Neurological Manifestations of Niemann-Pick Disease Type C in Cats

Seven Domestic shorthair cats with a lysosomal storage disorder analogous to human Niemann-Pick disease type C, from a breeding colony were studied to characterize the neurological manifestations of this disorder. Affected cats were identified by means of liver biopsies at 4 to 6 weeks of age. Neurological examinations were performed at 2 week intervals from the onset of clinical signs. All cats displayed signs referrable to the cerebellum, with a subtle intention tremor noticed initially at 8 to 12 weeks of age; the disease was rapidly progressive. The tremor became more pronounced, menace response was lost, and severe dysmetria and ataxia developed. Three cats also had signs referrable to other areas of the central nervous system. Cats died or were euthanized between 12 and 43 weeks of age. Pathological findings included accumulation of substrate within neurons throughout the central nervous system, and axonal spheroid formation. The clinical and pathological findings in these cats are comparable to those in the human form of the disease.     

A simple field method for spinal cord removal demonstrated in the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus).

Removal of the spinal cord is considered time consuming and difficult. A delay in the necropsy procedure, especially in the central nervous system, can result in significant tissue autolysis and subsequent diagnostic difficulties. In the field, where many necropsies are performed, suitable electric saws are mostly unavailable. A technically simple and rapid method for spinal cord removal, requiring only a straightforward tool, has been devised. No necropsy-induced structural damage has been noted on histopathologic examination.     

Use of space by bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) in a polish farm landscape

Movements of bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) were studied in a farmland mosaic in Poland. Distances crossed by animals in short-time periods are significantly longer in heterogenous than in homogenous habitats. In long-time and large-spatial scales, a significant portion of the animals in a population travel among habitat elements of the mosaic, reducing the degree of isolation of patch populations and decreasing the probability of local extinction.     

Management of atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common clinically important arrhythmia in veterinary medicine. Electrical cardioversion of AF to sinus rhythm is feasible, but pharmacologic rate control is an effective and achievable treatment strategy for most veterinary patients. Recent human trials suggest that rate control and rhythm control are almost equally beneficial. Nevertheless, AF can be a challenging arrhythmia to manage, because most affected animal shave numerous other concurring problems associated with the underlying heart disease that dictate or influence the clinician's choice of treatment and monitoring strategy for each patient.     

P‐81 A retrospective study of equine sarcoidosis

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate six cases of equine sarcoidosis for initial presenting symptoms, response to therapy and actual outcome. Dermatologists and dermatopathologists from Europe, the United States, Australia and Canada were contacted to obtain these six cases, as this is a rare disease. Signalment, clinical signs, histological findings, clinical management and outcome were determined via a questionnaire and compared to former reports. There was no age or breed predilection, and four of six horses were geldings. Age of onset ranged from 3 months to 17 years. Onset of the disease was insidious or rapid. Interestingly, in five of six cases, scaling began on the trunk (girth and shoulder). Scaling, crusting and alopecia were seen in all six horses. In one horse, clinical signs of systemic disease were reported and included intermittent fever, prescapular lymphadenopathy, depression, poor body condition and nasal discharge. Treatment included phenylbutazone, deworming agents, antibiotics, short‐term low‐dose corticosteroids, and 1–1.5 mg/kg of prednisolone. One horse showed a partial response to trimethoprim and sulfonamide, and five of six went into clinical remission with corticosteroid treatment. Five of six horses were still alive 1 year after diagnosis; one horse was diagnosed <12 months ago. Two horses are in complete remission 4 and 8 years after diagnosis. In both horses, clinical signs recurred after cessation of therapy and went into remission again with reintroduction of treatment. Both of these horses have been in remission for several years without therapy. Funding: Self‐funded.