat

Tracheal obstruction was suspected in a 1-year-old female domestic shorthair cat. Clinical signs consisted of inspiratory and expiratory dyspnea and cyanosis. The cat did not improve when treated with oxygen, epinephrine, prednisolone sodium succinate, and aminophylline. Bronchoscopy revealed obstruction of the trachea and carina by a 2.5-cm twig and needles from a Douglas fir tree. Needles had migrated into distal airways. The cat was euthanatized at the owner's request.     

Severe cardiovascular depression in a cat following a mandibular nerve block with bupivacaine

ObservationsA 12 year old cat was presented for anaesthesia to remove a mandibular squamous cell carcinoma. After intramuscular premedication with dexmedetomidine and methadone, anaesthesia was induced with alfaxalone, administered intravenously (IV) to effect, and maintained with isoflurane vaporized in oxygen, following oro-tracheal intubation. Approximately 5 minutes after performing a mandibular nerve block with 1.16 mg kg^?1 of bupivacaine, the cat developed severe cardiovascular depression. Anaesthetic delivery was discontinued and cardiopulmonary resuscitation instituted. Drug administration consisted of atropine (0.02 mg kg^?1 IV, repeated three times), followed by atipamezole (0.08 mg kg^?1 IV). Dobutamine was subsequently administered (1 μg kg^?1 minute^?1 IV) until cardiovascular performance was considered satisfactory. During recovery from anaesthesia the cat exhibited seizure-like activity, which was controlled by a variable rate infusion of propofol. The cat made an uneventful recovery following discontinuation of propofol infusion, without residual neurological signs, and the surgical procedure was postponed.ConclusionsThis clinical report describes successful management of cardiovascular and neurological complications following a mandibular nerve block with bupivacaine in a cat. Although treatment was successful, the role played by the drugs administered during resuscitation remains uncertain.     

Surgical treatment of a meningoencephalocele in a cat

Objective: To report the clinical signs, imaging findings and surgical treatment of a meningoencephalocele in a cat. Study Design: Case report. Animal: Domestic shorthaired cat, 4 months old. Methods: A parietal meningoencephalocele was identified and characterized by magnetic resonance and computed tomography (CT) imaging. The abnormal tissue was excised and submitted for histopathology, and the meningeal and skull defects were reconstructed. Results: The cat made a full recovery and the episodes of aggression, restlessness and apparent discomfort that occurred before surgery ceased after surgical treatment. The cat was clinically normal 1 year postoperatively. Conclusion: Surgical management of meningoencephalocele in cats may be a viable treatment option.     

Oral masses in two cats

Incisional biopsies from the oral cavity of 2 adult cats were submitted for histological investigation. Cat No. 1 showed a solitary well-circumscribed neoplasm in the left mandible. Cat No. 2 demonstrated a diffusely infiltrating neoplasm in the left maxilla. Both tumors consisted of medium-size epithelial cells embedded in a fibrovascular stroma. The mitotic index was 0 to 1 mitosis per high-power field. The epithelial cells showed an irregular arrangement forming nests or streams in cat No. 1, whereas a palisading growth was noted in cat No. 2. Both tumors, especially that of cat No. 1, showed multifocal accumulations of amyloid as confirmed by Congo red staining and a distinct green birefringence under polarized light, which lacked cytokeratin immunoreactivity as well as and AL and AA amyloid immunoreactivity. In addition, the amyloid in cat No. 2 was positive for the odontogenic ameloblast-associated protein, formerly termed APin. In sum, both cats suffered from an amyloid-producing odontogenic tumor, but their tumors varied with respect to morphology and type of amyloid produced.     

Spinal cord granuloma due to Coccidioides immitis in a cat

A6-year-old 5.5-kg female spayed domestic short-haired cat from Tucson, AZ, presented with an ˜5-day history of progressive pelvic limb weakness. The owners had returned from a weekend away to find the cat unable to use her left pelvic limb. Approximately 2 months previously, the cat had a cough and was treated for presumptive asthma with 5 mg prednisone PO q24h. The cat had a similar cough 1 year previously and seasonal allergy was suspected. The cough resolved and prednisone treatment was discontinued. Other past pertinent history included a skin problem ˜4 years previously that was described as alopecia, erythema, and pruritus of a pelvic limb. This problem had been diagnosed as an allergy and had since resolved. The cat was housed exclusively indoors and had been adopted as a kitten from a local retail store. Viral titers (FeLV and FIV) were negative, and regular vaccinations and veterinary examinations had been completed     

Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal sac in two cats

This report describes two cases of feline anal sac squamous cell carcinoma. Cat 1 was managed with a multimodal approach combining surgical resection, radiation therapy and systemic therapy (toceranib phosphate; Palladia™) until local recurrence was identified at 236 days postsurgery. At that time, the cat received carboplatin. With the tumour being progressive, the cat was euthanased 552 days post initial surgery. Cat 2 was managed palliatively with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (meloxicam) and supportive medications. Unfortunately, with further decline in quality of life following initial diagnosis, the cat was euthanased 28 days later. Squamous cell carcinoma should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis when a cat is presented for investigation of an anal sac mass.     

Precision Medicine in Cats: Novel Niemann‐Pick Type C1 Diagnosed by Whole‐Genome Sequencing

State‐of‐the‐art health care includes genome sequencing of the patient to identify genetic variants that contribute to either the cause of their malady or variants that can be targeted to improve treatment. The goal was to introduce state‐of‐the‐art health care to cats using genomics and a precision medicine approach. To test the feasibility of a precision medicine approach in domestic cats, a single cat that presented to the University of Missouri, Veterinary Health Center with an undiagnosed neurologic disease was whole‐genome sequenced. The DNA variants from the cat were compared to the DNA variant database produced by the 99 Lives Cat Genome Sequencing Consortium. Approximately 25× genomic coverage was produced for the cat. A predicted p.H441P missense mutation was identified in NPC1, the gene causing Niemann‐Pick type C1 on cat chromosome D3.47456793 caused by an adenine‐to‐cytosine transversion, c.1322A>C. The cat was homozygous for the variant. The variant was not identified in any other 73 domestic and 9 wild felids in the sequence database or 190 additionally genotyped cats of various breeds. The successful effort suggested precision medicine is feasible for cats and other undiagnosed cats may benefit from a genomic analysis approach. The 99 Lives DNA variant database was sufficient but would benefit from additional cat sequences. Other cats with the mutation may be identified and could be introduced as a new biomedical model for NPC1. A genetic test could eliminate the disease variant from the population.     

Osteochondrodysplasia in Scottish Fold cross-breed cats

Two Scottish Fold mixed cats are described in this report. Case 1 is a mixed Scottish Fold and Munchkin cat. Extremities of this cat resembled the Munchkin cat, while the ear pinna were folded forward like the Scottish Fold cat. Case 2 is a mixed Scottish Fold and American Curl cat. The ear pinna were curled caudally like the American Curl. Severe exostosis in the hind leg was observed in radiographs taken around one year of age in both cats. Both cats were dominant homozygous for c.1024G>T of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 gene, responsible for osteochondrodysplasia in the Scottish Fold cat. Cross breeding with Scottish Fold cats could produce unknown phenotypes, and should be avoided.     

Use of cyproheptadine to control urine spraying and masturbation in a cat

A 5-year-old male domestic longhair cat was examined because of urine spraying and masturbation. The cat had sprayed urine from the time it was acquired as a stray 4 years earlier. The cat was cryptorchid, and at 1 year of age, the scrotal testicle was removed. The cryptorchid testicle was surgically removed several months later; however, urine spraying and masturbation persisted. A diagnosis of territorial marking and separation anxiety was made. Serum testosterone concentration was within the reference range for sexually intact male cats. Treatment included behavior modification and administration of cyproheptadine (2 mg, p.o., q 12 h), which has been shown to have antiandrogenic effects in other species. Frequency of urine marking and masturbation decreased, along with serum testosterone concentration. The cat continued to do well as long as medication was given consistently. Eventually, the cat underwent a laparotomy for removal of remnant testicular tissues but was then lost to follow-up.     

Acute myelomonocytic leukaemia with short-term spontaneous remission in a cat

A 2-year-old, spayed female domestic shorthair cat was referred with a history of anorexia and depression of 1 week duration. On physical examination, the cat was lethargic and febrile, with splenomegaly, anisocoria and ulcerative stomatitis. A complete blood count (CBC) and a biochemistry profile showed leukocytosis, numerous blast cells in the peripheral blood, thrombocytopenia, hyperglobulinaemia and a positive test for feline leukaemia virus antigen. A diagnosis of acute myelomonocytic leukaemia was made on the basis of the results of bone marrow cytology, histopathology, and immunochemistry (CD3, CD79a, lysozyme, and myeloperoxidase) tests. Following an unexpected 1-month period of clinical and clinicopathological remission without chemotherapy, the cat relapsed and died 1 week later.