Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery最新文献

ObjectivesIt is often suggested in the literature that the anatomy of the extrahepatic portal vein (EHPV) in dogs and cats is similar. Nevertheless, variations and contradictions in the tributaries of the EHPV in cats have been described. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the normal anatomical variations of the tributaries of the EHPV in a large cohort of cats.MethodsA retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study of abdominal CT angiography (CTA) scans was performed. Cats that underwent CTA between January 2020 and July 2024 were reviewed in consensus by three observers. Cats with vascular anomalies or CTA scans in which the EHPV or its tributaries could not be accurately evaluated were excluded.ResultsA total of 52 CTA scans were included. The splenic vein (SV) was consistently present in all cats as the most caudally inserting vein in the EHPV. The left gastric vein (LGV) entered the EHPV directly in 42/52 cats and, in 36 of those, the LGV was the most cranial vein entering the EHPV. In 28 cats with direct insertion, a second branch of the LGV entered the SV. In eight cats, a single LGV entered the SV, as is typically seen in dogs. In the remaining two cats, the LGV was not identified. In 34/52 cats, the gastroduodenal vein entered the EHPV, as described in dogs, whereas in the remaining 18 cats, the right gastric vein and cranial pancreaticoduodenal vein entered the EHPV together.Conclusions and relevanceVarious anatomical variations of the inserting veins in the EHPV were identified. Knowledge about the variation in normal anatomy of the EHPV and its tributaries is important, especially to evaluate complex pathologies of the EHPV, such as vascular anomalies and EHPV thromboses.

ObjectivesThe purpose of this retrospective, descriptive study was to assess CT findings and short-term outcome of cats with pyothorax presented to a referral hospital.MethodsThoracic CT studies of 41 cats with pyothorax comprising pre-contrast lung and soft tissue reconstructions and post-contrast soft tissue reconstructions were blindly reviewed by two European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (ECVDI) board-certified radiologists and a third-year ECVDI resident, referencing a predetermined list of imaging features. Clinical outcomes, including treatment options, survival to discharge and length of hospitalisation, were recorded.ResultsAll cats (100%) had pleural effusion. Common imaging findings included intrathoracic lymphadenomegaly (85%), pleural thickening (85%), presence of pannus (81%) and evidence of pneumonia (49%). Pulmonary abscessation was suspected in 22% of cats and foreign bodies in 12%. Of the 41 cats, 20 were managed medically, 20 underwent surgery and one had unsuccessful medical treatment followed by surgical intervention. The median duration of hospitalisation was 7 days, and 36 cats survived to discharge.Conclusions and relevanceThis study demonstrates that cats with pyothorax commonly have marked changes on CT that involve multiple thoracic compartments. Our study population highlights that feline pyothorax can have a good short-term outcome when managed either medically or surgically.

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to describe the course of lipase activity, pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (PLI) and clinical findings over time in cats.MethodsFour clinically healthy cats and two diarrhoeic cats from a research colony aged 2-8 years with normal haematology and serum biochemistry results were followed up with lipase measurements over a total of 12 months in this descriptive study. Lipase activity (LIPCRoche; reference interval [RI] 8-26 U/l) was determined at day 0, and lipase activity and concurrent PLI (Spec fPL; RI 0-4.4 µg/l) were determined at days 19, 47, 54, 221 and 369. All cats were examined weekly. The pancreas and gastrointestinal tract of all cats were examined via ultrasonography.ResultsLipase activity and PLI in four clinically healthy cats was in the range of 10-283 U/l (median 69) and 1.2-86 µg/l (median 13), respectively. Lipase activity and PLI in two cats with enteropathy was in the range of 16-130 U/l (median 42) and 1.9-36 µg/l (median 8.3). The magnitude and nature of change were always the same for both assays. The correlation between assays was very high (r_s 0.984; P <0.0001). The pancreas was normal on ultrasound in both diarrhoeic cats and two healthy cats, whereas a hypoechoic and enlarged pancreas was found in two clinically healthy cats with persistently increased lipase values. All cats had ultrasonographic evidence of enteropathy. No pattern could be recognised in the temporal lipase progression; only one healthy cat with an ultrasonographically abnormal pancreas had continuously increasing values. Both cats with large bowel diarrhoea were diet-responsive.Conclusions and relevanceLipase activity and PLI varied from normal to markedly increased in clinically healthy cats and cats with diet-responsive enteropathy and a normal pancreas on ultrasonography. Both lipase assays yielded virtually identical results. No apparent association between lipase results and clinical or ultrasonographic findings was found. The results illustrate the difficulties clinicians face when trying to assess the significance of lipase levels in cats.

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and integrate these results with clinical data to identify factors associated with decreased HRQoL.MethodsCaregivers completed a validated HRQoL tool (VetMetrica) and clinical data (history, laboratory work, physical examination findings, etc) were collected. Vitality, comfort and emotional wellbeing (EWB) scores were compared between groups using non-parametric analyses as appropriate.ResultsData from 24 healthy cats and 68 cats with CKD were collected. Cats with CKD had significantly lower median vitality, comfort and EWB scores (vitality: 41.7, range 4.3-64; comfort: 36.1, range 21.2-59.6; EWB: 44.6, range 1.6-58.8) than healthy cats (vitality: 56.5, range 40.7-64; comfort: 59.6, range 34.2-59.6; EWB: 58.7, range 45.1-58.8) (P <0.0001 for all analyses). Cats with International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) stage 3 and 4 CKD had lower median EWB scores (30.8, range 1.6-54.4) than IRIS stage 1 and 2 CKD (47.3, range 11.2-58.8) (P = 0.04) and lower vitality scores (38.2, range 4.3-54.0) in comparison with IRIS stage 1 and 2 CKD (43.1, range 12.8-64.0) (P = 0.04). Cats with anaemia had lower median EWB scores (25.9, range 10.4-54.4) than those without (46.6, range 1.6-58.8) (P = 0.005), and haematocrit was positively correlated with EWB (P = 0.005, r = 0.33). Cats with abnormal appetite had lower median EWB scores (29.1, range 1.6-56.7) than cats with normal appetite (48.1, range 11.2-58.8) (P = 0.001). Cats with constipation had lower median comfort scores 29.5 (range 21.2-59.5) (P = 0.0003) and lower median EWB scores (22, range 1.6-58.8) (P = 0.008) than those without (comfort: 37.1, range 25.3-59.6; EWB: 47.9, range 11.2-58.8).Conclusions and relevanceCats with CKD have decreased HRQoL. Several modifiable clinical factors are associated with this decreased HRQoL.

ObjectivesThe sedation quality of intramuscular (IM) alfaxalone and butorphanol in combination with midazolam was investigated in hyperthyroid cats undergoing suitability assessment for radioiodine treatment.MethodsA total of 60 hyperthyroid cats undergoing diagnostic investigations were randomly allocated to receive butorphanol (0.3 mg/kg IM) and midazolam (0.2 mg/kg IM) with either alfaxalone (2 mg/kg IM) (BMA2) or alfaxalone (3 mg/kg IM) (BMA3), or butorphanol (0.3 mg/kg IM) with alfaxalone (3 mg/kg IM) (BA3). If required, additional alfaxalone (0.2 mg/kg) was administered intravenously. Cat Stress Score, response to injection, time to lateral recumbency, sedation score at 10, 15 and 20 mins and subsequent 10-min intervals, additional alfaxalone requirements, and time to first administration, recovery quality (excellent, fair, poor) and adverse effects were assessed. Thyroxine concentrations, gabapentin treatment and assessors were recorded. Heart and respiratory rate and arterial haemoglobin saturation were monitored every 5 mins. Data were compared using χ² and Kruskal-Wallis testing. The multidimensional sedation score and predictors of sedation score were analysed using a mixed effect and linear regression model, respectively (P <0.05).ResultsNo significant predictors for sedation quality were identified. In all groups, the median sedation score was considered good and the median recovery score was fair. The sedation score over time across groups and cardiorespiratory variables were not significantly different. Additional alfaxalone was administered in 53 cats. In group BA3, additional alfaxalone was required significantly earlier (P = 0.043). Although sedated, muscle twitching was a commonly observed adverse effect in all groups, but head pawing was significantly increased in BA3 (P = 0.014).Conclusions and relevanceSedation and recovery quality were satisfactory with all protocols but the addition of midazolam prolonged sedation.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to document the percentage increase in the rima glottidis volume after unilateral cricoarytenoid lateralisation (CAL) in feline cadavers and establish categories and ranges to evaluate the degree of arytenoid abduction.MethodsLeft CAL was performed in nine cadavers. Pre- and postoperative video endoscopy was performed on each resting and lateralised larynx. The images were analysed using an imaging program. Based on reference markings, the increase in the volume of each rima glottidis was measured, and the penetration of the mucosa by the suture material was documented. Measurements were evaluated using Wilcoxon's signed-rank test and objectively graded into four categories based on percentile volume increase, which were defined as unchanged (<103%), moderately lateralised (207%), sufficiently lateralised (311%) and over abducted (>312%).ResultsDuring laryngoscopic examinations, none of the nine arytenoid cartilages was considered unchanged; one case was considered to be moderate, five were sufficiently lateralised and three were categorised as over abducted. Through objective videoendoscopic evaluations, we found that the mean increase in the rima glottidis volume was 264%. None of the larynxes were categorised as unchanged; two were categorised as moderately lateralised, with volume increases of 169% and 195%, respectively; four were categorised as sufficiently lateralised, with values in the range of 229-303%; and three were categorised as over abducted, with volume increases in the range of 324-335%. There was strong agreement between the objective and subjective evaluations. There was no evidence of mucosal perforation caused by the suture material.Conclusions and relevanceUnilateral CAL in cats is a feasible option for increasing the rima glottidis volume. Postoperative laryngoscopic values correlated well with objective measurements; therefore, it is a good method to assess the degree of arytenoid abduction. Moderate lateralisation results in a significant volume increase, but values above 324% cause deformation of the larynx.

ObjectivesHistorically, vaccines have been administered in the dorsal interscapular region of cats (the 'scruff' of the neck) owing to easy access to the subcutaneous space. In response to concerns about sarcomas developing at injection sites (feline injection site sarcomas [FISSs]), and a possible association between feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) vaccination and the development of FISS, alternative FeLV vaccination sites such as the distal left hindlimb and tail have been proposed by influential vaccination bodies and various key opinion leaders. There is a dearth of evidence, however, to demonstrate the development of a comparable immune response after FeLV vaccination in these sites.MethodsThis field study was undertaken to investigate the FeLV anti-surface unit (SU) antibody response in FeLV-uninfected cats inoculated with one of three different FeLV vaccines (Fel-O-Vax 5, Fel-O-Vax Lv-K or Leucogen FeLV), administered in one of three different anatomical locations ('scruff', left distal hindlimb or tail). Kittens were sampled at three different time points, 1 month apart (T0, T1, T2) and again 12 months later (T12). Testing with a published anti-SU ELISA to detect FeLV-A and FeLV-B antibody responses to vaccination was performed. Antigen p27 testing, PCR testing to detect FeLV proviral DNA and neutralising antibody (NAb) testing to identify any FeLV-infected or FeLV-exposed animals were also performed.ResultsA total of 125 kittens were recruited and allocated into one of nine vaccine groups, with 105 kittens completing the initial course of vaccinations and blood draws, and 83 cats returning for T12 sampling. No progressive or regressive FeLV infections were detected in the entire kitten or adult cohorts. A total of 14 (11%) kittens and two (2%) adults tested FeLV NAb-positive. Females had higher (approximately 1.6-fold) post-vaccinal FeLV-A and FeLV-B antibody concentrations compared with males (P = 0.003 and 0.009, respectively). An anamnestic response ('booster' effect) was observed, with FeLV-A and FeLV-B antibody levels higher at T2 (day 56) after two primary vaccine doses than at T1 (day 28) after one dose (P = 0.004 and P <0.001, respectively). No biologically significant differences in FeLV antibody concentrations were found between the different sites of vaccination or vaccine formulations. Tail injections produced fewer vaccine 'non-responders' against FeLV-A at T2 than scruff and hindlimb vaccination (P = 0.020), possibly because tail injections were actually intramuscular, due to a lack of subcutaneous space in the tail.Conclusions and relevanceFeLV vaccines can be administered in the scruff, left hindlimb or tail of cats, with comparable antibody responses observed across all sites. This result will assist veterinarians in making evidence-based recommendations about possible sites for FeLV vaccinations.

ObjectivesDomestic cat hepadnavirus (DCHBV), belonging to the Orthohepadnavirus genus and closely related to the human hepatitis B virus (HBV), is detected in domestic cats; however, its disease progression and pathological impact remain unclear. This study investigates the longitudinal dynamics of DCHBV infection in naturally infected cats over a period of up to 310 days after detection, focusing on blood parameters and viral load fluctuations, liver pathology and extrahepatic dissemination.MethodsAmong 87 screened cats, four (4.6%) tested positive for DCHBV using quantitative PCR (qPCR). These cats were monitored longitudinally through repeated health checks, including viral load monitoring. After natural death, necropsy, histopathology, in situ hybridisation (ISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were conducted to assess lesion distribution and viral localisation. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were also performed on DCHBV-positive cases.ResultsThree of four DCHBV-positive cats exhibited persistent high viremia (>7 log₁₀ genomic copies/ml) for over 6 months. Despite sustained viremia, liver enzyme levels showed variable trends, with some cases maintaining normal alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels. Histopathological analysis revealed various degrees of interface hepatitis, consistent with immune-mediated liver injury. DCHBV DNA was most abundant in the liver and confirmed through qPCR, ISH and IHC. Viral DNA was also detected in extrahepatic tissue, including the spleen, lung and salivary glands. Complete genome sequencing confirmed clustering within genotype A, with low genetic variability. Coinfection with feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) was noted in two cats, which may influence host immune responses.Conclusions and relevancePersistent viremia and liver inflammation suggest DCHBV may contribute to hepatic pathology, likely influenced by host immune responses and coinfections. However, because of the limited number of cases and the presence of FeLV coinfection in some cats, firm conclusions cannot be drawn. These findings provide a foundational basis that warrants confirmation and expansion in larger cohorts.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe spontaneous late-onset myoclonic epilepsy (SLOME) in older cats.MethodsA retrospective, two-centre study was conducted on cats diagnosed with spontaneous (non-audiogenic) head myoclonus between 2015 and 2023.ResultsA total of 15 cats were included. Breeds included domestic shorthair (11/15, 73%) and one each (7%) of domestic longhair, Somali, Burmese and Russian Blue. Of the 15 cats, eight (53%) were castrated males and seven (47%) were spayed females. All cats were older, with a median age at presentation of 13.2 years (range 8.9-17). The median duration between the first episode and presentation was 5.5 months (range 1-24). All cats (15/15, 100%) presented with spontaneous, non-audiogenic myoclonus of the head, some of which had additional thoracic limb (3/15, 20%) or full body (1/15, 7%) involvement. Myoclonus frequency was progressive, with multiple daily or weekly episodes in half of the population (7/15, 47%). Two cats (2/15, 13%) had concurrent generalised tonic-clonic seizures. Eight cats (53%) had advanced imaging that was normal in all but three (37%) cats with concurrent brain atrophy, otitis media/externa and a pituitary mass. A diagnosis of SLOME was made in all cats. Levetiracetam (7/15, 47%) and phenobarbital (1/15, 7%) were administered, and all cats had a positive response, displaying either resolution or significant reduction in frequency of the myoclonus at a median follow-up time of 128 days (range 30-300).Conclusions and relevanceSLOME is a novel epileptic seizure phenotype prevalent in older cats, unrelated to audiogenic triggers, and occasionally accompanied by generalised tonic-clonic seizures. Levetiracetam could result in dramatic improvement.

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to report the outcome and complications associated with the treatment of paracostal hernias in cats and to determine the prevalence of concurrent diaphragmatic hernia.MethodsA retrospective, descriptive study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of cats that underwent paracostal hernia repair between January 2019 and January 2024. The collected data, including presentation, clinical signs, surgical findings, blood parameters, imaging techniques used for diagnosis and postoperative outcomes, were retrospectively reviewed. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed.ResultsA total of 19 cats were included (median age 2 years, range 2 months to 10 years). Clinical signs upon admission included tachypnoea (9/19 cats), weakness (7/19 cats) and ataxia or paralysis (4/19 cats). Radiography was the primary diagnostic tool, identifying 89.5% of the cats with paracostal hernia. Concurrent diaphragmatic hernias were present in 63% of the cases. Postoperative complications occurred in nine cats, including major complications (3/19 cats) leading to immediate postoperative mortality.Conclusions and relevanceConsidering the prevalence of diaphragmatic hernias observed, this study highlights the importance of visualising the diaphragm during paracostal hernia surgery. Although major complications resulted in early death, most patients recovered without short-term complications. These findings emphasise the need for careful postoperative monitoring and highlight the favourable prognosis associated with paracostal hernia repair in cats.