Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery最新文献

Clinical challenges: Epileptic seizures are a relatively common neurological presentation in cats, yet determining the underlying cause can be challenging due to the broad range of differential diagnoses.Diagnostic approach:A systematic approach, including thorough history-taking, physical and neurological examination, and appropriate diagnostic testing, is critical to accurately identifying the underlying cause and guiding effective management strategies.

Audience: This review is aimed at veterinarians who manage feline patients presenting with epileptic seizures and outlines their features and differentials, as well as a guide to diagnosis.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop a standardized ostectomy guide for ventral femoral head and neck ostectomy (vFHO) in cats. We aimed to assess the guide's accuracy for maximizing removal of a clinically acceptable amount of bone without sacrificing soft tissue attachments.MethodsCT scans of 18 cats with normal femoral morphology were obtained to determine ideal ostectomy planes and generate three-dimensional (3D)-printed femurs. A standardized ostectomy guide was designed, printed and used to perform the ostectomies on printed bones as well as on three cadavers via vFHO. Postoperative CT scans were obtained. Covariates including age, sex, neuter status, body weight, side and neck inclination, and version angles were recorded. Ostectomies were assessed by comparing actual vs ideal ostectomy angles and percentage of femoral head and neck removed using CT scan data, and by blinded evaluation of printed bones with vFHO. Mixed-effects models were used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe ideal and actual ostectomy angles in the 3D-printed femur models were statistically equivalent (P <0.005), whereas the percentage of femur removed was not (P = 0.080) until two outlier specimens (smallest/youngest) were excluded, after which both measurements became statistically equivalent (P = 0.001). No covariates significantly influenced outcomes. Visual assessment by a blinded surgeon found 75% of ostectomies to be acceptable; unacceptable ostectomies had either over-removal of the greater trochanter or incomplete neck resection. Cadaveric testing confirmed the guide's usability, with practical application and adequate exposure via a previously described ventral approach.Conclusions and relevanceThis study demonstrated that although a standardized vFHO ostectomy guide in cats was practical to use and produced ostectomies statistically equivalent to ideal cuts, occasional over- or under-resection and the risk of damaging the greater trochanter preclude clinical application at this stage, highlighting the need for further design optimization.

ObjectivesAlthough Leptospira species infections can be associated with intraocular inflammation in dogs and horses, there is limited information regarding the role these agents play in feline uveitis. The primary objective of this study was to report the prevalence of antibodies to Leptospira species and the presence of Leptospira species DNA in samples from cats with endogenous uveitis. The secondary objective was to assess for coinfections with Bartonella species, Toxoplasma gondii and eubacteria.MethodsSerum and aqueous humor (AH) samples from 37 cats diagnosed with endogenous uveitis that had been stored at -80°C were selected for this study based on sample availability. PCR assays for Leptospira species, T gondii, Bartonella species and 16S eubacterial rDNA were performed on AH. Sera were evaluated for antibodies to Leptospira species (microscopic agglutination test [MAT]), Bartonella species (IgG ELISA) and T gondii (IgM and IgG ELISA).ResultsAlthough sera from 2/37 (5.4%) cats were positive for antibodies to Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona by MAT (1:100 titers), all AH samples were negative for DNA of Leptospira species. One AH sample was positive for DNA of a Streptococcus species but all were negative for DNA of T gondii and Bartonella species. Serum antibodies to Bartonella species (21/37, 56.8%), T gondii (7/37, 18.9%) or multiple agents (5/37, 13.5%) were common.Conclusions and relevanceAlthough the results of this study cannot be used to prove or refute Leptospira species as a cause of endogenous uveitis in cats, the detection of specific antibodies to Leptospira Pomona in the sera of two cats suggests that a larger cohort of cats should be tested to further evaluate the hypothesis. The AH of one cat was positive for the DNA of a Streptococcus species and future studies should investigate if post-streptococcal uveitis syndrome can also be found 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.

Objectives: To report changes in serum creatinine and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) concentrations following treatment of feline hyperthyroidism with anti-thyroid medications and compare these biomarkers at baseline between cats that were and were not azotaemic after treatment.

Methods: Retrospective study; hyperthyroid cats that were euthyroid (total thyroxine concentration (TT4) 7-40 nmol/L) at 1 month (T1) and/or 2-9 months (T2) following treatment were identified and grouped by renal status defined by serum creatinine concentrations post-treatment. Comparisons were made using non-parametric statistics, and the correlations assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Data are presented as median [minimum-maximum].

Results: Nineteen hyperthyroid cats were included. At baseline, TT4 was negatively correlated with serum concentrations of creatinine (rs = -0.73; P<0.001) but not SDMA (rs = -0.42; P=0.074). Serum creatinine concentrations increased significantly at T1 and T2 (137 [97-241] μmol/L and 162 [76-251] μmol/L) compared to baseline (117 [62-216] μmol/L; P=0.003 and P<0.001 respectively), whereas serum SDMA did not change significantly at T1 but did increase by T2 (11 [8-29] μg/dL and 13 [9-24] μg/dL respectively) compared to baseline (12 [7-21] μg/dL; P=0.548 and P=0.039 respectively). There was no significant difference in baseline serum SDMA between cats that were azotaemic after treatment and those that remained non-azotaemic (12 [7-21] μg/dL, n=13 vs. 13 [11-19] μg/dL, n=6; P=0.42).

Conclusions and relevance: Serum SDMA concentrations are not helpful in predicting post-treatment azotaemia in initially non-azotaemic hyperthyroid cats treated with anti-thyroid medications, and might be influenced by factors other than glomerular filtration rate in hyperthyroidism.

ObjectivesThe arrival of an unknown human in the life of a cat can be seen as a challenging situation, helping the cat to cope with it could help in adoption processes or while hiring a pet sitter. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a water-based mist form of a F3 analogue treatment on the behaviour of cats exposed to the presence of an unknown human.MethodsTwo parallel and homogeneous groups of 11 cats were included in this study. Each cat was brought individually to an unknown room previously sprayed with the F3 pheromone analogue mist or a Placebo. After 40 minutes, an unknown human entered the room, and the cat's behaviour was observed. Locomotion, rubbing, feeding, and behaviours directed towards the human were analysed.ResultsCats in the F3-treated room tended to be quicker to approach (Frailty model, X² = 3.54, DF = 1, P = 0.06) and initiate contact with the unknown human (Frailty model, X² = 3.454, DF = 1, P = 0.063). F3-treated cats exhibited significantly more rubbing than control group (GzLMM, X² = 14.056, DF = 1, P < 0.001). They also sat (GzLMM, X² = 6.058, DF = 1, P < 0.05) and moved (GzLMM, X² = 6.163, DF = 1, P < 0.05) more frequently than the control ones. A PCA analysis revealed that F3-treated cats were more homogeneous in their behaviour than control cats and that these F3 cats displayed a more confident behavioral profile, as assessed by their exploratory behavior.Conclusions and relevanceThose results highlighted the interest of using a F3 analogue treatment as a mist form to help cats cope with a situation involving the first encounter with a new human. This was achieved by improving the approach with a new context, exploration, and human interactions.

Objectives: To review diagnoses and infectious disease testing of cats with neutrophilic or pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis, and describe the history, clinicopathological abnormalities, diagnostic imaging findings, lymph node cytological/histological appearance, treatment response and outcome of steroid-responsive lymphadenitis in cats.

Methods: Medical records of 72 cats documented to have pyogranulomatous, neutrophilic or mixed lymphadenitis between January 2015 and December 2023 at a single referral hospital were retrospectively reviewed.

Results: Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) (25/72, 35%) was the most common cause of lymphadenitis and frequently pyogranulomatous. Neoplasia (11/72, 15%) was the overall next most common cause and the most common cause of neutrophilic lymphadenitis. The remaining diagnoses included nine cats (12.5%) with steroid-responsive lymphadenitis, eight (11%) inflammatory disease, seven (10%) other suspected bacterial infections, five (7%) mycobacterial infections, five (7%) neutrophilic to pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis of unclear cause and two (3%) toxoplasmosis with variable inflammatory lymphadenitis.Steroid-responsive lymphadenitis cases were often middle-aged (median 7 years 10 months) neutered males (6/9). Common signs included lethargy (7/9, 78%), hyporexia/anorexia (7/9, 78%), pyrexia (6/9, 78%), peripheral lymphadenopathy (6/9) and weight loss (5/9). Frequently affected lymph nodes were submandibular (5/9), popliteal (4/9) and jejunal (4/9). Cytology was more commonly neutrophilic (8/14, 57%) than pyogranulomatous (4/14, 29%). After variable infectious disease testing, all cats received prednisolone (median dose 1.25 mg/kg, range 0.5-2.3 mg/kg) for a median of 5.75 months (range 4-11 months). All improved initially; relapse occurred in 33% during treatment, following tapering or discontinuation. Two cats (22%) were euthanised after relapse; one developed neurological signs.

Conclusions and relevance: Steroid-responsive lymphadenitis should be considered in cats presenting with inflammatory lymphadenopathy when no identifiable underlying infectious, inflammatory or neoplastic cause is identified, and most cases respond well to glucocorticoid treatment.

Objectives: Evaluate the association between serum amyloid A [SAA] concentrations and proteinuria in cats without known pre-renal, renal and post-renal causes of proteinuria and to document the magnitude of proteinuria in these cases.

Methods: Cats with contemporaneous SAA and urine protein: creatinine ratio (UPC) data and without renal azotaemia, evidence of reduced urine concentrating ability, active urine sediment, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus and recent steroid administration were included. Cats with SAA >3.9 µg/dL were classified as having increased SAA. UPC was compared between cats with and without increased SAA using the Mann Whitney U test, comparisons between the proportion of cases classified as proteinuric (UPC>0.4 or UPC >0.2) between the groups were made using the Fisher's Exact test and correlations were assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between SAA and UPC.

Results: UPC was significantly higher in the increased SAA group than in the normal SAA (0.32 [0.11-1.25] vs. 0.17 [0.08-0.59]; P=0.002) and cats with increased SAA were also more likely to be borderline or overtly proteinuric (UPC >0.2) than cats in the normal SAA group (72% vs. 36%; P=0.02). There was also a moderate positive correlation between UPC and SAA (rs=0.519; P<0.001).

Conclusions and relevance: increased urine protein: creatinine ratio is associated with increased SAA concentrations in cats, although the severity of proteinuria in these cases is usually mild. Systemic inflammation might contribute to proteinuria in some cats, although further studies are required to establish a causal relationship.