Hyperadrenocorticism treated with metyrapone followed by bilateral adrenalectomy in a cat

A 6-year-old spayed female cat was evaluated for uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and poor hair coat. Clinicopathologic abnormalities included high serum activity of liver enzymes, hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, glucosuria, and an exaggerated response to ACTH stimulation. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed large adrenal glands. Hyperadrenocorticism was diagnosed. Treatment for a facial abscess was instituted along with administration of metyrapone for hyperadrenocorticism. After stabilization, bilateral adrenalectomy was performed. The cat recovered without complications and has remained clinically normal for 5 months with treatment of desoxycorticosterone pivalate and prednisone. Treatment with metyrapone appeared to stabilize the cat metabolically and clinically prior to surgery.     

Transient post-traumatic hemidiaphragmatic paralysis in two cats

A diagnosis of post-traumatic hemidiaphragmatic paralysis was made in two cats. Both cats had a history of trauma and paradoxical inward movement of the abdominal wall at inspiration. Thoracic radiographs were taken at inspiration and expiration. Although the images were suggestive of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis, definitive diagnosis was reached by fluoroscopy in one cat and by ultrasonography in the second. Both cases resolved spontaneously and diaphragmatic function was normal at follow-up.     

Use of contrast ultrasonography in the diagnosis of metastatic feline visceral haemangiosarcoma

A 12-year-old cat was presented for investigation of weight loss and inappetence. Radiography and conventional grey-scale ultrasonography showed a large mid-body splenic mass. Contrast enhanced ultrasonography of the liver demonstrated a hypoechoic left lateral lobe nodular mass during the peak and late portal-phases of liver enhancement. Histopathology of the splenic mass and hepatic nodular mass confirmed haemangiosarcoma. The use of ultrasound microbubble contrast media in the diagnosis of hepatic metastasis in the cat has not been previously reported in the cat.     

SUBLUMBAR ABSCESS AND DISKOSPONDYLITIS IN A CAT

Diskospondylitis is uncommon in cats. We describe a cat with diskospondylitis of the L7-S1 intervertebral disk, and a concurrent sublumbar abscess. Radiographic, computed tomographic and ultrasonographic findings are presented. Aerobic and anaerobic cultures of blood and spinal fluid yielded no growth. Aerobic and anaerobic urine cultures resulted in growth of an Enterococcus sp. and Clostridium perfringens, respectively. The cat was successfully treated with enrofloxacin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Clinical signs resolved completely, and based on follow-up ultrasonography there was no remaining evidence of the sublumbar abscess. Etiologic agents and outcome from other cats with diskospondylitis are reviewed.     

Transjugular coil embolization of an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in a cat

A 4-month-old male domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for intermittent tremors, ptyalism, and signs of depression. The cat was small, thin, and unthrifty. Clinically important serum biochemical abnormalities included low blood urea nitrogen concentration and high baseline bile acids concentration. Abdominal ultrasonography and jejunal portography identified an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. The cat was anesthetized, and a transjugular approach was used for percutaneous coil embolization of the shunt. Guidewires, catheters, and coils were inserted under fluoroscopic guidance to locate the shunt and define its anatomy, measure portal vein pressures before and after temporary balloon occlusion, and place thrombogenic coils to completely attenuate the anomalous vessel. The cat recovered without complications and was weaned from medical management. Ten weeks following the procedure, clinical signs had completely resolved, and baseline bile acids concentration was near reference range. Results in this cat illustrate that interventional radiology techniques can be safely used in small animals and may reduce the morbidity and mortality rates associated with traditional surgical procedures.     

Congenital ectopic ureters in a continent male dog and cat

A male dog and cat were evaluated because of clinical signs associated with hydronephrosis. Both animals had ectopic ureters, but neither had urinary incontinence. The diagnoses were made by use of ultrasonography, excretory urography, retrograde urethrocystography, and surgery. In both animals, hydronephrosis was bilateral but of unequal severity, such that unilateral ureteronephrectomy could be performed. Both animals underwent ureteroneocystostomy of the remaining ureter. This treatment resulted in good clinical outcome during follow-up periods of 18 months and 3 years.     

Renal pelvic rupture,intrapelvic haematoma and retroperitoneal haemorrhage associated with obstructive ureterolithiasis in a cat

A neutered female cat presented with a 9-day history of hyporexia and depression. The referring veterinarian had identified moderate non-regenerative anaemia, haematuria and suspected unilateral obstructive ureterolithiasis. Subsequent ultrasonography revealed moderate distension of the left renal pelvis with echogenic material, ureteral distension and ureterolithiasis. A partial ureteral obstruction was suspected. After 4 days of medical management, there was further distension of the renal pelvis with well-delineated echogenic material and an accumulation of perinephric fluid. A left nephroureterectomy was performed. Renal pelvic rupture with intrapelvic haematoma and retroperitoneal haemorrhage was confirmed by histopathology. Eighteen months following surgery, the cat remained clinically well with normal renal values.     

Pseudomembranous cystitis, an unusual condition associated with feline urine outflow obstruction: Four cases

The clinical follow-up of four cats presumptively diagnosed with pseudomembranous cystitis is described. All presented with acute urine outflow obstruction and acute renal failure. Urethral catheterisation was performed without difficulty but ultrasonography and contrast radiography consistently revealed abnormal bladder wall and content. One cat was euthanased, the remaining three underwent an exploratory cystotomy. Abundant inflammatory and necrotic tissue covering an ulcerated bladder mucosa was removed. All cats recovered uneventfully. No definitive cause was identified but the clinical course of the disease was not typical of idiopathic cystitis.     

Palliative use of a stent for colonic obstruction caused by adenocarcinoma in two cats

CASE DESCRIPTION-Two adult male castrated cats were evaluated because of a history of constipation, tenesmus, or intermittent vomiting. CLINICAL FINDINGS-Radiography and ultrasonography revealed luminal narrowing in the colon of 1 cat and a colonic mass in the other. A histopathologic diagnosis of colonic adenocarcinoma was made in both cats. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME-Under fluoroscopic guidance, a self-expanding metallic stent was advanced over a wire and across the area of colonic stenosis and deployed. One cat had progressive weight loss but maintained a normal appetite, energy, and a high quality of life. Fecal continence was maintained, and tenesmus was rarely observed. The cat was euthanized because of tumor metastasis 274 days after the colonic stent was placed. The other cat retained fecal continence, and the owners reported subjective improvement in the severity of tenesmus, compared with that prior to stent placement. The cat was euthanized 19 days after stent placement because of perceived decreased quality of life. CLINICAL RELEVANCE-The use of self-expanding metallic stents for alleviation of colonic obstruction secondary to adenocarcinoma in cats appears to be effective. This technique provides a simple, quick, nonsurgical option for palliation in cats with advanced metastatic or systemic disease in which surgical resection may not be possible or warranted.     

Surgical versus conservative management of patella fractures in cats: a retrospective study

This study compared the clinical outcome in cats with patella fractures treated by surgery to those treated conservatively. Six cats with 9 patella fractures were treated. Six fractures were treated surgically and 3 were treated conservatively. Medical records of all 6 patients were reviewed for age, breed, gender, trauma, and fracture conformation. All patients had follow-up which consisted of a physical examination, radiographs, and an interview with the client between 1 and 4.5 y after surgery or diagnosis. All cats treated conservatively returned to normal activity with no gait abnormalities. In cats that had surgery, 4/6 had breakdown of the surgical repair but all cats went on to full recovery with normal activity and gait. The conclusions of this preliminary study are that surgical repair of cat patella fractures has a high rate of implant failure and that conservative management of cat patella fractures results in excellent clinical outcome.     

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma in the duodenum of a cat

A three-year-old, male neutered domestic longhair cat was referred for evaluation of icterus, vomiting, and anorexia. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a proximal duodenal mass obstructing the common bile duct. The mass was surgically resected, and a cholecystoduodenostomy was performed. The histopathological diagnosis was osteosarcoma. Thoracic radiographs showed no evidence of metastasis, and bone scintigraphy revealed no signs of a primary skeletal osteosarcoma. Four months after surgery, the cat had intermittent vomiting, marked weight loss, and died.     

Cholelithiasis and hyperthyroidism in a cat

A 14-year-old domestic short-hair cat presented with a history of intermittent malaise and increased drinking. A diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and cholelithiasis was made by a combination of blood testing, radiography and ultrasonography. After medical management of hyperthyroidism, thyroidectomy and cholecystectomy were successfully performed. Removed choleliths were comprised of calcium carbonate and bilirubinate. Histopathological analysis of tissue suggested low grade pancreatic and hepatobiliary disease, as well as hyperthyroidism, might have contributed to stone formation.     

Omentalisation of perinephric pseudocysts in a cat

An 11-year-old male domestic shorthaired cat was presented with behavioural disturbances and abdominal distension of two days' duration. Haemobartonella felis was found on routine haematology and serum biochemistry showed mild azotaemia. Abdominocentesis revealed a transudate. Bilateral perinephric fluid accumulations were observed on ultrasonography and chronic nephrosclerosis was diagnosed on needle biopsies of the kidney. A celiotomy with resection of the major portion of both cyst walls was performed. The omentum was extended along the floor of the abdomen, across the ventral aspect of both kidneys and attached to the remnants of the pseudocyst wall. Ongoing physiological drainage was secured and cyst recurrence was prevented. Perirenal fluid was not detected at clinical and ultrasound follow-up examinations 14 days and seven months postoperatively. Mild azotaemia and refractory Haemobartonella infection were, however, still present.     

Occipitoatlantoaxial malformation with atlantoaxial subluxation in a cat

Occipitoatlantoaxial malformation and atlantoaxial subluxation was diagnosed in a three-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat. Clinical signs included ataxia, postural reaction deficits, abnormal spinal reflexes, and behaviour changes. Radiographic examination revealed malformation and hypoplasia of the occipital condyles, hypoplasia of the dens, and atlantoaxial subluxation. Electroencephalographic (EEG) findings included high voltage slow activity and sharp waves with superimposed low voltage fast activity in the occipital leads and sinusoidal beta waves in the frontal leads. Basilar artery compression as a result of atlantoaxial instability is suspected to have caused the behavioural changes and EEG abnormalities in this patient. The cat was treated by stabilisation of the atlantoaxial subluxation by ventral cross pin fixation, odontectomy, and arthrodesis of the atlantoaxial articulation. The patient responded well to treatment and was neurologically normal 18 months after surgery.     

Monoclonal immunoglobulin G cryoglobulinemia and multiple myeloma in a domestic shorthair cat

A 13-year-old castrated domestic shorthair cat was examined because of fever, anorexia, and dermatologic lesions. Crusting, erythema, and well-demarcated purple discoloration of the foot pads and the tips of the pinnae, nose, and tail were seen. A white flocculent precipitate was detected in cooled serum. This precipitate dissolved upon rewarming, consistent with a cryoglobulin. Hypercalcemia, high alanine and aspartate aminotransferase activities, thrombocytopenia, and a monoclonal IgG gammopathy were found. Numerous hepatic nodules were detected by means of abdominal ultrasonography. Cytologic evaluation of fine-needle aspirates of the liver and spleen revealed numerous plasma cells, and evaluation of a bone marrow aspirate revealed plasmacytosis. A diagnosis of multiple myeloma and monoclonal IgG cryoglobulinemia was made, and the cat was euthanatized.     

Paraprostatic cyst in a cat

A paraprostatic cyst and lymphosarcoma were found in a neutered male cat that was being evaluated for monoparesis and pollakiuria. The cyst was first detected on physical examination as a palpable caudal abdominal mass. Survey radiography, intravenous urography and ultrasonography were used to further evaluate the cyst. The exact histological nature of the cyst was determined by post mortem examination to be a paraprostatic cyst of prostatic origin that communicated with the urethra. The lining of the cyst consisted of one to two layers of transitional epithelium which was continuous with prostatic ductules in several locations. This is the first reported paraprostatic cyst of prostatic origin in a cat.     

Caudal vena cava obstruction and ascites in a cat treated by balloon dilation and endovascular stent placement

OBJECTIVE: To present details of an unusual case of caudal vena caval obstruction and its management in a cat. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical case report. STUDY POPULATION: A 15 month old male castrated domestic shorthaired cat. RESULTS: The diagnostic evaluation included the use of digital subtraction angiography and ultrasonography to locate the caudal vena caval obstruction. Treatment initially involved puncture and balloon dilation of the obstructed area of the cava. After reobstruction, the stenotic area was redilated and stented. The cat was euthanatized 4 weeks later because of vomiting, anorexia, and abnormal behavior, presumed to be associated with liver disease. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Interventional radiography provided a minimally invasive way to manage this unusual vascular anomaly.     

Long-term follow-up study of cats vaccinated with a temperature-sensitive feline infectious peritonitis vaccine.

The long-term safety of a temperature-sensitive feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) vaccine was evaluated. Five hundred eighty-two healthy cats of various age groups were vaccinated with 2 doses of the vaccine. Seventy-eight percent, or 453 cats, were available for follow-up. The mean follow-up period was 541 days. At the end of the follow-up period, 427 cats (94%) were alive. FIP was not diagnosed in any cat during the follow-up period, but 1 cat died of FIP after completion of the follow-up period. Fifty cats (11%) presented with a problem during the follow-up period, but there were typical of those seen in a feline practice. The temperature-sensitive FIP vaccine appears to be safe for use in the general cat population. It does not appear to sensitize cats to develop FIP, nor do there appear to be any other systemic problems associated with use of the vaccine.     

Unusual presentation of a metastatic uveal melanoma in a cat

A 10 year-old, spayed female Domestic Short-Haired (DSH) cat was diagnosed with a large primary uveal melanoma and exenteration was recommended. Thoracic radiographs, abdominal ultrasonography, and complete blood count and serum biochemistry panel did not reveal any abnormality compatible with metastatic disease and surgery was performed. Histopathologic study of the eye confirmed a diffuse iris melanoma. Five months later, the cat presented with a lameness of the right anterior extremity. On physical exam the right elbow was swollen and painful. Radiographs showed a severe osteolysis of the radial head and proximal diaphysis. Fine needle aspiration of the radius head identified a round cell neoplasm with scattered cells containing intracytoplasmatic pigmented granules, compatible with metastatic melanoma. The owners decided not to treat the patient with chemotherapy and declined a biopsy. Two months later, the cat died and necropsy was performed confirming bone metastasis of the uveal melanoma. A diagnosis of generalized metastasis from primary diffuse iris melanoma was made. This report describes, for the first time, long bone metastasis from an uveal melanoma in a cat.