Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery最新文献

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.

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to model the feeding and elimination behaviours of healthy domestic cats using data from connected devices. It was hypothesised that these behaviours would follow a regular circadian pattern.MethodsSmart feeders and connected litter boxes recording interactions (date, time, duration, quantity of faeces and urine produced, and kibble intake) were used. Data collected were processed using a Python script performing a Fourier transform to extract frequencies related to the studied behaviours and model them using sinusoidal functions. Behavioural variability was assessed by daily variation of mean (±SD) pairs of daily data and by evolution of measurements over the observation period, with 5-day moving averages.ResultsReconstructed signals from the obtained frequencies showed a pattern similar to the observed behaviours. The construction of patterns based on behaviour measurements demonstrated feeding and litter box use habits among all cats. The analysis of the variability indicated low variation over the observation period.Conclusions and relevanceModelling eating and elimination behaviours of healthy cats based on signals from connected devices was possible. Establishing such baseline behavioural profiles might help improve the detection of health and wellbeing issues in cats.

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 aim of the present study was to evaluate selected acute phase proteins (APPs) in 61 cats (mainly stray, domestic shorthair cats, aged 2 months to 17 years, 39 males and 22 females) presented with acute trauma at a university teaching hospital.MethodsSerum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), ceruloplasmin and albumin were compared with APPs in a population of healthy cats with similar demographic data and in cats with trauma, considering demographic data, trauma type and localisation (craniofacial and/or vertebral and/or appendicular, thoracic, abdominal and localised, multiple or polytrauma), anti-inflammatory treatment and outcome (survival to discharge or death). APPs were correlated to age, rectal temperature, body weight, total leukocyte, neutrophil, band neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, total protein, albumin:globulin ratio, base excess and hospitalisation duration.ResultsIn cats with acute trauma, the median concentrations of SAA and Hp were significantly higher than in healthy control cats (90.5 vs 0.6 mg/ml and 130.7 vs 58.8 mg/dl, respectively; P <0.0001) and showed a median 150-fold increase and 2.2-fold increase, respectively, relative to healthy cats. Albumin was significantly lower in cats with trauma compared with healthy cats (3.4 vs 3.8 g/dl, respectively; P <0.0001) and in cats with vertebral trauma compared with cats with other trauma localisations. SAA showed a significantly positive correlation with length of hospitalisation (r = 0.488; P = 0.0003) in 50 surviving cats, while albumin showed a significantly negative correlation (r = -0.426; P = 0.0020), in addition to a negative correlation with band neutrophils (r = -0.329; P = 0.0097). In 15 cats with trauma in which APPs were also evaluated at discharge, SAA was significantly lower than at admission.Conclusions and relevanceAcute trauma in cats is associated with significant increases in SAA and Hp and decreases in albumin. Testing SAA and albumin in cats with acute trauma may provide a useful prognostic indicator of length of hospitalisation, but no evaluated APPs are of prognostic value for survival.

ObjectivesArthroscopy is a well-established diagnostic and therapeutic method for canine stifle pathology; however, its use in cats remains under-reported. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of conventional arthroscopy (CA) and needle arthroscopy (NA) in feline stifles.MethodsPaired stifles from 20 feline cadavers without clinical or radiographic stifle pathology were randomly assigned to two equal groups: CA (1.9 mm, 30°) and NA (1.9 mm, 0°). Arthroscopy was performed by a board-certified surgeon using a three-portal method and predefined evaluation sequence, ending with medial meniscus assessment. In 10 randomly selected stifles from each group, an extra-articular distractor was applied before medial meniscus evaluation. Procedure duration, visualisation quality, surgical difficulty and cartilage lesions were recorded. Periarticular and iatrogenic articular cartilage injuries (IACIs) were assessed via dissection and India ink staining.ResultsNA yielded a lower mean surgical difficulty score, shorter mean arthroscopy duration and higher rate of complete medial meniscus visualisation than CA. No significant differences were found in absolute IACI (CA with distraction [CA-D]: 4.4 ± 2.8 mm²; CA without distraction [CA-nD]: 5.4 ± 2.4 mm²; NA with distraction [NA-D]: 3.9 ± 2.0 mm²; NA without distraction [NA-nD] 3.6 ± 2.4 mm²) or in percentage surface area affected (CA-D: 1.0 ± 0.6%; CA-nD: 1.3 ± 0.6%; NA-D 0.9 ± 0.4%; NA-nD 0.9 ± 0.6%).Conclusions and relevanceStifle arthroscopy was feasible using both conventional and needle arthroscopes in feline cadavers without stifle pathology and may be considered a minimally invasive tool for diagnosing feline stifle disease. NA in smaller patients may offer advantages over CA in terms of feasibility and procedure duration. Although not statistically significant, NA tended to result in fewer IACIs. IACIs per joint were comparable to values reported in dogs.

Case series summaryThe aim of the present study was to characterise the clinical presentation, radiographic findings and treatment of idiopathic carpal hyperextension (ICH) in cats. Medical records from six referral centres were retrospectively reviewed to identify cats diagnosed with ICH between 2018 and 2025. Data collected included signalment, clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, treatment approaches and outcome. The study population comprised 12 cats aged 4 months to 12 years 10 months (median 4 years 3 months) with 20 affected carpi. The age distribution showed two peaks: one in younger cats (aged 0-2 years) and another in older cats (aged 9-13 years), with a high proportion of purebreds, notably shorthairs (6/12, 50%). All cats presented with carpal hyperextension without history of significant trauma. Eight cats (66%) were bilaterally affected, one cat initially presented with bilateral disease, while seven developed contralateral involvement 2-36 months after initial presentation. Common clinical findings included a palmigrade stance (12/12, 100%), reduced weightbearing (8/12, 66%) and carpal swelling (2/12, 16%). Increased angulation of the antebrachiocarpal joint was seen on all stressed radiographs, and mild to moderate periarticular soft tissue thickening was seen in most cases (7/11, 63%). All cats were initially managed conservatively (rest and analgesia, mainly meloxicam); four carpi treated conservatively showed an improvement of hyperextension and weightbearing; the outcome was unknown in the remainder of the carpi treated conservatively. In four cats (eight carpi), bilateral pancarpal arthrodesis (PCA) surgery was performed: a single session in one cat and staged sessions in the other three cats. Major complications occurred in two cats, with one requiring revision surgery. All carpi treated with PCA achieved good long-term outcomes.Relevance and novel informationICH represents a clinical entity in cats characterised by carpal hyperextension without a history of trauma, frequent bilateral involvement, breed predisposition for shorthair cats and a biphasic age presentation. There is a potential for delayed contralateral limb involvement and a variable response to treatment; therefore, long-term monitoring is recommended.

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.

ObjectivesThis study investigated the inter-rater reliability, agreement and responsiveness of the Feline Grimace Scale (FGS) in brachycephalic cats.MethodsA total of 28 brachycephalic cats (mean age 6.6 ± 4.4 years, mean weight 4.2 ± 1.0 kg) undergoing ocular surgery were included in a prospective, randomised, blinded study. Cats presenting fear-anxiety behaviours were not enrolled. In total, 95 images of these cats were collected from video recordings pre- and postoperatively (before/after analgesia), scored by four raters using the FGS and compared with real-time scores. Limits of agreement (LoAs) and bias were evaluated using the Bland-Altman method (good or poor agreement if bias <0.1 or >0.1, respectively). Inter-rater reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC; <0.50 = poor, 0.50-0.75 = moderate, 0.76-0.90 = good and >0.90 = excellent reliability). Generalised linear mixed models evaluated responsiveness (P <0.05).ResultsInter-rater reliability (ICC_single) was poor for muzzle tension (0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.36-0.58) and whiskers change (0.34, 95% CI 0.22-0.46), good for ear (0.81, 95% CI 0.74-0.86) and eye position (0.84, 95% CI 0.79-0.88), moderate for head position (0.71, 95% CI 0.59-0.79) and good for FGS total ratio scores (0.76, 95% CI 0.68-0.82). LoAs were in the range of -0.37 to 0.22 with a bias of -0.08, suggesting that some cats could have their scores affected in comparison with real-time scores. Mean FGS total scores decreased after analgesia pre- (0.56 ± 0.10 vs 0.38 ± 0.15; P = 0.005) and postoperatively (0.60 ± 0.18 vs 0.36 ± 0.15; P <0.001).Conclusions and relevanceThe FGS is a responsive pain-scoring instrument in brachycephalic cats with ocular pain, with good agreement and excellent inter-rater reliability for total ratio scores. Pain may be overestimated using image assessment in some brachycephalic cats.