Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery最新文献

Feline xanthinuria is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of purine metabolism, due to genetic mutations in the xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) gene. It is characterised by excessive excretion and accumulation of xanthine in the urine, which can lead to the formation of xanthine uroliths. Xanthine uroliths may be present in both upper and lower urinary tract, causing clinical signs associated with renal disease and feline lower urinary tract disorders (FLUTD). Hallmark diagnostic findings of xanthinuria are elevated xanthine and hypoxanthine, and reduced uric acid concentrations in serum and urine. Uroliths can be submitted for compositional analysis to confirm the presence of xanthine and definitive diagnosis for xanthinuria. Management involves dietary modification to purine restricted diets, and increased fluid intake. Commercially available renal diets are preferred over urinary diets due to their lower protein composition, and consulting veterinary nutritionists is strongly recommended. Urinary alkalisation is not considered effective method for the dissolution of xanthine uroliths due to their poor solubility. Despite these interventions, recurrence of xanthine urolithiasis can occur. Given the limited treatment options and risk of recurrence, feline xanthinuria is a life-long condition which requires ongoing management and monitoring to mitigate complications. This review will provide an overview of the current understanding of the pathophysiological, metabolic and genetic aspects of the disorder and discuss current diagnostic approaches, management strategies and clinical expectations of feline xanthinuria. Findings from this review highlight the need for greater recognition of feline xanthine urolithiasis as a cause of FLUTD, given current gaps in diagnostic methods and treatment options. A deeper understanding of the condition will help veterinarians accurately differentiate it from other causes of FLUTD and support further research aimed at improving detection, prevention, and management of xanthinuria.

This content has been temporarily removed for correction.

Objectives: To evaluate the biomechanical properties of the combination of circumferential and Krackow sutures using FiberWire, compared to the conventional methods in feline transverse patellar fractures.

Methods: Twenty-four feline cadaveric pelvic limbs (mean weight 3.74 kg) were harvested, and the patella of each limb was osteotomized transversely to simulate a fracture. The limbs were then randomly assigned to one of three stabilization methods (n=8 per group). Group 1 (PFW) was stabilized with a modified tension band wire with a 0.9 mm Kirschner wire and No. 2 FiberWire. Group 2 (CFS) was stabilized with a circumferential and figure-of-eight suture with No. 2 FiberWire. Group 3 (CKS) was stabilized with a circumferential and Krackow suture with No. 2 FiberWire. All knee joints were fixed at a 135° neutral standing angle and tested by applying tensile force. Loads at 1, 2, and 3 mm gap formation, the maximum failure load and failure modes were recorded.

Results: At 1 mm displacement, Group 3 (96.1±18.6 N) was significantly stronger than Group 1 (p < 0.017). At 2 mm and 3 mm displacements, Group 3 (162.4±12.2 N and 238.6±25.4 N) was significantly stronger than both Group 1 and 2 (p < 0.017). The maximum failure load of Group 3 (352.3±31.0 N) was significantly higher than Group 1 and 2 (p < 0.017). The primary failure mode was pin pull-out (Group 1), suture pull-out (Group 2), and tendon rupture (Group 3).

Conclusions and relevance: The combination of circumferential and Krackow suture technique provides greater resistance to fragment displacement and construct failure than conventional methods in this ex vivo feline patella fracture model.

ObjectivesA comparative assessment of systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurement was carried out for anaesthetised and conscious cats by using two non-invasive approaches based on the Doppler method and a newly developed oscillometric instrument.MethodsSystemic blood pressure (SBP) was recorded on 131 occasions in 26 cats entering a shelter environment. Six of these cats were monitored while under a general anaesthetic for elective procedures and the rest were conscious during routine health assessment. A paired approach was followed using the Doppler method followed immediately by the oscillometric approach. Mean values and coefficient of variations were calculated. A normal distribution was confirmed before a standard Bland-Altman analysis was completed.ResultsThe mean SBP ± standard deviation for the 131 paired readings was 113.3 ± 23.9 mmHg and 116 ± 26.7 mmHg for the Doppler and oscillometric methods respectively. The small difference in means was not significant. Anaesthetised cats had significantly lower SBP values than those that were conscious. The data set for 16 cats with three replicated paired measurements and a subset of 12 with five such replicated measurements also provided similar normally distributed mean values and a high correlation coefficient. The Bland-Altman plot suggested a positive bias of the oscillometric approach of + 3.07 ± 12.3 mmHg (limits of agreement of -21.0 to 27.1 mmHg) and + 4.93 ± 9.38 mmHg (limits of agreement of -13.5 to 23.3 mmHg) for the 16 and 12 cat subgroups respectively. There was 100% agreement between the two methods in allocation to a hypertension class.Conclusions and relevanceThe results establish that the new AutoCAT+ instrument met some of the guidelines for assessing such instruments for veterinary use with cats with a normal range of blood pressure. Further work is needed with a larger data set spanning hypotension to hypertension for complete validation.

Recurrent constipation is common in cats. Long-term management should include dietary modifications.ObjectiveThis study evaluated the efficacy of a psyllium-enriched diet for the management of chronic constipation in cats.MethodsA multi-centre, controlled, blinded, 6-month trial, randomly assigned client-owned cats to a gastrointestinal test diet containing 6% psyllium or similar control diet containing 0.5% psyllium (as-fed values). Inclusion criteria included ≥2 constipation episodes in the previous 6 months and ≥2 constipation signs for ≥14 days. Constipation severity (stool consistency and frequency, and defecation pain/difficulty) was scored on Days 7, 30, 60, 90 and 180. Cats could switch diets if constipation signs did not improve, or the diet was not tolerated. Diet failure was defined as study withdrawal due to lack of improvement in constipation, new gastrointestinal signs, or diet switch. Cats switching diets were new cases in the group into which they moved, and statistical analyses (linear and linear mixed models) included them in both diet groups.ResultsOf 49 cats enrolled, 2 were removed for non-compliance, leaving 26 in the test group (18 assigned, 8 switched from control), and 30 in the control group (29 assigned, 1 switched from test). 19/26 and 11/30 cats completed 6 months of the test and control diet, respectively. The rate of diet failure for gastrointestinal reasons was significantly higher in the control (22/30 [73.3%]) versus test group (7/26 [26.9%]; P = 0.0005). Constipation signs improved significantly from baseline in both groups at each visit after Day 7. For stool consistency, improvement was significantly greater in the test versus control group except at Day 30.Conclusions and relevanceIn cats with chronic constipation, a 6% psyllium-supplemented gastrointestinal diet resulted in sustained improvement of clinical signs, a significantly lower probability of diet failure and greater improvements in stool consistency than a control gastrointestinal diet.

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate if diffusing the F3 facial-marking pheromone using a novel passive diffusion system can help cats to exhibit behavior suggesting "confidence" in a novel environment.MethodsA crossover trial was performed: cats were placed into two identical, separate experimental rooms for 10 minutes and exposed either to the treatment or to the control solution. Rooms were arranged similar to a normal living space, and the passive diffuser was placed on a shelf. The behaviour of 14 cats was evaluated during the standardised test. Different behavioural parameters were measured via video analysis and submitted to the statistical analysis to evaluate the emotional state of the cats. Data were analysed using general and generalized linear mixed models, as well as a proportion test.ResultsCats did not destroy or play with the diffuser. The statistical analysis showed that the F3-treated cats spent more time in the proximity of the diffuser (p=0.0180). Moreover, F3-treated cats also spent more time laying down (p=0.0191) and playing (p=0.0016) and exhibited more rubbing behaviour (p=0.0102) than controls, while they spent less time sitting (p=0.0180) than controls. Finally, F3-treated cats needed more time to approach the diffuser (p=0.0517). No differences were observed in the other studied behaviours.Conclusions and relevanceThese findings showed for the first time that adapting this novel passive diffusion system to diffuse the F3 pheromone impacts the behaviour of the treated cats, increasing behaviours associated with positive emotions (playing) and acclimation to and suggesting confidence in the environment (rubbing, resting). Moreover, this new system can be adapted for use at home since it is already used there and does not need electricity or heat to function, making it a promising tool to improve the wellbeing of pet cats in different situations.

ObjectivesThis study evaluated the therapeutic effects of subconjunctival injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for treating deep corneal ulcers and corneal perforation in cats.MethodsOf the 24 cats identified with a deep corneal ulcer or perforation, 17 received MSCs and medical treatment, of which six had deep corneal ulcers and 11 had corneal perforations. Of the seven cats that received only medical treatment, three cats had deep corneal ulcer and the other four cats had corneal perforation. All were monitored with fluorescein staining at 3-4 days and weekly assessments post-MSC injection until fluorescein-negative status was achieved.ResultsOutcomes were compared between cats treated with subconjunctival MSC injections and MSC-untreated cats. Based on the results, 88% (15/17) of the cats treated with MSCs became fluorescein-negative within 1-3 weeks, whereas 12% (2/17) of those receiving subconjunctival MSC injections achieved this outcome within 5-6 weeks. During follow-up period of 146 ± 138 days (range: 15-398 days) after MSC injection, recurrence of corneal perforations was observed in four cats which were ultimately complete healed. All deep corneal ulcers were healed uneventful. In the MSC-untreated group, 57% (4/7) achieved fluorescein-negative status within 3-7 weeks, while another 29% (2/7) experienced recurrent corneal perforation on days 3 and 58, requiring conjunctival graft surgery. Post-surgery, fluorescein-negative status was achieved 25 and 72 days after the initial treatment, respectively. One cat, 14% (1/7), had recurrent corneal perforation that had healed on day 103.Conclusions and relevanceThese findings highlighted the potential of MSC therapy in promoting corneal ulcer and corneal perforation healing in cats.

ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to describe the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) in a large feline population undergoing gastrointestinal (GI) surgery and to identify factors associated with the development of SSIs specific to GI surgeries in cats, with a special focus on the usage of peri- and postoperative antibiotic treatment.MethodsMedical records of cats undergoing GI surgeries were retrospectively analysed. Data collected included demographic data, type of surgery, indication, data from the anaesthesia protocol, antibiotic use and postoperative outcome. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with SSI.ResultsOf the 188 included patients undergoing GI surgery, 20 (10.6%) developed an SSI. Of these, 11 (55%) were classified as superficial incisional infections, four (20%) as deep incisional infections and five (25%) as organ/space infections. The absence of perioperative prophylactic antibiotic (PPA) administration was associated with the highest SSI rate (52.4%, 11/21), whereas significantly lower rates were observed in patients receiving PPAs alone (6.7%, 7/105), extended PPAs (7.1%, 1/14) or PPAs followed by continued antibiotic treatment (2.1%, 1/48). Prolonged antibiotic use after surgery in otherwise healthy animals showed no additional benefit in reducing SSI rates.Conclusions and relevanceWe found that PPA administration was associated with a significantly lower incidence of SSI in cats undergoing GI surgery, while extended PPA use was not associated with an additional benefit. These findings provide important guidance for evidence-based antibiotic use in feline soft tissue surgery and support efforts to minimise unnecessary antibiotic administration.

Case series summaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate survival time (MST), disease-free interval (DFI), and post-operative complications of surgical resection of feline intracranial meningiomas, providing evidence for prognostic counselling for general practitioners. A retrospective review of medical records (2012-2025) identified 17 cats undergoing craniotomy or craniectomy for histologically confirmed meningiomas. Data included patient characteristics, clinical signs, imaging findings, surgical approach, complications, histopathology, recurrence and survival. MRI or CT imaging was used for diagnosis and post-operative monitoring when available. Survival analysis employed Kaplan-Meier and competing risk models; DFI was based on clinical signs or follow-up imaging.Seventeen cats (median age 11.6 years; 82.4% Domestic Shorthair) underwent surgery. Rostrotentorial approach was most common (65%), with minor intraoperative complications in three cases. Post-operative mortality within 4 weeks after surgery was 17.6% (3/17). Fourteen cats survived to discharge. Median follow-up was 622 days. Estimated median survival time was 1674 days (95% CI: 1395-NE (not estimable)), with one-, two-, three-, and four-year survival rates of 82%, 82%, 82%, and 72%, respectively. Median DFI was 377 days (855 days for cats surviving to discharge). Histopathology predominantly included meningothelial and transitional subtypes. Recurrence was detected on MRI in 3/6 cases undergoing follow-up imaging.Relevance and Novel InformationSurgical resection of feline meningiomas is a feasible treatment option with excellent outcomes for cats surviving the immediate post-operative period. The study demonstrates a high median survival time and low recurrence rate among treated cats, with surgery being curative in many cases. These results enable the veterinary general practitioner to more accurately assess the risks and benefits of surgical treatment of feline intra-cranial meningioma and discuss treatment with owners.

Objective: To evaluate the degradation profiles and mechanical properties of three absorbable polymers-poly(glycolide-co-trimethylene carbonate-co-epsilon-caprolactone) (PGTC), poly-p-dioxanone (PDO), and poly(glycolide-co-epsilon-caprolactone) (PGC)-envisioning the development of biodegradable ureteral stents in feline medicine.

Methods: PGC, PGTC, and PDO samples were exposed to artificial feline urine circulated through a dynamic system replicating ureteral flow at 38 °C for eight weeks. Degradation was evaluated through weekly measurements of mass loss and qualitative changes. Tensile strength, strain, and stiffness were assessed at defined intervals (day 0, weeks 4, 6, and 7).

Results: PGC degraded completely by week 6, showing rapid loss of tensile strength but consistent stiffness. PGTC exhibited gradual degradation and loss of manageability by week 8, with surface flaking visible microscopically. PDO did not fragment during manipulation or circulation, maintaining tensile strength over eight weeks, although stiffness fluctuations and brittleness were observed.

Conclusion: The polymers showed distinct degradation and mechanical behaviors, providing options for different clinical scenarios. PGC, with rapid degradation, may suit short-term applications. PGTC, with gradual degradation and consistent mechanical properties, could serve intermediate applications. PDO, with slower degradation and prolonged tensile strength, appears suitable for longer-term use. These findings represent a step toward developing biodegradable ureteral stents for feline use, potentially simplifying postoperative management and avoiding stent removal.

Relevance: Biodegradable ureteral stents may improve the management of feline ureteral obstructions by eliminating secondary removal procedures. In this in vitro dynamic model, the polymers degraded in a controlled and predictable manner, without accumulation of debris or flow obstruction in the in vitro system. Future studies should assess whether similar behavior occurs in smaller tubular structures similar to the feline ureter.