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Pulmonary thromboembolism in cats.

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is rarely diagnosed in cats, and the clinical features of the disease are not well known. PTE was diagnosed at postmortem examination in 17 cats, a prevalence of 0.06% over a 24-year period. The age of affected cats ranged from 10 months to 18 years, although young (<4 years) and old (>10 years) cats were more commonly affected than were middle-aged cats. Males and females were equally affected. The majority of cats with PTE (n = 16) had concurrent disease, which was often severe. The most common diseases identified in association with PTE were neoplasia, anemia of unidentified cause, and pancreatitis. Cats with glomerulonephritis, encephalitis, pneumonia, heart disease, and hepatic lipidosis were also represented in this study. Most cats with PTE demonstrated dyspnea and respiratory distress before death or euthanasia, but PTE was not recognized ante mortem in any cat studied. In conclusion, PTE can affect cats of any age and is associated with a variety of systemic and inflammatory disorders. It is recommended that the same clinical criteria used to increase the suspicion of PTE in dogs should also be applied to cats.

Animals↗

Immune cell populations in the duodenal mucosa of cats with inflammatory bowel disease.

The aim of this study was to characterize the phenotype of leukocytes infiltrating the duodenal mucosa of cats with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by using immunohistochemistry and computer-aided morphometry to assess whether immunologic markers would aid in characterization of IBD. Frozen and formalin-fixed duodenal biopsies were collected from cats referred for investigation of chronic vomiting, diarrhea, or both (n = 34). Reference ranges were previously established by using duodenal samples from healthy cats (n = 16). No significant difference was found in the number of immunoglobulin G+ (IgG+) or IgA+ in either the villous lamina propria or the crypt lamina propria between cats with IBD and control cats. T cells (CD3+) increased in number from crypt to the tip of the villi in biopsies from both diseased (mean +/- SD for each group was 18.8 +/- 6.6 and 17.7 +/- 4.2 cells/ 10,000 m2 in cryptal areas to 25.2 +/- 9.5 and 29.1 +/- 13.3 cells/10,000m2 in villous areas) and healthy animals (17.9 +/- 3.9 cells/10,000 microm2 in cryptal areas to 24.1 +/- 9.3 cells/10,000 microm2 in villous areas) and no significant difference was found between diseased and control cats. By contrast, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II expression by leukocytes with dendritic cell or macrophage morphology in the lamina propria was significantly greater in cats with IBD (13.3 +/- 4.2 cells/10,000 microm2 in cryptal area; P = .016) than in healthy cats (11.9 +/- 3.0 cells/10,000 microm2) and MHC class II expression by enterocytes also was more pronounced in these cats showing an overall intensity of expression of 7.1 +/- 4.0 cells/10,000 microm2 in cats with IBD as opposed to 0.0 +/- 0.0 cells/10,000 microm2 to 0.3 +/- 0.7 cells/10,000 microm2 in healthy cats. These findings suggest that a subtle immunologic dysregulation occurs in spontaneously arising feline IBD.

Animals↗

Clinical characteristics of mammary carcinoma in male cats.

There is little information regarding mammary tumors in male cats. The purpose of this study was to characterize the clinical characteristics of mammary carcinoma in male cats, compare this malignancy to the disease in female cats, and identify prognostic factors. Thirty-nine male cats with mammary carcinoma were identified. One pathologist reviewed the biopsies from all cats, and complete follow-up information regarding outcome was available for 27 cats. Information collected included signalment, age at neutering, history of progestin therapy, age at tumor diagnosis, size of tumor, type of surgery (lumpectomy, simple mastectomy, or radical mastectomy), results of clinical staging, adjunctive therapies, time to local recurrence, survival, and cause of death. The mean age at tumor diagnosis (12.8 years) was slightly older than that reported in female cats. The incidence of local tumor recurrence in 9 of 20 (45%) cats was similar to that reported in females. A history of progestin therapy was present in 8 of 22 (36%) cats for which this information was known. The median time to local recurrence was 310 days (range 127-1,363 days), and overall median survival was 344 days (range 14-2,135 days). Tumor size and lymphatic invasion were identified as negative prognostic factors. This study indicates that mammary carcinoma in the male cat has many similarities to the disease in females, with an aggressive clinical course in most cats.

Animals↗

Primary immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in 19 cats: diagnosis, therapy, and outcome (1998-2004).

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) occurs less frequently in cats than in dogs. The value of the Coombs' test (CT) has been questioned, but detailed surveys of its use are lacking. The objective of this study was to describe 19 cats with primary IMHA (pIMHA) and to examine the diagnostic value of the direct CT. The CT was performed in 92 cats; it was negative in 5 healthy, in 9 sick nonanemic, and in 55 cats with different types of anemia. The CT was positive in 18 anemic cats (2 feline leukemia virus (FeLV) positive, 1 with cholangiohepatitis, 15 with no underlying disease). Moreover, agglutination persisted after saline washing in 5 anemic cats (1 lymphoma, 4 pIMHA). Inclusion criteria for pIMHA were a positive CT (15) or persistent agglutination (4), and the exclusion of other diseases. The age of the 19 cats ranged from 0.5 to 9 years (median, 2 years); male cats were overrepresented. The PCV on admission was 6-22% (median, 12%). The anemia was nonregenerative in 11 cats. Additional abnormal laboratory results were leukocytosis (2), lymphocytosis (6), hyperbilirubinemia (13), hyperglobulimemia (10), and increased liver enzyme activities (10). Initial treatment consisted of blood transfusions (10), crystalloids (11), prednisolone (19), antibiotics (19), and H2-blockers (11). Four of 17 cats were euthanized 9, 63, 240 and 2,160 days after initial presentation (mortality rate, 23.5%). Relapses were reported in 5 of 16 cases (31%). Thus, pIMHA appears to occur more frequently than recognized previously, with a more favorable prognosis in cats than in dogs. The CT was useful in identifying immune-mediated pathogenesis.

Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune↗

Pulmonary lesions in cats with diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrinopathy of cats and humans. Although few studies have examined the effects of DM on the pulmonary system, changes in pulmonary function and immunology in humans with type I and II diabetes, and pulmonary lesions in a murine diabetic model have been documented. Our objective was to determine whether pulmonary lesions occurred in cats with DM. Medical records and necropsy evaluations of 42 cats with DM were compared with those of 45 age-matched, nondiabetic cats for the presence of clinical evidence of respiratory disease and pulmonary histopathological findings at the time of necropsy. No statistical difference was noted in the presence of clinical evidence of respiratory disease between cats with diabetes and control cats. Nevertheless, there was a significant association between the presence of abnormal pulmonary histopathology and DM (P = .018, odds ratio = 3 inclusive of all cats; P = .005, odds ratio = 5 when non-DM cats with overt clinical evidence of respiratory disease were excluded). Pulmonary abnormalities detected by histopathological examination in cats with diabetes included congestion and edema, histiocytosis, pneumonia, smooth muscle hypertrophy, fibrosis, mineralization, neoplasia, and type II pneumocyte hyperplasia. The observed association between DM and pulmonary lesions in cats, independent of clinical evidence of respiratory disease, emphasizes the need for careful assessment of the respiratory tract in sick cats with diabetes.

Animals↗

Evaluation of erythropoiesis and changes in serum erythropoietin concentration in cats after renal transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinicopathologic patterns of the erythropoietic response after renal transplantation in cats with chronic renal failure (CRF). ANIMALS: 14 cats with CRF undergoing renal transplantation. PROCEDURE: Before and at intervals during a 6-month period after transplantation, serum creatinine and erythropoietin concentrations, Hct, erythrocyte indices, aggregate reticulocyte percentage, and iron variables were measured. Additionally, the number of transfusions administered to and any complications that developed in each cat were recorded. RESULTS: In all cats, preoperative azotemia resolved within 6 days after renal transplantation. Two cats had a temporary increase in serum creatinine concentration secondary to an acute graft rejection episode. Anemia (defined as Hct < 28%) resolved in 10 cats 3 to 49 days after surgery. Resolution of anemia was delayed in 2 cats that had acute rejection episodes. Serum erythropoietin concentration and reticulocyte percentage were low preoperatively; values after surgery were highly variable. Compared with preoperative values, serum erythropoietin concentration increased 1 to 4 days after surgery in 11 cats; between days 5 and 58, another increase was detected in 9 cats. Serum iron concentrations were generally low before and 14 days after transplantation. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The erythropoietic response was highly variable in cats after renal transplantation, but anemia typically resolved within 1 month after surgery. A delay in resolution of anemia in cats may indicate poor graft function and inadequate iron stores, suggesting the need for further evaluation for concurrent illness.

Animals↗

Results of a phase II clinical trial on the use of ifosfamide for treatment of cats with vaccine-associated sarcomas.

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical activity and toxic effects of ifosfamide when used to treat cats with vaccine-associated sarcoma (VAS). ANIMALS: 27 cats with a nonresectable, recurrent, or metastatic VAS. PROCEDURE: Each cat received ifosfamide (900 mg/m(2) of body surface area) as an IV infusion during a 30-minute period. Diuresis by infusion of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution and administration of mesna were used to prevent urothelial toxicosis. Treatments were administered every 3 weeks, and tumor response was assessed after the second treatment. All ifosfamide-associated toxic effects were graded in accordance with predetermined criteria. RESULTS: 61 treatments were administered to 27 cats (median, 2 treatments/cat; range, 1 to 4 treatments/cat). After ifosfamide treatment, 1 cat had a complete response and 10 had partial responses for an overall response rate of 11 of 27 (41%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 25% to 59%). Responses lasted from 21 to 133 days (median, 70 days; 95% CI, 60 to 113 days). The acute dose-limiting toxicosis was neutropenia, which was detected 5 to 28 days (median, 7 days) after treatment. Median nadir neutrophil count was 1,600 cells/muL (range, 200 to 5,382 cells/microL). Nine (33%) cats had adverse gastrointestinal effects (primarily salivation during the ifosfamide infusion and inappetence after treatment). Two cats were euthanatized because of severe nephrotoxicosis, and 1 cat developed pulmonary edema during diuresis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ifosfamide has antitumor activity against VAS in cats and is tolerated well by most cats. Ifosfamide should be evaluated as an adjuvant treatment for cats with VAS.

Animals↗

Autologous blood collection and transfusion in cats undergoing partial craniectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the procedure for autologous blood donation and associated complications in cats undergoing partial craniectomy for mass removal. DESIGN: Prospective case series. ANIMALS: 15 cats with intracranial mass confirmed by computed tomographic scan, no evidence of renal failure, and PCV > or = 22%. PROCEDURE: One unit (60 ml) of blood was collected and stored 7 to 17 days before surgery and transfused during the perioperative period if needed. The PCV was measured before donation, before surgery, during surgery, and after surgery to assess effect of donation on PCV before surgery and effect of transfusion on PCV after surgery. Cats were evaluated for donation complications, iatrogenic anemia, and adverse reactions associated with administration of autologous blood. RESULTS: Complications associated with phlebotomy were not detected. Fifteen cats underwent partial craniectomy 7 to 17 days after blood donation; all had histologic confirmation of meningioma by examination of tissue obtained at surgery. Eleven cats received autologous blood transfusions. None of the cats received allogeneic blood transfusions. Transfusion reactions were not observed. Subclinical iatrogenic anemia was detected in 3 cats. Two cats were considered to have received excessive transfusion, and 3 cats received inadequate transfusion. All cats undergoing partial craniectomy were discharged from the hospital and were alive > 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Autologous blood donation before surgery was considered safe for cats undergoing partial craniectomy for resection of meningioma. The only complication observed was iatrogenic anemia. The procedure contributed to blood conservation in our hospital.

Anemia↗

Prevalence of pituitary tumors among diabetic cats with insulin resistance.

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence of pituitary tumors, detectable by means of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, in cats with insulin resistance suspected to have acromegaly or hyperadrenocorticism versus cats with well-controlled diabetes mellitus. DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: 16 cats with insulin resistance that were also suspected to have acromegaly (n = 12) or pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (4) and 8 cats with well-controlled diabetes mellitus. PROCEDURE: Computed tomography was performed on all 16 cats with insulin resistance and 2 cats in which diabetes mellitus was well-controlled. The remaining 6 cats in which diabetes mellitus was well-controlled underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Images were obtained before and immediately after i.v. administration of contrast medium. RESULTS: Computed tomography revealed a mass in the region of the pituitary gland in all 16 cats with insulin resistance. Maximum width of the masses ranged from 4.4 to 12.7 mm; maximum height ranged from 3.1 to 12.6 mm. Results of computed tomography performed on 2 cats with well-controlled diabetes and magnetic resonance imaging performed on the remaining 6 cats were considered normal. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that cats with insulin resistance suspected to have acromegaly or pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism are likely to have a pituitary mass detectable by means of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Acromegaly↗

Separation anxiety syndrome in cats: 136 cases (1991-2000).

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether cats develop clinical signs typical of separation anxiety syndrome (SAS) and the type and frequency of applicable clinical signs in affected cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 136 cats with clinical signs typical of SAS in dogs. Subjects were evaluated during home visits. PROCEDURE: Medical records of pet cats evaluated for behavior problems during a 10-year period were reviewed. Medical records of cats that displayed behaviors typical of dogs with SAS (eg, inappropriate elimination, excessive vocalization, destructiveness, or self-mutilation) were more extensively examined, and cats that displayed these behaviors only when separated from an apparent attachment figure were included in the study. RESULTS: Behavior problems triggered by separation anxiety included inappropriate urination (96 cats), inappropriate defecation (48), excessive vocalization (16), destructiveness (12), and psychogenic grooming (8). Inappropriate defecation was identified in a significantly higher percentage of the neutered females in the study than in the neutered males. Seventy-five percent of the cats that urinated inappropriately urinated exclusively on the owner's bed. Psychogenic grooming was identified in 8 of the 40 neutered females but in none of the neutered males, whereas destructiveness was observed in 12 of the 92 neutered males but in none of the neutered females. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that cats can develop SAS. Sex and breed differences in the frequency of particular signs of SAS in cats may exist. Feline SAS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of anxiety-related misbehavior in cats.

Aggression↗

Spontaneous femoral capital physeal fractures in adult cats: 26 cases (1996-2001).

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical, radiographic, and histologic abnormalities in adult cats > 1 year old with spontaneous (ie, nontraumatic) femoral capital physeal fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 26 cats. PROCEDURE: Medical records of cats > 1 year old with femoral capital physeal fractures and no history of trauma were examined. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD age of the cats was 22.5 +/- 6.5 months. Twenty-five cats were neutered males. Mean weight of the cats was significantly greater than mean weight of a group of age- and sex-matched control cats. Of 16 cats for which age at the time of neutering was known, 14 had been neutered before 6 months of age. Nine cats had bilateral fractures. Severity of femoral neck osteolysis and sclerosis increased with increased duration of clinical signs. The contralateral femoral capital physis, distal femoral physes, and proximal tibial physes were radiographically open in 13 of 18,19 of 24, and 24 of 24 cats, respectively. Histologically, the epiphysis contained normal articular cartilage and bone, but attached growth plate cartilage lacked the normal columnar arrangement of chondrocytes. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that adult cats with spontaneous femoral capital physeal fractures were most likely to be heavier, neutered males with delayed physeal closure.

Age Factors↗

Use of a hemoglobin-based oxygen-carrying solution in cats: 72 cases (1998-2000).

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical features and outcome associated with use of a hemoglobin-based oxygen-carrying (HBOC) solution in cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 72 cats. PROCEDURE: Medical records of cats that received an HBOC solution were reviewed. RESULTS: The most common clinical signs and physical examination findings prior to infusion of the HBOC solution were associated with anemia; vomiting, neurologic signs, and respiratory abnormalities were also detected. The HBOC solution was given as a supportive measure in treatment of anemia in 70 cats, most often because compatible blood was not readily available. There were 80 separate HBOC solution infusion events (mean dose, 14.6 ml/kg [6.6 mg/lb]; mean rate of infusion, 4.8 ml/kg [2.2 ml/lb] per hour). Improvements in 37 of 43 of the more closely monitored cats included increased rectal temperature, blood hemoglobin concentration, blood pressure, appetite, and activity. Adverse events in 44 cats included pulmonary edema (n = 8), pleural effusion (21), mucous membrane discoloration (21), pigmenturia (11), vomiting (4), and neurologic abnormalities (4). Twenty-three cats were discharged from the hospital, and 49 cats died or were euthanatized. Necropsy examination of 23 cats did not reveal evidence of renal or hepatic toxicosis associated with HBOC administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although administration of an HBOC solution may provide temporary support to anemic cats, the development of pulmonary edema or pleural effusion potentially associated with rapid infusion rate and large volume of infusion of the HBOC solution should be investigated further before use of the solution can be recommended in cats.

Anemia↗

Retroperitoneal fibrosis in four cats following renal transplantation.

Four cats developed fibrosis within the retroperitoneal space following renal transplantation. In human transplant patients, retroperitoneal fibrosis is an uncommon complication following surgery and may be secondary to operative trauma, infection, deposition of foreign material in the operative field, urinary extravasation, and perirenal hemorrhage caused by trauma to the allograft. Possible causes of fibrosis in the cats of this report include abdominal inflammation associated with allograft rejection, pyelonephritis, and septic peritoneal effusion. All of the cats of this report were readmitted to the veterinary teaching hospital following renal transplantation because of recurrence of azotemia 1 to 5 months after transplantation. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a 2- to 4-mm-thick capsule surrounding the allograft in 2 of 4 cats, hydronephrosis in 4 cats, and hydroureter proximally in 2 cats. An exploratory laparotomy was performed in all cats to remove the fibrotic tissue causing the ureteral obstruction. Normal renal function was restored in all cats following surgery. Histologic evaluation of biopsy specimens revealed smooth muscle (3 cats) and fibrous connective tissue (4). All 4 cats, regardless of the cause, responded well to surgical resection of the scar tissue that was causing a ureteral obstruction. None of the cats had recurrence of obstruction following surgery.

Animals↗

Percutaneous ultrasound-guided radiofrequency heat ablation for treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine efficacy and safety of percutaneous radiofrequency heat ablation for treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 9 cats. PROCEDURE: Hyperthyroidism was diagnosed via clinical signs and high serum total (TT4) and free thyroxine (fT4) concentrations. One or 2 hyperfunctional cervical thyroid nodules were detected by use of scintigraphy and ultrasonography. If cats had 1 abnormal thyroid lobe, heat ablation was performed on that lobe; if cats had 2 abnormal lobes, heat ablation was applied to the larger lobe. Overall, heat ablation was performed 14 times in the 9 cats. Clinical signs and serum TT4, fT4, and calcium concentrations were monitored daily for 2 days after the procedure, weekly for the first month, and then monthly. Laryngeal function was evaluated and cervical ultrasonography and thyroid scintigraphy were also performed. Monitoring continued for as long as 9 months after heat ablation if a cat became euthyroid or until an owner chose an alternative treatment because of recurrence of hyperthyroidism. RESULTS: Serum TT4 and fT4 concentrations transiently decreased after all 14 heat ablation procedures (< or = reference range after 10 of 14 treatments) within 2 days after the procedure. Cats were euthyroid for 0 to 18 months (mean, 4 months). Hyperthyroidism recurred in all cats. Adverse effects included transient Horner's syndrome (2 cats) and laryngeal paralysis without clinical signs (1 cat). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Percutaneous heat ablation as a treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats is effective transiently but not permanently.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

Systolic blood pressure in cats with diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of systemic hypertension in cats with diabetes mellitus and establish ranges for echocardiographic variables in diabetic cats. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 14 cats with diabetes mellitus and 19 healthy control cats. PROCEDURE: Systolic blood pressure was measured indirectly with a noninvasive Doppler technique. Ophthalmic and echocardiographic examinations were performed, and urine protein concentration was measured. Cats were considered to have hypertension if they had systolic blood pressure > 180 mm Hg and at least 1 other clinical abnormality typically associated with hypertension (eg, hypertensive retinopathy, left ventricular hypertrophy, or proteinuria). RESULTS: None of the diabetic or control cats had systolic blood pressure > 180 mm Hg. One diabetic cat had left ventricular hypertrophy, but systolic blood pressure was 174 mm Hg. None of the cats had evidence of hypertensive retinopathy or proteinuria. Mean values for echocardiographic variables for the diabetic cats were not significantly different from published values for healthy cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that hypertension does not occur or occurs in only a small percentage of cats with diabetes mellitus.

Animals↗

Prevalence and characteristics of pain in dogs and cats examined as outpatients at a veterinary teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence of pain among dogs and cats examined as outpatients at a veterinary teaching hospital and characteristics of pain in dogs and cats with evidence of pain. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 1,153 dogs and 652 cats examined as outpatients at The Ohio State University during 2002. PROCEDURE: A questionnaire was administered to owners of all dogs and cats. For dogs and cats with evidence of pain, the cause, signs, anatomic location, type (superficial somatic, deep somatic, or visceral), duration, and severity of the pain and the principle mechanism (inflammatory, neuropathic, both, or unknown) responsible for the pain were determined on the basis of questionnaire responses and results of physical examination. The presence of primary hyperalgesia, secondary hyperalgesia, allodynia, and hyposensitivity was recorded. RESULTS: 231 (20%) dogs and 92 (14%) cats had evidence of pain. Dogs with evidence of pain were significantly older and heavier than dogs without. Cats with evidence of pain were significantly older than cats without. In most dogs and cats with evidence of pain, the pain was determined to be of short duration (< 7 days), of mild or moderate severity, somatic, associated with primary hyperalgesia, and inflammatory. Analgesic drugs were frequently administered to dogs with chronic pain, but were not always considered effective. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that mild or moderate pain associated with inflammation may be seen in dogs and cats examined as outpatients. Older, heavier dogs and older cats were more likely to have evidence of pain.

Age Factors↗

Evaluation of an epidemic of sporotrichosis in cats: 347 cases (1998-2001).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate characteristics of a large epidemic of sporotrichosis in cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 347 cats with naturally acquired infection with Sporothrix schenckii. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed for data regarding clinical, mycologic, histopathologic, and routine hematologic and serum biochemical findings; assays for FIV-specific antibodies and FeLV antigen; antifungal treatment; and follow-up. RESULTS: Lesions varied from small papules to extensive zones of necrosis. Ten cats had no skin lesions, 114 had skin lesions at a single site, 86 had skin lesions in 2 sites, and 137 had skin lesions in 3 or more sites. Respiratory tract signs were observed in 154 cats and were the most frequent extracutaneous sign. Anemia, leukocytosis with neutrophilia, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperglobulinemia were the main blood abnormalities. Antibodies against FIV were detected in 28 cats, FeLV antigen was detected in 2 cats, and both were detected in 1 cat among 142 cats tested. During the study, 118 cats were lost to follow-up and 124 died. Of 266 cats that were treated, 68 were cured. Complete healing of the lesions was observed regardless of the presence of extracutaneous signs, general condition, treatment schedule, or coinfection with FIV. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Feline sporotrichosis was evident in subclinical to severe forms; however, cats can respond well to regular and prolonged antifungal treatment.

Animals↗

Underlying cause, pathophysiologic abnormalities, and response to treatment in cats with septic peritonitis: 51 cases (1990-2001).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the underlying cause, pathophysiologic abnormalities, and response to treatment in cats with septic peritonitis and identify differences between cats that survived following treatment and cats that did not survive despite treatment. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 51 cats with septic peritonitis. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed for clinical findings; results of clinicopathologic testing, microbial culture, and radiography; diagnosis; treatment; and outcome. RESULTS: Signs of pain during palpation of the abdomen were reported for only 29 of 47 (62%) cats. Eight (16%) cats had relative bradycardia (heart rate < 140 beats/min). The most commonly isolated organisms included Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp, and Clostridium spp. The most common cause of peritonitis was gastrointestinal tract leakage (24 cats). No definitive source could be identified in 7 cats. Treatment, including exploratory surgery, was pursued in 23 cats, of which 16 (70%) survived and were discharged. There were no significant differences between survivors and nonsurvivors in regard to heart rate, age, rectal temperature, serum lactate concentration, WBC count, PCV, blood glucose concentration, or serum albumin concentration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that clinicopathologic abnormalities and outcome in cats with septic peritonitis are similar to those reported for dogs. However, certain features may be unique, including an absence of signs of pain during abdominal palpation, relative bradycardia, and apparent spontaneous peritonitis in some cats.

Abdominal Pain↗