B-cell lymphoma in a dog with ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis) and systemic histoplasmosis (Histoplasma capsulatum)

A mixed breed dog treated for ehrlichiosis and systemic histoplasmosis developed a refractory thrombocytopenia. When an abdominal mass was detected, exploratory laparotomy and biopsies confirmed lymphoma, which on immunohistochemical stains was determined to be of B-cell origin. Conceivably, the B-cell lymphoma in this dog was associated with chronic inflammation from ehrlichiosis, histoplasmosis, or both.     

DIC and granulomatous vasculitis in a dog with disseminated histoplasmosis

Disseminated histoplasmosis and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy were diagnosed in a 7 mo old, female spayed mixed-breed dog. The dog improved transiently with supportive care, but deteriorated shortly after initiation of antifungal therapy. The dog was subsequently euthanized. At necropsy, marked granulomatous vasculitis was identified in all affected organs. The tunicae and laminae of the arteries and arterioles were obscured by epithelioid macrophages and multinucleated giant cells admixed with necrotic material. Intracytoplasmic yeast were present within some of these macrophages. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of granulomatous vasculitis associated with Histoplasma capsulatum in a dog.     

Treatment of thoracolumbar spinal cord compression associated with Histoplasma capsulatum infection in a cat

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 7-year-old domestic shorthair cat with a 2-month history of decreased appetite and weight loss was examined because of paraparesis of 1 week's duration that had progressed to paraplegia 3 days earlier. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Neurologic examination revealed normo- to hyperreflexia and absence of deep pain sensation in the hind limbs and thoracolumbar spinal hyperesthesia. Neuro-anatomically, the lesion was located within the T3 through L3 spinal cord segments. Biochemical analysis and cytologic examination of CSF revealed no abnormalities. Radiography revealed narrowing of the T11-12 intervertebral disk space and intervertebral foramen suggestive of intervertebral disk disease. Myelography revealed an extradural mass centered at the T12-13 intervertebral disk space with extension over the dorsal surfaces of T11-13 and L1 vertebral bodies. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: A right-sided hemilaminectomy was performed over the T11-12, T12-13, and T13-L1 intervertebral disk spaces, and a space-occupying mass was revealed. Aerobic bacterial culture of samples of the mass yielded growth of a yeast organism after a 10-day incubation period; histologically, Histoplasma capsulatum was identified. Treatment with itraconazole was initiated. Nineteen days after surgery, superficial pain sensation and voluntary motor function were evident in both hind limbs. After approximately 3.5 months, the cat was ambulatory with sling assistance and had regained some ability to urinate voluntarily. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In cats with myelopathies that have no overt evidence of fungal dissemination, differential diagnoses should include CNS histoplasmosis. Although prognosis associated with fungal infections of the CNS is generally guarded, treatment is warranted and may have a positive outcome.     

Clinical evaluation of therapeutic success in rabbits with suspected encephalitozoonosis

Between 2000 and 2008, 95 rabbits with suspected encephalitozoonosis and neurological symptoms were treated at the Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich. Standard treatment consisted of oxytetracycline (from 2000 to 2003; n=50) or fenbendazole and oxytetracycline (from 2004 to 2008; n=45), and the rabbits were randomly assigned to treatment groups with or without dexamethasone. Each therapeutic regime was given for 10 days, with fluids, B vitamins and nutritional support added as needed. Therapeutic success was evaluated by assessing the survival rate on day 10, the neurological score of the surviving rabbits and Kaplan-Meier curves for long-term survival past 10 days. Inclusion of fenbendazole in the treatment protocol was associated with increased survival rates on day 10 (p=0.043), better neurological scores (p=0.008), and improved long-term survival (p=0.025) based on the results of univariate analyses. Treatment with dexamethasone showed no effect on neurological score or on short- or long-term survival. The study did not provide any evidence that dexamethasone is an effective component of the treatment scheme.     

Clinical evaluation of a cryptococcal antigen latex agglutination test for diagnosis of cryptococcosis in cats

A commercial cryptococcal antigen latex agglutination test was used to evaluate sera from 20 cats with cryptococcosis and 184 cats without cryptococcosis. Cryptococcal antigen was detected in the sera from 19 of 20 cats with cryptococcosis. Antigen was not detected in sera from any of the cats without cryptococcosis. The test had sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 100%.     

Haemorrhage in seven cats with suspected anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication

Clinical features were evaluated in seven adult cats (six males, one female) with haemorrhage and presumptive anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication. Haemorrhage appeared as thoracic haemorrhage, otic bleeding, haematoma, melena, haematochezia, and petechiation. The most common other presenting signs were lethargy, anorexia, and tachypnoea or dyspnoea. Six cats were anaemic, four cats were mildly thrombocytopenic (58000-161000/ microL), and three had slightly decreased plasma protein or albumin values. The prothrombin time (30.3->100 s, reference range: 16.5-27.5 s) and activated partial thromboplastin time values (32.6->100 s; reference range: 14-25 s) were markedly prolonged in all cats. All cats received vitamin K(1)subcutaneously or orally (3.7-5 mg/kg body weight initially) and depending on severity of signs five cats were transfused with fresh whole blood. Plasma coagulation times improved in all cats and returned to normal in 1-5 days. Rodenticide poisons represent an important but relatively rare cause of haemorrhage in cats and can be effectively treated.     

Clinical evaluation of cats with lower urinary tract disease.

In a prospective study, 141 cats with hematuria, dysuria, urethral obstruction, or combinations of these signs were evaluated by contemporary diagnostic methods and compared with 26 clinically normal cats (controls). Specific diagnosis was established in 45% (64/141) of cats affected with lower urinary tract disease (LUTD). Crystalline matrix plug-induced urethral obstruction was diagnosed in 21% (30/141) of affected cats, uroliths were identified in 21% (30/141) of affected cats, uroliths with concomitant bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI) were identified in less than 2% (2/141) of affected cats, and bacterial UTI alone was identified in less than 2% (2/141) of cats with LUTD. Viruses, mycoplasmas, and ureaplasmas were not isolated from urine samples collected from affected or control cats. Bovine herpesvirus 4 (BHV-4)-neutralizing antibodies were not detected in any serum sample obtained from cats with LUTD or from control cats. In contrast, BHV-4 antibodies were detected by an indirect immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) test in sera obtained from 31% (44/141) of cats with LUTD and 23% (6/26) of control cats. The prevalence of positive BHV-4 IFA test results in affected cats was not significantly different from that observed in control cats. Significant association was not apparent between positive BHV-4 IFA test results and clinical diagnosis, abnormal laboratory findings, or cat age. However, the number of male cats with BHV-4 IFA titer was significantly (P less than 0.02, chi 2 test) greater than that of female cats. Detection of BHV-4 antibodies in approximately 30% of affected and control cats indicates prior virus exposure. Further investigations are warranted to clarify the specific role of BHV-4 in cats with naturally acquired LUTD.     

Clinical evaluation in cats of a new anaesthetic, GT 1341

The results of a co-ordinated multicentred clinical evaluation of a new steroid anaesthetic for cats, CT 1341, are presented. Forty-six practising veterinary surgeons were involved. Administration by the intravenous, intramuscular and combined intramuscular-intravenous routes was tried. It was concluded that CT 1341 is a safe anaesthetic in cat practice when given intravenously. When employed by the intramuscular route it induced deep sedation and in some cases anaesthesia, depending on the dosage used.     

Isolation of dermatophytes from dogs and cats with suspected dermatophytosis in Western Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the species of dermatophytes isolated from dogs and cats and their prevalence in the two big provinces of Western Turkey. A total of 362 animals (198 dogs and 164 cats) with skin lesions (alopecia and desquamation) were examined from March 2006 to February 2008. Of the 362 samples examined, 52 (14.4%) were positive for fungal elements by direct microscopic examination, and 70 (19.3%) were culture positive for dermatophytes. The isolation rates of dermatophyte species from dogs and cats were 18.7% and 20.1%, respectively. Microsporum canis (57.1%) was the most common species isolated from dogs and cats. The prevalence of Trichophyton mentagrophytes was five-fold greater in dogs than in cats (odds ratio=5.226; CI=1.152-23.696). No association was detected between prevalence of infection and provinces, and also sex of dogs and cats. The only risk factor found to be significantly associated with infection was age. Dogs and cats younger than one year of age showed a statistically significant higher prevalence of dermatophytes than other age groups (P<0.05). The isolation rate of dermatophytes was relatively high in the spring and winter for dogs, and in the spring, summer and autumn for cats. However, the association of season and prevalence was found not to be significant.     

Molecular findings of disseminated histoplasmosis in two captive snow leopards (Uncia uncia)

This paper reports two cases of disseminated histoplasmosis in captive snow leopards (Uncia uncia). Histoplasmosis was diagnosed based on histopathology, immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy, and molecular findings.     

Clinical and histological evaluation of immediate and delayed flea antigen intradermal skin test and flea bite sites in normal and flea-allergic cats

Seven cats diagnosed as flea allergic by specific criteria and seven normal control cats were exposed to flea bites in a controlled manner and were given intradermal injections of 1:1000 w/v flea antigen. Subjective evaluation of gross lesions and documentation of histological changes at flea antigen intradermal skin test (IDST) and flea bite sites were performed at 15 min, 24 h and 48 h after IDST or flea exposure. Control cats did not develop an immediate gross reaction to either flea bites or the intradermal injection of flea antigen. All seven flea-allergic cats had an immediate gross reaction at the site of IDST with flea antigen; five of these cats also developed immediate gross reactions to flea bites. Three of seven flea-allergic cats developed a gross 24 h and/or 48 h delayed reaction at the flea antigen IDST sites. These three and one other cat had both an immediate and delayed gross reaction to flea bites. Histological examination of 15 min skin specimens from IDST and flea bite sites of flea-allergic cats were similar with a mild lymphocytic, histiocytic and mastocytic superficial perivascular dermatitis. Histological examination of 24 h and 48 h skin specimens from IDST and flea bite sites of flea-allergic cats showed that they were often indistinguishable. Histological features of IDST and flea bite sites of flea-allergic cats at 24 h consisted of a perivascular to diffuse predominately eosinophilic dermatitis and mural folliculitis with variable epidermal necrosis and ulceration.     

Levetiracetam as an adjunct to phenobarbital treatment in cats with suspected idiopathic epilepsy

OBJECTIVE: To assess pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and tolerability of oral levetiracetam administered as an adjunct to phenobarbital treatment in cats with poorly controlled suspected idiopathic epilepsy. DESIGN-Open-label, noncomparative clinical trial. ANIMALS: 12 cats suspected to have idiopathic epilepsy that was poorly controlled with phenobarbital or that had unacceptable adverse effects when treated with phenobarbital. PROCEDURES: Cats were treated with levetiracetam (20 mg/kg [9.1 mg/lb], PO, q 8 h). After a minimum of 1 week of treatment, serum levetiracetam concentrations were measured before and 2, 4, and 6 hours after drug administration, and maximum and minimum serum concentrations and elimination half-life were calculated. Seizure frequencies before and after initiation of levetiracetam treatment were compared, and adverse effects were recorded. RESULTS: Median maximum serum levetiracetam concentration was 25.5 microg/mL, median minimum serum levetiracetam concentration was 8.3 microg/mL, and median elimination half-life was 2.9 hours. Median seizure frequency prior to treatment with levetiracetam (2.1 seizures/mo) was significantly higher than median seizure frequency after initiation of levetiracetam treatment (0.42 seizures/mo), and 7 of 10 cats were classified as having responded to levetiracetam treatment (ie, reduction in seizure frequency of >or=50%). Two cats had transient lethargy and inappetence. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that levetiracetam is well tolerated in cats and may be useful as an adjunct to phenobarbital treatment in cats with idiopathic epilepsy.