Dystocia in the bitch: A retrospective study of 182 cases

In a retrospective study of 182 cases of canine dystocia, no relationship was found between either breed or age and occurrence of dystocia. However, medium-sized breeds (between 12.7 and 20.5 kg bodyweight) were slightly over represented. Of the bitches that had whelped previously, 42 per cent had experienced dystocia. The dystocia was of maternal origin in 75.3 per cent of the cases, mainly due to uterine inertia, while 24.7 per cent were of fetal origin, mainly resulting from malpresentations/malorientations. The most common reason for dystocia was primary, complete uterine inertia (48.9 per cent) and 40 per cent of the bitches with this problem had small litters of one or two pups. The most common treatment was calcium and, or, oxytocin injection followed by a caesarean section. Digital manipulation including forceps delivery and, or, medical treatment was successful in only 27.6 per cent of the cases. Of the bitches studied, 65.7 per cent had a caesarean section. Pup deaths occurred in 52.2 per cent of the litters. Among bitches that had been treated within one to four-and-a-half hours after the beginning of second stage labour, 5.8 per cent of the pups died, whereas the corresponding value for bitches that had been treated between five and 24 hours after the beginning of second stage labour was 13.7 per cent. The total frequency of pup deaths was 22.3 per cent. These findings show that early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial in reducing the pup death rate in cases of dystocia.     

A survey of caesarean operations on cattle in general veterinary practice

The animal most frequently requiring operation for dystocia in this survey of 133 cases was the Friesian/Holstein heifer. In 38 per cent of cases the reason for surgery was an oversized calf and in 84 per cent the operation was performed on the farm of origin. The majority of the dams were operated on while standing, using a left flank incision, and under paravertebral or field infiltration with local anaesthetic solution. Exteriorisation of the uterus did not appear to be essential except when the calf was dead. Ninety-five per cent of the calves alive in utero and 91 per cent of the dams survived, although 30 per cent of the dams suffered ill-health afterwards. In nine cases neither dam nor calf survived. The fertility indices of those which were rebred were not markedly affected, but milk production was reduced by an estimated 12 per cent of the potential yield.     

Survey of the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of dermatological conditions in small animals in general practice

A survey was made of the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of dermatological conditions in small animals in general practice in the UK. Out of 3707 small animal consultations in general practice that were observed and recorded, 795 (21.4 per cent) involved animals that had a dermatological problem. In dogs and exotic species, pruritus was the most common presenting sign, accounting for 30 to 40 per cent of the dermatological consultations. In cats, cutaneous swellings were the most common presentation (36 per cent). A diagnosis or recommendation for treatment was made on the basis of the presenting clinical signs and physical examination alone in 576 (72 per cent) of the cases, and various diagnostic tests were performed in the other cases. In dogs, parasitic infestations, bacterial infections and neoplasia accounted for the majority of the diagnoses. In cats, parasites and bacterial infections were the most common. In exotic species, parasites accounted for over 80 per cent of the dermatological diagnoses. In dogs, the most common final diagnoses were otitis, pyoderma, anal sac impaction, flea infestation and atopic dermatitis. In cats, abscesses, flea infestation, and otitis were the most common diagnoses. In exotic species, the most common diagnosis was an unspecified mite infestation. Systemic antibiotics were prescribed in 196 cases (25 per cent), systemic glucocorticoids were prescribed in 162 cases (20 per cent) and treatment with an ectoparasiticide was prescribed in 167 cases (21 per cent).     

Prevalence of feline leukaemia virus and antibodies to feline immunodeficiency virus and feline coronavirus in stray cats sent to an RSPCA hospital

A total of 517 stray cats at an RSPCA veterinary hospital were tested for feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), feline coronavirus (FCoV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). The prevalence of FeLV was 3.5 per cent in all the cats, 1.4 per cent in healthy cats and 6.9 per cent in sick cats. FeLV positivity was associated only with disease of non-traumatic origin. Antibodies to FCoV were present in 22.4 per cent of the cats, and their prevalence was significantly higher in cats over two years old and in feral/semiferal cats. The prevalence of antibodies to FIV was 10.4 per cent in all the cats, 4.9 per cent in healthy cats and 16.7 per cent in sick cats. The prevalence of FIV antibodies was significantly higher in entire males and neutered males than in females, in cats over two years old compared with younger cats, and in cats suffering disease of non-traumatic origin rather than in healthy cats or cats suffering only from trauma. Sex, age and health status were each independently highly associated with FIV antibodies.     

Clinical study of cats injured and killed in road traffic accidents in Cambridgeshire

Data were collected on the injuries, treatment and outcome of 128 cats involved in road accidents and seen as first-opinion cases in veterinary practices in Cambridgeshire. Sixteen cats were dead on arrival; the mortality rate for the remaining cats was 16 per cent. Half of the cats were aged between seven months and two years, with more males than females affected. Most cats had moderate injuries; strays had more severe injuries than owned cats. Areas of the body most often injured were the extremities, head and neck, pelvis and thorax. Skeletal injuries were present in 67 cats and neurological signs in 29. Diagnostic procedures and medical treatment were necessary for the majority of cats; surgery was required in 51 cases. Most cats were hospitalised for between two and seven days and some required up to one month of treatment. The cost of treatment was less than 400 pounds sterling for 84 per cent of cats.     

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.     

Complications of exploratory coeliotomy in 70 cats

Records of all cats that had undergone exploratory coeliotomy at the University of Edinburgh during the period November 1995 to July 2002 were reviewed. Seventy records were retrieved. There were 30 cats in which infection or inflammatory disorders predominated, 17 cats with neoplasia, three cats with trauma and 20 cats with other disorders. Exploratory coeliotomy was performed for diagnostic purposes in 28 cats (40 per cent), treatment in 34 cats (49 per cent) and for diagnosis and treatment in eight cats (11 per cent). Methods of intraoperative diagnosis included incisional biopsy of abdominal organs (52 cats), cytology (two cats), microbiology (17 cats) and gross appearance (17 cats). Fifty-eight cats (83 per cent) survived the hospitalisation period. Complications occurred in 18 cats (26 per cent) and were related to anaesthesia (four cats), the underlying disease process (15 cats), surgery (five cats) and were undetermined in one cat.     

Diagnosis of feline polycystic kidney disease by a combination of ultrasonographic examination and PKD1 gene analysis

Persian-related and non-Persian-related cats were examined by ultrasonography and/or molecular testing to determine the prevalence of feline polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and the presence of a PKD1 gene mutation. PCR was used to amplify exon 29 of the PKD1 gene using genomic DNA extracted from blood samples, and the PCR products were analysed by direct DNA sequencing. Among the 111 cats included in the study, 54 were examined by both ultrasonography and gene testing for a point mutation in exon 29 of the PKD1 gene. The prevalence of PKD diagnosed by ultrasonography was 25.9 per cent in all the cats and 24.2 per cent in Persian-related cats. The prevalence of the transversion mutation in exon 29 of the PKD1 gene was 13.5 per cent in all cats and 15.7 per cent in Persian-related cats. Three cats that were diagnosed with PKD by ultrasonography did not have the mutation within exon 29. Nucleotide analysis of exon 29 indicated that male cats had a higher point mutation rate than female cats.     

Prevalence of feline calicivirus, feline leukaemia virus and antibodies to FIV in cats with chronic stomatitis

The prevalence of feline calicivirus (FCV), feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibodies were assessed in 78 British and 18 North American household cats with chronic stomatitis and in appropriate controls. In British cats, FCV was significantly (P less than 0.005) more prevalent in both hospital (92 per cent) and general practice (79 per cent) cases compared to their controls (19 per cent in both cases). A similar difference in prevalence of FCV was noted in North American cats where 50 per cent of cases were positive compared to 0 per cent of controls (P less than 0.01). FeLV prevalence was low in all chronic stomatitis populations. A significantly higher prevalence of antibody to FIV was found in British hospital cases (81 per cent) compared with time-matched controls (16 per cent) (P less than 0.001): a similar rate was found in the general practice cases (75 per cent) for which no controls were available. In the North American sample, FIV antibody status was similar in cases (54 per cent positive) and their age, sex and breed matched controls (50 per cent). The possible role of FCV and FIV in the pathogenesis of feline chronic stomatitis is discussed.     

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.     

Use of a PCR assay to assess the prevalence and risk factors for Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' in cats in the United Kingdom

Blood samples from 426 healthy and sick cats in the UK were tested in a PCR assay for 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and Mycoplasma haemofelis (basonym Haemobartonella felis). Seventy-two of the cats (16.9 per cent) were positive for 'Candidatus M. haemominutum' alone, six (1.4 per cent) were positive for M. haemofelis alone and one (0.2 per cent) was positive for both. Logistic regression analysis indicated that older male cats were significantly more likely to be infected with 'Candidatus M. haemominutum', but there was no significant association between it and any of the haematological variables measured. M. haemofelis infection was uncommon in the anaemic cats sampled, and there were too few positive cases for multivariable analysis to be performed for M. haemofelis-positive status.     

Using direct immunofluorescence to detect coronaviruses in peritoneal in peritoneal and pleural effusions

Twenty-one cases of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) were diagnosed using a direct immunofluorescence test on cytocentrifuged pleural and peritoneal effusions from cats sampled in vivo (11 cases) and at necropsy (10 cases). A commercial fluorescent polyclonal antiserum of feline origin reacting with FIPV and cross reacting with transmissible gastroenteritis virus and canine coronavirus was used. Eleven cats with ascites of a different origin were used as negative controls. The direct immunofluorescence test was 97 per cent reliable (31 cases of 32) and can be used in routine diagnosis.     

THE INCIDENCE OF DYSTOCIA IN FINE-WOOL MERINO EWES

The mean incidence of dystocia in 1,510 fine-wool Merino ewes over a ten-year period was 4.1% of ewes lambing. In the 10 year period, 10% of all neonatal mortality was attributed to dystocia and in only 23% of dystocias was lamb presentation abnormal. The incidence of dystocia was not related to age of ewe. Significantly more ewes experienced dystocia at spring than winter (P less than 0.05) or summer (P less than 0.01) lambings. The mean birth weights of dystocic single and twin born lambs were 4.19 and 3.38 kg respectively. The corresponding birth weights of lambs that did not experience dystocia were 3.69 and 3.00 kg. More ewes experienced dystocia when stocked at 12 or 16 per ha than at 8 per ha (P less than 0.05). Fifty per cent of recorded dystocias occurred in ewes stocked at 16 per ha, 40 per cent at 12 per ha and 10 per cent at 8 per ha. Ewe body weight pre-lambing was not related to the incidence of dystocia but it would appear that weaker ewes are more likely to have a difficult birth than ewes that are stronger and in better condition.     

Isolation of feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus from domestic cats 1980 to 1989

Isolation rates of feline herpesvirus (FHV) and feline calicivirus (FCV) from oropharyngeal swabs, taken from 6866 cats in 1980 to 1989 were studied retrospectively. FCV was isolated from 1364 (19.9 per cent) and FHV from 285 (4.2 per cent). The ratio of FCV:FHV isolations varied from 1.3:1 to 15:1 in individual years with an overall ratio of 4.8:1. Isolation of both viruses was fairly uniform for each year and there was no breed or sex disposition to either virus. Of 872 cats shedding FCV and 213 cats shedding FHV, of known age, 447 (51.3 per cent) with FCV and 140 (65.7 per cent) with FHV were under one year old, compared to only 35.3 per cent of the whole population sampled. For the years 1985 to 1989, more information was obtained about the cases. Of 4626 cats tested, 1180 (25.5 per cent) had acute upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) of which 348 (29.5 per cent) were shedding FCV and 162 (13.7 per cent) FHV. A further 597 had chronic URTD and of these, 102 (17.1 per cent) were shedding FCV and 18 (3 per cent) FHV. In 120 cases of suspected vaccine reaction/breakdown, FCV was isolated from 34 (28.3 per cent) and FHV from only two (1.7 per cent). FHV was not isolated from any of 412 cases presenting with chronic gingivitis/stomatitis alone; 181 (43.9 per cent) were shedding FCV and when cats with other signs in addition to chronic gingivitis were included, this proportion increased to 70.4 per cent.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

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.     

Autoantibodies in feline hyperthyroidism

Thyroid autoantibodies have been demonstrated by indirect immunofluorescence in the sera of 10 of 29 (34 per cent) cats with hyperthyroidism. Antinuclear factor, rare in healthy cats, was found in a further four animals. Twenty-eight of the cats had a palpable goitre at first presentation. In 16 cases the goitre was unilateral, while in the others it was bilateral. Lymphocytic infiltration was present in nine of the 27 (33 per cent) thyroids examined histologically. Five of the sera gave a particularly strong reaction for thyroid antibodies. Four of these cases had bilateral goitres and lymphocytic infiltrations were found in four of the five thyroids (P less than 0.05). Twenty-one of the cats were followed up for a mean period of 11 months after operation, during which time three cats developed recurrent hyperthyroidism. Two had bilateral goitres with lymphocytic infiltration and the serum of both was strongly positive for thyroid microsomal antibodies. The third had unilateral goitre with lymphocytic infiltration and serum which was positive for antinuclear factor. In this case, the recurrence involved the lobe which had been previously operated on. Some cases of feline hyperthyroidism may be immunologically mediated and the condition is thus a potential model for some aspects of autoimmune thyrotoxicosis in man.     

Total ear canal ablation in the cat: indications, morbidity and long-term survival

Fifty-two total ear canal ablation (TECA) procedures in 44 cats were reviewed. The indication for surgery was neoplasia in 41 per cent of the cats, 86 per cent of which had ceruminous gland adenocarcinoma. Chronic inflammatory or polypoid disease accounted for 50 per cent of surgical procedures. Postoperative complications included Horner's syndrome (42 per cent) and facial paralysis (56 per cent) and these were permanent in 14 per cent and 28 per cent of cases, respectively, with the rest resolving in the ensuing weeks or months. The higher incidence of Horner's syndrome and facial paralysis in the cat, compared to the dog, was attributed to greater fragility of the feline tympanic plexus and facial nerve. The median survival time of cats with ceruminous gland adenocarcinoma was 50-3 months, and did not differ significantly from that for inflammatory or polypoid disease. A potential prognostic indicator for this tumour was the mitotic index (MI): cases with MI < or = 2 survived significantly longer than those with MI > or = 3.     

Assessment of feline blood for transfusion purposes in the Dublin area of Ireland

The prevalence of A, B and AB blood types and of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) infection was determined in cats in Ireland, in order to determine risk factors for blood taken for transfusion purposes. EDTA blood samples were available from 137 non-pedigree cats and 39 pedigree cats (91 females and 85 males, aged four months to 15.0 years) in the Dublin area of Ireland. Of the 176 EDTA blood samples obtained, 112 (from 92 healthy cats and 20 sick cats) were tested for the presence of both FIV antibodies and FeLV antigens. Blood typing was performed using an immunochromatographic cartridge (CHROM; Alvedia). Testing for FIV and FeLV was performed by ELISA (SNAP FIV/FeLV Combo Test; Idexx Laboratories). Of the 39 pedigree cats, the majority (38 [97.4 per cent]) was type A, and only one (2.6 per cent) was type B. Of the 137 non-pedigree cats, the majority (116 [84.7 per cent]) was type A, 20 (14.6 per cent) were type B, and one (0.7 per cent) was type AB. Of the 92 healthy cats tested, the prevalence of FIV and FeLV positivity was 4.35 and 1.09 per cent, respectively. None of the 20 sick cats tested was FIV-positive; two (10 per cent) of the 20 sick cats were FeLV-positive.     

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.     

Factors associated with upper respiratory tract disease caused by feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus, Chlamydophila felis and Bordetella bronchiseptica in cats: experience from 218 European catteries

A full history of the management practices and the prevalence of upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) at 218 rescue shelters, breeding establishments and private households with five or more cats was recorded. Oropharyngeal and conjunctival swabs and blood samples were taken from 1748 cats. The prevalences of feline herpesvirus (FHV), feline calicivirus (FCV), Chlamydophila felis and Bordetella bronchiseptica were determined by PCR on swab samples. An ELISA was applied to determine the prevalence of antibodies to B. bronchiseptica. The rates of detection by PCR of each pathogen in the cats in catteries with and without ongoing URTD were, respectively, FHV 16 per cent and 8 per cent; FCV 47 per cent and 29 per cent; C. felis 10 per cent and 3 per cent; and B. bronchiseptica 5 per cent and 1.3 per cent; the seroprevalences of B. bronchiseptica were 61 per cent and 41 per cent, respectively. There was evidence that FHV, FCV and B. bronchiseptica played a role in URTD. The risk factors associated with the disease were less than excellent hygiene, contact with dogs with URTD, and larger numbers of cats in the cattery or household.