Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery最新文献

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of combined grapiprant and tapentadol on intraoperative physiological parameters, the occurrence of adverse events and postoperative analgesic efficacy in cats undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy, using two multidimensional pain scales.MethodsA total of 60 mixed-breed female cats were enrolled in a randomized, prospective, blinded study. The animals were evenly distributed into four groups (n = 15 per group). In total, 51 animals completed the study; the control group received placebo (CON; n = 11), while the grapiprant group (GRA; n = 13) received grapiprant (3.8 ± 0.5 mg/kg), the tapentadol group (TAP; n = 14) received tapentadol (5.3 ± 1.2 mg/kg) and the grapiprant-tapentadol group (GT; n = 13) received a combination of grapiprant (4.2 ± 0.5 mg/kg PO) and tapentadol (5 ± 0.6 mg/kg PO) 1 hour before initiation of the standardized anesthesia protocol and surgical procedure. Physiological parameters were monitored during surgery, and postoperative pain was assessed for 6 h after extubation using the Short Form of the UNESP-Botucatu Feline Pain Score (UFESP-SF) and the Feline Grimace Scale (FGS), administered by two blinded evaluators.ResultsNo adverse effects or statistically significant differences in physiological parameters were observed between groups. The assessment of pain scores showed good reliability, with intraclass correlation coefficient values of 0.89 for the FGS and 0.91 for the UFESP-SF, supporting inter-rater agreement for both instruments. At 3 h postoperatively, FGS scores differed significantly between the CON and GT groups (P = 0.0363). Rescue analgesia requirements also varied among groups (P = 0.0110): the GT group required rescue at 3 h compared with 1 h in the CON group (P = 0.0007) and 2 h in the GRA group (P = 0.0058).Conclusions and relevanceThe results of this study showed that the analgesic effect of the grapiprant-tapentadol combination lasted up to 3 h in the postoperative period, which was longer than the 2 h of grapiprant and tapentadol alone, without compromising intraoperative physiological stability.

ObjectivesThis study described the pharmacokinetics of bupivacaine after bilateral maxillary and caudal inferior alveolar nerve blocks in adult cats under general anaesthesia.MethodsA total of 10 healthy adult cats (mean ± SD weight 4.8 ± 0.8 kg) were included in a randomised, prospective trial. The anaesthetic protocol consisted of acepromazine-methadone-propofol-isoflurane. Each cat randomly received 0.2 (BUPI2) or 0.3 ml (BUPI3) of bupivacaine 0.5% per site (4 and 6 mg per cat, respectively) (n = 5/group). Blood was collected before (time 0) and at 2, 7, 20, 30, 60, 120, 240, 360, 480 and 600 mins after all dental blocks. Plasma concentrations of bupivacaine were analysed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The pharmacokinetics of bupivacaine were described using a non-compartmental analysis.ResultsMean doses of bupivacaine were significantly different (BUPI2: 0.88 ± 0.14 mg/kg; BUPI3: 1.22 ± 0.21 mg/kg). For BUPI2 and BUPI3, mean maximum bupivacaine plasma concentrations (Cmax) were 825 ± 299 and 926 ± 197 ng/ml at 5.0 ± 2.7 and 9.6 ± 5.8 mins (time to peak concentration); mean area under the curve to the last measured concentration was 142 ± 36 and 180 ± 60 min*µg/ml; mean clearance was 5.4 ± 0.8 and 7 ± 5.7 ml/min/kg; mean elimination half-life was 245 ± 54 and 278 ± 90 mins; and mean residence time to the last measured concentration was 185 ± 13 and 182 ± 33 mins, respectively. Concentrations of bupivacaine were detected up to 600 mins (72 ± 22 ng/ml in BUPI2 and 104 ± 55 ng/ml in BUPI3).Conclusions and relevanceBilateral maxillary and caudal inferior alveolar nerve blocks using two volumes and doses of administration produced C_max below those reported to cause toxicity in cats. Further studies are warranted to investigate the pharmacodynamics of dental blocks in cats.

ObjectivesThe aims of the present study were characterisation of a population of cats presented to a single hospital, regarding clinical diagnoses, neuroanatomical localisation and aetiological disease distribution, and to provide guidance for better clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis in the setting of feline neurology.MethodsA retrospective, statistical descriptive study was conducted. The number of clinical diagnoses, neuroanatomical localisations and aetiological disease distributions - classified according to the vascular, inflammatory/infectious, traumatic, anomalous, metabolic, idiopathic, neoplastic, degenerative (VITAMIN D) system - were recorded, along with signalment and duration of clinical signs.ResultsNeurological disease amounted to 10% of the total cases seen in a single veterinary hospital over a period of 9 years. A total of 266 cats were included in the study; of these, 44% had lesions in the brain, 26.3% in the spinal cord, 25.6% in the neuromuscular system and 4.1% had diffuse signs of neurological disease. Neoplastic (77 cats, 28.9%), idiopathic (67 cats, 25.2%) and inflammatory/infectious (56 cats, 21.1%) were the most frequently recognised disease categories. Regarding brain disease, neoplastic (36.8%), idiopathic (34.2%) and inflammatory/infectious (16.2%) diseases were most frequently diagnosed, with idiopathic epilepsy, meningioma and paroxysmal dyskinesia the most common specific diagnoses. For spinal cord disease, neoplastic (31.4%) and degenerative (31.4%) conditions predominated, with ischaemic myelopathy, intervertebral disc extrusion and feline infectious peritonitis the most frequent diagnoses. Among neuromuscular diseases, idiopathic processes (39.7%) were the most common, with otitis media/interna as the leading diagnosis. For diffuse diseases, inflammatory/infectious conditions (54.5%) were most prevalent, with toxoplasmosis and undetermined neoplasia the most frequent clinical diagnosis.Conclusions and relevanceThis is the first study to describe feline neurological patients in the UK in terms of clinical diagnoses, neuroanatomical localisation and aetiological disease distribution. The findings add to current knowledge in feline neurology and may contribute to a more comprehensive list of differential diagnoses and improved recognition of neurological disease in cats.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop a sensitive detection method and investigate feline chaphamaparvovirus (FeChPV) in cats from southwestern China.MethodsA SYBR Green I-based qPCR assay targeting the VP1 gene was established and validated. It was then applied to 87 feline diarrhoeic faecal samples (2021-2023). Near-full-length genomes of positive samples were sequenced for phylogenetic, structural and selection analysis.ResultsThe qPCR assay showed high sensitivity (50.9 copies/μl) and reproducibility (coefficient of variation <4.0%). FeChPv was detected in 22/87 (25.3%) cats with diarrhoea. Four strains shared 97.6-99.5% identity with global isolates and formed a distinct clade within Asian lineages. A consistent valine-to-isoleucine mutation at VP1-340 was identified under positive selection, which can induce conformational changes.Conclusions and relevanceWe provide a reliable tool for the detection of FeChPV and reveal unique evolutionary features of local strains, supporting further research into its pathogenesis and spread.

ObjectivesA thyrotropin (also known as thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH]) assay using bulk acoustic wave (TSH-BAW) technology is a sensitive and specific test for diagnosing hyperthyroidism; however, the effect of various types of non-thyroidal illness (NTI) have not been evaluated with this assay. The objectives of this study were to compare serum TSH concentrations using the TSH-BAW and a currently available TSH chemiluminescent immunoassay (TSH-CLIA) in hyperthyroid cats, cats with NTI and healthy cats, as well as to compare sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing hyperthyroidism.MethodsA prospective cross-sectional study was conducted comparing the TSH concentration of 37 hyperthyroid, 32 healthy and 32 NTI cats using the TSH-CLIA and TSH-BAW assays. The effect of disease severity was evaluated with hyperthyroidism and NTI.ResultsThe TSH-BAW had a lower sensitivity (78%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 62-90) and negative predictive value (89%, 95% CI 79-95) but higher specificity (97%, 95% CI 89-100) and positive predictive value (94%, 95% CI 79-99) than the TSH-CLIA. The median serum TSH concentration was significantly different between hyperthyroid cats and both healthy and NTI cats with both assays (P <0.01) but was not different between NTI and healthy cats (TSH-CLIA P = 0.168, TSH-BAW P = 0.673). Eight (21.6%) hyperthyroid cats had a detectable TSH-BAW but undetectable TSH-CLIA concentration, with seven (18.9%) having a TSH-BAW within the reference interval. A total of 12 (18.8%) non-hyperthyroid cats (four [12.5%] healthy cats and eight [25%] NTI cats) had an undetectable TSH-CLIA compared with only two (6%) cats (one [3%] healthy cat and one [3%] NTI cat) with the TSH-BAW assay. The proportion of cats with an undetectable serum TSH concentration was significantly higher with the TSH-CLIA than the TSH-BAW in NTI cats (P = 0.008). This was especially evident in NTI cats suffering from moderate to severe illnesses (P = 0.025).Conclusions and relevanceThe TSH-BAW has a high specificity for detecting hyperthyroidism and identifies a normal serum TSH concentration in non-hyperthyroid cats more often than the TSH-CLIA. However, a normal result cannot be used to rule out hyperthyroidism.

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the effect of age on the ability of tracheal anastomoses in 24 feline cadaveric tracheae that were performed with two suture patterns to sustain distraction.MethodsTracheae were obtained from 16 immature and eight adult cats and were divided into three groups. Each trachea underwent end-to-end annular ligament anastomosis using a simple continuous pattern with a 4/0 polypropylene suture on a round-body needle. In one immature group, three additional simple interrupted tension-relieving sutures were placed. The samples were tested with a tensiometer set at a drop head speed of 50 mm/min, and failure during distraction was defined by tissue pull-through or suture material failure. The force and elongation at failure were compared among groups.ResultsTracheal anastomoses in immature cats failed at lower mean forces (11.49 ± 1.30 N) compared with those with tension-relieving sutures and with adult cats (19.74 ± 4.55 N and 18.02 ± 1.28 N, respectively) (P <0.001). Tracheae from both immature groups sustained greater mean elongation (46.60 ± 0.06% and 46.53 ± 0.06%) compared with those from the adult group (33.85 ± 0.11%) (P = 0.017 and 0.09, respectively).Conclusions and relevanceTracheal anastomoses with tension-relieving sutures in immature cats and anastomoses in adult cats showed greater resistance compared with immature cats without tension-relieving sutures. Tracheae from immature cats showed greater elasticity compared with adult cats. Immature cats may resist longer tracheal resection than adult cats, but reinforcement techniques are necessary to improve resistance to tension.

ObjectivesThe Danish Veterinary Cancer Registry (DVCR) was founded at the University of Copenhagen (then the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University) in 2005 and has collected data from feline neoplastic cases ever since. To date, only canine data have been published. The objective of the current publication was to describe the distribution of neoplasms in Danish cats based on data from the DVCR.MethodsFeline DVCR data (2005-2023) were extracted in December 2023. Study parameters were age, sex, breed, tumour type, tumour biological behaviour, anatomical location and method for obtaining the diagnosis. Standard morbidity ratios (SMRs) were calculated using breed data from the Danish Cat Registry as the denominator.ResultsA total of 767 neoplasms were registered. More neoplasms were malignant (561, 73.1%) than benign (175, 22.8%). More neoplasms were registered in female cats (423, 55.8%) than in male cats (335, 44.2%). The mean (±SD) cat age was 10.4 ± 3.8 years. Malignant epithelial tumours were the most common type (259, 33.8%), followed by malignant lymphoma (141, 18.4%), benign epithelial (120, 15.6%) and soft tissue sarcomas (79, 10.3%). The most common anatomical location was skin including adnexal tissue (213, 27.8%), followed by haemolymphatic tissue (152, 19.8%) and mammary tissue (151, 19.7%). Domestic/European shorthair cats had SMRs less than 1.0, while all purebred cats with more than 15 registrations had SMRs greater than 2.0. The relative risk for having a mammary tumour was 2.08 for intact vs spayed female cats.Conclusions and relevanceIt was shown that Danish cats mainly get malignant tumours, and that skin and epithelial tumours were the most common. Overall, the results from the DVCR fit well with data from other recent European publications and will be helpful for informing owners and veterinarians about the occurrence of feline cancer in Denmark and comparable countries.

ObjectivesThe present study retrospectively examined effusive feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) cases to investigate whether baseline viral RNA loads and serum biomarkers are associated with treatment responses and to identify early prognostic indicators that will guide clinical decision-making.MethodsA total of 15 cats with effusive FIP that presented to a primary care veterinary hospital in Japan between August 2024 and August 2025 were included. The diagnosis was based on the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases guidelines, combining clinical presentation, laboratory findings and feline coronavirus (FCoV) RNA detection by RT-qPCR. Antiviral treatment included GS-441524, remdesivir, molnupiravir or adjunctive nirmatrelvir. Cats were retrospectively classified as high-responders (HRs), low-responders (LRs) or non-responders (NRs), based on the blood FCoV N gene RNA load 2 weeks after treatment initiation. LR and NR cats were combined (LR/NR, n = 10) in analyses. Viral RNA loads in ascitic fluid and blood, routine haematology, acute-phase proteins and serum protein fractions were compared between groups.ResultsAt treatment initiation, the LR/NR group had significantly higher blood N gene RNA loads (P <0.01) and ascitic fluid RNA loads (P <0.05) than the HR group. In contrast, no intergroup differences were detected in M gene loads. Routine haematological markers revealed higher total protein, globulin (Glb) and lactate dehydrogenase in the LR/NR group, and no significant differences in albumin (Alb), total bilirubin or serum amyloid A. A serum protein fraction analysis showed distinct profiles: the HR group had higher albumin:globulin ratios and higher Alb, alpha (α)1-, α2- and beta-Glb fractions, while the LR/NR group had a markedly higher gamma (γ)-Glb fraction. The persistence of blood viral RNA 2 weeks after treatment initiation, together with opposing changes in the α2- and γ-Glb fractions, emerged as promising predictors of treatment outcomes.Conclusions and relevanceBaseline blood N gene RNA loads and serum Glb fractions have potential as early prognostic indicators of therapeutic responses in effusive FIP. Some of these results support the utility of combining viral and host biomarkers to improve outcome predictions and treatment monitoring.

Practical relevance: Cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes (CPSs) in cats represent a diverse group of rare dermatological manifestations that occur as indirect consequences of underlying neoplasia. These syndromes are thought to arise due to tumour-associated systemic effects, including dysregulation of immune responses, metabolic disturbances and aberrant production of cytokines or growth factors. Recognising CPSs is clinically relevant, as they may serve as early indicators of occult neoplasia, guiding timely diagnosis and intervention.

Clinical challenges: Diagnosing CPSs requires a high index of suspicion, particularly in older cats with atypical dermatological presentations. Skin biopsies are needed for distinguishing CPSs from primary dermatopathies, and imaging investigations aid in tumour localisation. The treatment for CPSs involves addressing the underlying malignancy. In cases where surgical resection or chemotherapy successfully reduce tumour burden, partial or complete resolution of cutaneous signs has been documented. However, the prognosis remains guarded, particularly for aggressive neoplasms such as pancreatic and biliary carcinomas.

Aims: This review aims to consolidate the current knowledge on feline CPSs, focusing on their clinical presentation, pathophysiology, diagnostic approach and therapeutic options. It also aims to summarise current knowledge and identify gaps that can inform future research, with the ultimate goal of advancing understanding and increasing awareness among veterinarians of these complex conditions.

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of GS-441524 after intravenous (IV) and oral administration of compounded remdesivir (RDV) at 30 mg/kg, respectively, in cats with clinical feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and to determine the bioavailability of GS-441524 after oral administration of compounded RDV in this population.MethodsA total of 13 client-owned cats with a clinical diagnosis of FIP were prospectively recruited. To reflect real-world use, RDV (30 mg/kg) was administered via a 20-min IV infusion or orally (rounded up to capsule size). Plasma GS-441524 concentrations were measured at eight time points over 24 h after administration. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by non-compartment analysis followed by bioavailability calculation.ResultsPharmacokinetic analysis of GS-441524 after administration of oral RDV achieved a mean (±SD) C_max of 1083.36 ± 634.19 ng/ml (coefficient of variation [CV] 59%, range 254.18-1834.73) at a mean time of 5.33 ± 3.93 h (range 2-12) with a mean elimination t_1/2 of 11.4 ± 8.00 h (range 4.58-27.01). In contrast, IV RDV administration produced a higher mean GS-441524 C_max of 6262.54 ± 1118.01 ng/ml (CV 18%, range 5193.40-8134.39) at a mean T_max 0.67 ± 0.26 h (range 0.5-1) with a mean elimination t_1/2 of 6.8 ± 5.55 h (range 3.18-17.85). The mean relative bioavailability of GS-441524 after oral RDV was 30.13%. Bioavailability (range 12-52%) and time to maximum plasma concentrations (2-12 h) were highly variable.Conclusions and relevanceThe oral bioavailability of the compounded RDV used in this study is low, highly variable and appeared lower in cats with effusive disease, although this difference was not statistically significant. Given the small non-randomised sample, results should be interpreted considering the study limitations. Despite the low bioavailability, survival rates in cats treated with oral RDV are comparable to published outcome studies with injectable RDV and oral GS-441524, indicating that oral RDV is a viable treatment option when GS-441524 is not available.