Prevalence of radiographic signs of degenerative joint disease in a hospital population of cats

The prevalence of radiographic signs of degenerative joint disease (including appendicular osteoarthritis) among a hospital population of 218 cats was 33.9 per cent (74 cats), and the prevalence of signs of appendicular joint osteoarthritis was 16.5 per cent (36 cats). Half of the cases of appendicular joint osteoarthritis had no apparent radiographic or historical cause, and clinical signs of lameness were recorded in only six of them, all of which had an apparent radiographic cause. The 74 cats with radiographic signs of degenerative joint disease were on average significantly older than the 144 cats in which there were no radiographic signs of the disease.     

Clinical signs and results of treatment in cats with patellar luxation: 42 cases (1992-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical signs and results of treatment in cats with patellar luxation. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 42 cats in which patellar luxation had been diagnosed on the basis of results of palpation of the stifle joints. PROCEDURES: Degree of luxation was graded on a scale from 1 to 4, and severity of lameness was graded on a scale from 0 to 5. Radiographs of stifle joints were evaluated for signs of osteoarthritis. Long-term function was classified as poor, fair, good, or excellent. RESULTS: 34 cats had bilateral luxation and 8 had unilateral luxation. Only 7 (17%) cats had a history of trauma. Mean age of the cats was 3.3 years, and mean weight was 4.26 kg (9.4 lb); 26 (62%) were domestic shorthairs. Seventy-three of the 76 (95%) affected joints had medial patellar luxation. Luxation grades could be assigned to 65 joints, with grade 2 (30 joints) and 3 (22 joints) luxation being most common. Lameness grades could be assigned to 73 joints, with grade 1 lameness (27 joints) most common. Outcome was excellent for 8 of 17 joints treated without surgery and for 23 of 35 joints treated surgically. Complications attributable to surgery were reported in 8 cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Patellar luxation should be considered as a cause of hind limb lameness in cats. Low-grade luxation can be associated with lameness of the same severity as high-grade luxation. Surgical correction of patellar luxation in cats with grade 2 or 3 lameness can result in a favorable outcome.     

Retrospective study of bacterial infective arthritis in 31 dogs

OBJECTIVES: To characterise the presenting signs and pathological changes of canine bacterial infective arthritis in 31 dogs, and to document the response to different treatment regimens. Risk factors that may predispose joints to bacterial infective arthritis and influence the success of treatment were also investigated. METHODS: A retrospective review of cases of bacterial infective arthritis that were presented to three university veterinary referral hospitals over a five-year period (January 1997 to January 2002) was performed. RESULTS: The elbow joint (38 per cent) and stifle joint (44 per cent) were most commonly affected. Radiographic changes consistent with pre-existing osteoarthritis were identified in 14 joints, which had no history of previous surgery (articular or periarticular) or penetrating wound. No significant difference (P = 0.78) was identified between the outcome of combined surgical and medical management, and medical management alone. There were trends for poorer outcomes with increased bodyweight of the dog, longer duration of lameness and a higher nucleated cell count of the affected joint fluid at presentation. The overall infection rate for articular surgical procedures at one institution was 1-3 per cent. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Medical and/or surgical management were usually successful in resolving infection (94 per cent). However, they were frequently unsuccessful in restoring full joint function; this may in part have been due to the nature of the underlying joint     

Osteoarthritis in cats: a retrospective radiological study

OBJECTIVES: To provide basic information about natural feline osteoarthritis (OA) as part of more extensive studies. METHODS: A retrospective study of cats (greater than one year of age) radiographed for any reason at a first opinion and referral veterinary practice was performed. Cats were classified as either having or not having radiographic OA. Computerised histories were searched for records of potential causes and clinical signs of OA. The genders and ages of the affected cats were compared with a control population using chi-squared tests. RESULTS: Of 491 cats, 292 (59 per cent) had undergone a diagnostic radiograph of at least one synovial joint. Sixty-three of 292 cats (22 per cent) showed evidence of radiographic OA; 21 (33 per cent) of which also had clinically evident OA. A potential cause of OA had been recorded in only seven of 63 cats (11 per cent). The population of cats with radiographic evidence of OA was older than the control population (P<0.001). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Radiographic OA was found in 22 per cent of the test population. In many cases there was no clinical evidence of OA recorded in the history, suggesting that either there is little correlation between clinical and radiographic OA or that clinical signs of OA in cats may not have been observed or recorded. Idiopathic/primary OA was common.     

A retrospective study of surgically treated cases of septic peritonitis in the cat (2000–2007)

O bjectives : To review aetiology, clinical signs and outcome of cats surgically treated for septic peritonitis (2000-2007).
M ethods : A retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were the identification of intracellular bacteria and degenerate neutrophils and/or a positive culture from abdominal fluid and exploratory coeliotomy. Aetiology, clinical signs, haematological and biochemical parameters, surgical treatment and outcome were recorded and analysed.
R esults : Twenty-six cats fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Abdominal pain was reported in 10 (38 per cent) and vomiting was reported in 11 (42 per cent) of the cats. The most common aetiology was trauma (31 per cent). The principal source of contamination was the gastrointestinal tract. Hyperlactataemia, hypoproteinaemia and hyperglycaemia were reported in 9, 13 and 14 of the 26 cases, respectively. Non-survivors had significantly higher blood lactate concentrations than survivors (P=0·02). Nineteen cats were managed with primary closure, two with closed suction drains and three with open peritoneal drainage. Twelve (46 per cent) cats survived to discharge.
C linical S ignificance : In cats, lethargy, depression and anorexia were more common clinical signs than abdominal pain. Lactate level at the time of diagnosis may be a useful prognostic indicator in cats. The proportion of cats that survived was lower than previously reported and owners should be given a guarded prognosis.     

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.     

Lameness and poor performance in horses used for team roping: 118 cases (2000-2003)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the types of musculoskeletal problems that result in lameness or poor performance in horses used for team roping and determine whether these problems are different in horses used for heading versus heeling. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 118 horses. PROCEDURE: Medical records of team roping horses that were evaluated because of lameness or poor performance were reviewed to obtain information regarding signalment, primary use (ie, head horse or heel horse), history, results of physical and lameness examinations, diagnostic tests performed, final diagnosis, and treatment. RESULTS: Among horses evaluated by lameness clinicians, the proportion with lameness or poor performance was significantly greater in horses used for heading (74/118) and lower in horses used for heeling (44/118) than would be expected under the null hypothesis. Most horses examined for poor performance were lame. A significantly greater proportion of horses used for heading had right forelimb lameness (26/74 [35%]), compared with horses used for heeling (7/44 [16%]). Horses used for heading had more bilateral forelimb lameness (18/74 [24%]), compared with horses used for heeling (4/44 [9%]). Horses used for heeling had more bilateral hind limb lameness (3/44 [7%]), compared with horses used for heading (0%). The most common musculoskeletal problems in horses used for heading were signs of pain limited to the distal sesamoid (navicular) area, signs of pain in the navicular area plus osteoarthritis of the distal tarsal joints, and soft tissue injury in the forelimb proximal phalangeal (pastern) region. Heeling horses most commonly had signs of pain in the navicular area, osteoarthritis of the metatarsophalangeal joints, and osteoarthritis of the distal tarsal joints. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Horses used for heading were most commonly affected by lameness in the right forelimb. Horses used for heeling had more bilateral hind limb lameness than horses used for heading.     

Anaesthesia and analgesia for dogs and cats in South Africa undergoing sterilisation and with osteoarthritis--an update from 2000

A survey was conducted in 2000 into the use of analgesic drugs by veterinarians in South Africa. This survey was repeated in 2005 to establish whether the use of analgesic drugs has increased and which analgesic drugs are being used for acute pain and osteoarthritis. The number of sterilisations performed and the number of new cases of osteoarthritis in dogs and cats was estimated. It is estimated that approximately 260000 cats are operated on each year in South Africa and that 150000 cats are sterilised. Five hundred thousand dogs undergo surgery, of which 242000 are sterilised. It appears that the number of surgical procedures performed in South Africa has decreased. The estimated death rate following anaesthesia has remained unchanged at 1:1004. Overall, the use of analgesics by South African veterinarians has increased significantly. Fifty-six per cent of cats and 74% of dogs were given peri-operative analgesics but this increased to 94% and 84% after including pre-anaesthetic medications with analgesic properties. The use of opioids (morphine and buprenorphine) and propofol has increased significantly. Approximately 253000 dogs and 33000 cats with osteoarthritis are seen by veterinarians in South Africa annually. The recognition by veterinarians of osteoarthritis in cats appears to be poor and is in need of attention. Carprofen and glucosamine/chondroitin are the most commonly used agents for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Details of the drugs used by veterinarians are given. Knowledge of analgesic drugs has increased significantly over the last 5 years. Continuing education is thought to have played an important role in the changes reported in this study.     

Radiological study to evaluate suspected scapulohumeral joint dysplasia in Shetland ponies

A radiological study was performed to test the hypothesis that osteoarthritis of the scapulohumeral joint in Shetland ponies is secondary to shoulder dysplasia. Animals were selected into 3 groups: Group 1: Shetland ponies with a radiological and clinical diagnosis of scapulohumeral osteoarthritis (n = 8); Group 2: Shetland ponies without forelimb lameness (n = 12); Group 3: Horses/ponies without a history or clinical signs of forelimb lameness (n = 22). Anatomical indices were measured from mediolateral radiographs of a scapulohumeral joint from each animal. There was a significant difference in the mean radius of curvature of the glenoid cavity of the scapula (RCG) between the 3 groups (MANOVA test, P = 0.003). The mean RCG of both Group 1 (P = 0.001) and Group 2 (P = 0.022) was significantly greater than that of Group 3. There was no significant effect of group on the radius of curvature of the humeral head or on the Conformity Index. There was a significant effect of group on the Glenoid Ratio (MANOVA test, P = 3 x 10(-6)). The mean Glenoid Ratio was significantly lower in both Group 1 (P = 2 x 10(-6)) and in Group 2 (P = 0.006) than in Group 3. These results indicate that the glenoid cavity of the scapula is 'flatter' and 'shallower' in Shetland ponies which we postulate to be a primary dysplasia in this breed.     

Aetiology and outcome in 90 cats presenting with dyspnoea in a referral population

O bjectives : Dyspnoea is an unspecific severe presenting sign, which can be life threatening and requires prompt treatment. Dyspnoeic cats often have significant underlying disease. Underlying aetiologies in cats that presented with dyspnoea were reviewed, and associations with patient signalment and outcome were investigated.
M ethods : The case records of 90 dyspnoeic cats were retrospectively reviewed and separated into different groups depending on aetiology (cardiac, respiratory, neoplastic and trauma). Duration of clinical signs, presentation, hospitalisation length and survival were analysed.
R esults : Cardiac (38 per cent), respiratory (32 per cent) and neoplastic (20 per cent) diseases were common causes of feline dyspnoea. Cats with respiratory causes had longer duration of clinical signs (P<0·001) before presentation. Cats with neoplasia were significantly older (P<0·001). No significant difference in respiratory rates was present between the groups (P = 0·154). High heart rates (P<0·001) and abnormalities on cardiac auscultation were more likely in the cardiac group.
Clinical Significance: Frequent causes of dyspnoea in cats were cardiac disease followed by respiratory causes and neoplastic conditions. Heart rate on presentation and presence of heart murmurs or gallops are useful to identify cardiac causes. Improved proportion surviving was found in the respiratory group (P = 0·027), whereas cats with neoplasia had the worst outcome.     

Microscopic and clinical evidence for Anaplasma (Ehrlichia) phagocytophilum infection in Italian cats

Fifteen cats from Italy with Ehrlichia-like inclusion bodies in their neutrophils were studied. They were diagnosed with Anaplasma (Ehrlichia) phagocytophilum infection on the basis of cytological observation of morulae within 1 to 21 per cent of their neutrophils, clinical signs characteristic of ehrlichiosis and their response to doxycycline. The predominant signs of disease were anorexia, lethargy, hyperaesthesia, muscle and joint pain, lameness, neck rigidity, lymphadenomegaly, gingivitis/periodontitis, conjunctivitis, weight loss, incoordination, pale mucous membranes and hyperglobulinaemia. The cat with inclusions in 21 per cent of its neutrophils had suffered arthralgia, tachypnoea, neck rigidity, vomiting and thrombocytopenia for four months, but recovered promptly after treatment with doxycycline.     

A randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study on the efficacy of a unique extract of green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) in horses with chronic fetlock lameness attributed to osteoarthritis

Reasons for performing study: Lyophilised products from green‐lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus[LPPC]) are used to orally treat horses with osteoarthritis (OA). However, no randomised, controlled or double‐blinded studies on the efficacy of this treatment in horses have been reported to date. Objective: To investigate the effects of a unique LPPC (Biolane) ¹ in improving clinical signs of OA in the fetlock. Methods: Data were analysed from 26 horses with primary fetlock lameness in a controlled, randomised and double‐blinded, multi‐centre clinical trial. The study design was a partial crossover with a washout period and consisted of 19 horses treated with LPPC and 20 with a placebo. Horses were dosed orally with 25 mg/kg bwt/day LPPC or placebo for 56 days. Efficacy was evaluated by clinical assessment of lameness, passive flexion, pain, swelling and heat in the affected joint. Relationships between variables were analysed using an ordinal logistic model with random effects for horse and horse x treatment according to a modified intention‐to‐treat analysis. Results: Clinical evaluation of horses with a fetlock lameness treated with LPPC showed a significant reduction in severity of lameness (P<0.001), improved response to the joint flexion test (P<0.001) and reduced joint pain (P = 0.014) when compared with horses treated with placebo. Conclusions: The LPPC significantly alleviated the severity of lameness and joint pain and improved response to joint flexion in horses with lameness attributable to OA in the fetlock.     

Evaluation of client-specific outcome measures and activity monitoring to measure pain relief in cats with osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND: There are no validated systems for measuring pain from osteoarthritis in cats. HYPOTHESIS: Owner subjective assessments and an activity monitor (AM) can be used to detect pain in cats with osteoarthritis and to assess efficacy of treatments. ANIMALS: Thirteen cats older than 10 years old, with owner-assessed decreases in activity, painful arthritic joints, and clinically normal blood work were included and evaluated for 3 weeks. METHODS: A collar-mounted AM measured activity and a client-specific outcome measure (CSOM) questionnaire characterized the severity of impairment. Overall global quality of life was also evaluated for each treatment. In weeks 2 and 3, meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg, day 1; 0.05 mg/kg, days 2-5) or a placebo was administered in a blinded, randomized, cross-over manner to test the assessment systems. RESULTS: The cats had a median of 4 arthritic appendicular joints. Activity counts for the week when cats (complete data on activity; n=9) were administered meloxicam were significantly higher than at baseline (P = .02) but not after placebo (P = .06). Baseline activity counts were not significantly different from placebo (P = .6). The CSOM data (n=13) showed that owners considered their cats to be more active on meloxicam compared with baseline (P = .001) and placebo (P < .004), and more active on placebo than at baseline (P < .01). Global quality of life improved significantly with meloxicam (P < .042). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Both an AM and a CSOM system can detect behavior associated with pain relief in cats that are arthritic. Objective activity data might allow subjective assessment systems to be validated for use in clinical studies.     

Efficacy and safety of cefovecin for the treatment of urinary tract infections in cats

OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy and safety of cefovecin (Convenia); Pfizer Animal Health) in the treatment of urinary tract infections in cats. METHOD: A multi-centre, masked, randomised study was conducted in cats presenting with clinical signs indicative of urinary tract infections. Cephalexin (Rilexine); Virbac) administered orally twice daily at 15 mg/kg bodyweight for 14 days was compared with a single subcutaneous injection of cefovecin in cats. The primary efficacy parameter assessed was bacterial elimination of the pretreatment uropathogen. RESULTS: Four hundred and thirty-four cats were screened for urinary tract infections. One hundred and eighty-five cats were treated with either cefovecin (n=124) or cephalexin (n=61). Ninety-seven cats (22.2 per cent) had confirmed bacteriuria and 82 cats were included in efficacy analysis. Escherichia coli was eliminated in 76.7 per cent (23 of 30) of cefovecin-treated cats compared with 62.5 per cent (10 of 16) of cephalexin-treated cats. Cefovecin demonstrated statistical non-inferiority compared with cephalexin for bacterial elimination. There were no suspected adverse drug reactions attributable to treatment with cefovecin or cephalexin. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Cefovecin was demonstrated to be an effective and safe treatment for urinary tract infections.     

Neuropathological findings in cats with clinically suspect but histologically unconfirmed feline spongiform encephalopathy

Central nervous system (CNS) tissues from 192 cats with neurological signs were examined histologically, and tissues from 173 of them were later examined immunohistochemically as part of a survey to determine the prevalence of feline spongiform encephalopathy (FSE). One of the cats was from Norway and the others were from Great Britain. The most commonly recorded clinical signs were ataxia, behavioural changes and epilepsy, but none of the cats had histopathological evidence of FSE. The most common organic CNS lesions were non-suppurative encephalomyelitis in 28 per cent, neoplasia in 15 per cent and a heterogeneous group of degenerative encephalopathies in 9 per cent of the cats. A range of minor histological lesions of uncertain significance was also observed. No histological lesions were observed in the tissues of 63 (33 per cent) of the cats. Disease-specific prion protein (PrP(Sc)) was observed in only one of the 173 cats examined by immunohistochemistry.     

Evaluation of clinical signs and causes of lower urinary tract disease in European cats

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical signs and causes of lower urinary tract disease (LUTD) in 77 cats. METHODS: Cats diagnosed with LUTD over a two-year period were included in the study. RESULTS: The study population comprised 67 male and 10 female cats. Uroliths occurred in 17 of the 77 cats (22 per cent), urethral plugs in eight cats (10 per cent) and urinary tract infection in six cats (8 per cent). In 44 cats (57 per cent), no specific cause for the disease was found and they were classified as having idiopathic LUTD. In two of the 77 cats (3 per cent) no definitive diagnosis was established. Pain was less common in cats with uroliths and haematuria was more often seen in cats with urinary tract infection. At presentation, urethral obstruction was diagnosed in 45 of the 77 cats (58 per cent). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The causes of LUTD found in cats in this study are similar to those that have been previously documented, and idiopathic LUTD is the most frequent diagnosis. However, the rate of urethral obstruction, particularly in cats with idiopathic LUTD, was higher than in other reports. The cause of this difference is unknown.     

Prevalence of feline leukaemia virus and antibodies to feline immunodeficiency virus in cats in the United Kingdom

A representative sample of the pet cat population of the United Kingdom was surveyed. Blood samples from 1204 sick and 1007 healthy cats of known breed, age and sex were tested for antibodies to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). The prevalence of FIV was 19 per cent in sick cats and 6 per cent in healthy cats, and the prevalence of FeLV was 18 per cent in sick cats and 5 per cent in healthy cats; both infections were more common in domestic cats than in pedigree cats. Feline immunodeficiency virus was more prevalent in older cats but FeLV was more prevalent in younger cats. There was no difference between the prevalence of FeLV in male and female cats but male cats were more likely to be infected with FIV than female cats. No interaction was demonstrated between FIV and FeLV infections. Of the cats which were in contact with FIV in households with more than one cat, 21 per cent had seroconverted. The prevalence of FeLV viraemia in cats in contact with FeLV was 14 per cent. The clinical signs associated with FIV were pyrexia, gingivitis/stomatitis and respiratory signs, and with FeLV, pyrexia and anaemia. It was concluded that both viruses were significant causes of disease, and that the cats most likely to be infected with FIV were older, free-roaming male cats and for FeLV, younger, free-roaming cats.     

Degenerative lumbosacral stenosis in 18 dogs

Eighteen dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis were presented to the University of Queensland Small Animal Clinic (UQSAC) over a three-year period. Presenting clinical signs included lumbosacral pain (89 per cent), hindlimb paresis and proprioceptive deficits (56 per cent), lameness (49 per cent), flaccid tails (22 per cent), and urinary dysfunction (16 per cent). All 18 dogs were treated by decompressive laminectomy. Two dogs were also treated by a pin fixation-fusion technique. The major compressive lesion was a type II disc protrusion (72 per cent). Seventeen dogs (94 per cent) showed improvement postoperatively with minimal complications. Confirmation of diagnosis is difficult in that many aged dogs without clinical signs show radiographic signs compatible with stenosis.     

Intussusception in 12 cats

The medical records of 12 cats presented with intussusception and diagnosed at the University of Sydney Veterinary Teaching Hospital and the Sylvania Veterinary Hospital were reviewed. Eleven cats were less than one year old at the time of diagnosis. No breed or sex predilections were determined. The most consistent clinical signs were anorexia (83 per cent), weight loss (83 per cent) and a palpable abdominal mass (92 per cent). Vomiting (58 per cent) and diarrhoea (50 per cent) were seen less frequently in these cats compared with the reported incidence of these signs in dogs. In 10 cats the intussusception was corrected surgically. Manual reduction was successful in three of the cats but six required end-to-end anastomosis following intestinal resection and in one cat a typhlectomy was performed. Postoperative ileus complicated recovery in three cases. Recurrence of the intussusception at a different site occurred in two of these cases. One cat with recurrence of intussusception died and the cat with ileus but not recurrence was euthanased one month after the original surgery.     

Supracondylar femoral fractures in 159 dogs and cats treated using a normograde intramedullary pinning technique

Three separate studies that collectively represent 107 dogs and 52 cats with supracondylar femoral fractures are presented. The animals were treated using a normograde intramedullary pinning technique at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science during the period 1964 to 1993. The surgical technique involves insertion of one or two intramedullary pins normograde from the stifle joint without passing their proximal end proximal to the level of the femoral neck. The results of treatment were obtained for 73 dogs and 39 cats. Of these cases, 58 dogs (79.5 per cent) and 32 cats (82.1 per cent) were found to be free of lameness after the completion of treatment. Differences in the results of treatment, based on species or size, were not found. Of all cases in which the results of treatment were known (n = 112), complications were recorded in nine animals (8.0 per cent). Infection and instability were the most common complications, affecting four and three cases, respectively.