Showing papers in "Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery in 2002"
TL;DR: New developments in the diagnosis and treatment of Haemobartonella felis are discussed, focusing on the use of, and interpretation of, PCR assays.
Abstract: Haemobartonella felis is a pleomorphic uncultivated wall-less haemotrophic bacterial parasite Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences from a number of isolates of H felis has demonstrated that these bacteria are most closely related to species in the genus Mycoplasma, and Haemobartonella and related organisms are currently being reclassified as Mollicutes Diagnosis by cytological examination of blood smears has been problematic, but recent molecular studies have led to the development of sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for diagnosis Such studies have also resulted in the recognition of two distinct strains of H felis, which are divided into different groups based on phylogenetic analysis This evolutionary divergence between strains is accompanied by differences in pathogenecity This review discusses new developments in the diagnosis and treatment of H felis, focusing on the use of, and interpretation of, PCR assays
69 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that increased leptin concentrations may contribute to the diminished insulin sensitivity seen in overweight cats, and the compensatory hyperinsulinaemia found with insulin resistance in overweight Cats could stimulate leptin production.
Abstract: This study investigated relationships between plasma leptin, insulin concentrations, insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in lean and overweight cats. Leptin concentrations were measured in 16 cats during glucose tolerance tests before and after gaining weight, and after feeding a test meal in overweight cats. An important finding of this study is that in both lean (r = 0.79) and overweight (r = -0.89) cats, the higher the leptin concentrations, the more insulin resistant the cat, independent of the degree of adiposity. Leptin concentrations at baseline and after consuming a meal tended to be higher in overweight cats with glucose intolerance, compared to overweight cats with normal glucose tolerance, although the difference was not significant. After feeding the test meal to overweight cats in the early morning, plasma leptin concentrations initially decreased before subsequently rising to peak 15 h later, which coincided with late evening. The leptin peak occurred 9 h after the insulin peak following ingestion of the test meal. Importantly, this study suggests that increased leptin concentrations may contribute to the diminished insulin sensitivity seen in overweight cats. Alternatively, the compensatory hyperinsulinaemia found with insulin resistance in overweight cats could stimulate leptin production. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of ESFM and AAFP.
63 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that feline leprosy comprises two different clinical syndromes, one tending to occur in young cats and caused typically by M lepraemurium and another in old cats caused by a single novel mycobacterial species.
Abstract: Feline leprosy refers to a condition in which cats develop granulomas of the subcutis and skin in association with intracellular acid-fast bacilli that do not grow on routine laboratory media. In this study, the definition was extended to include cases not cultured, but in which the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identified amplicons characteristic of mycobacteria. Tissue specimens from 13 such cases from eastern Australia were obtained between 1988 and 2000. This cohort of cats could be divided into two groups on the basis of the patients' age, histology of lesions, clinical course and the sequence of 16S rRNA PCR amplicons. One group consisted of four young cats (less than 4 years) which initially developed localised nodular disease affecting the limbs. Lesions progressed rapidly and sometimes ulcerated. Sparse to moderate numbers of acid-fast bacilli were identified using cytology and/or histology, typically in areas of caseous necrosis and surrounded by pyogranulomatous inflammation. Organisms did not stain with haematoxylin and ranged from 2 to 6 microm (usually 2 to 4 microm). Mycobacterium lepraemurium was diagnosed in two cases based on the sequence of a 446 bp fragment encompassing the V2 and V3 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene a different sequence was obtained from one additional case, while no PCR product could be obtained from the remaining case. The clinical course was considered aggressive, with a tendency towards local spread, recurrence following surgery and development of widespread lesions over several weeks. The cats resided in suburban or rural environments. A second group consisted of nine old cats (greater than 9 years) with generalised skin involvement, multibacillary histology and a slowly progressive clinical course. Seven cats initially had localised disease which subsequently became widespread, while two cats allegedly had generalised disease from the outset. Disease progression was protracted (compared to the first group of cats), typically taking months to years, and skin nodules did not ulcerate. Microscopically, lesions consisted of sheets of epithelioid cells containing large to enormous numbers of acid-fast bacilli 2 to 8 microm (mostly 4 to 6 microm) which stained also with haematoxylin. A single unique sequence spanning a 557 bp fragment of the 16S rRNA gene was identified in six of seven cases in which it was attempted. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded material was utilised by one laboratory, while fresh tissue was used in another. The same unique sequence was identified despite the use of different primers and PCR methodologies in the two laboratories. A very slow, pure growth of a mycobacteria species was observed on Lowenstein-Jensen medium (supplemented with iron) and semi-solid agar in one of three cases in which culture was attempted at a reference laboratory. Affected cats were domicile in rural or semi-rural environments. These infections could generally be cured using two or three of rifampicin (10-15 mg/kg once a day), clofazimine (25 to 50 mg once a day or 50 mg every other day) and clarithromycin (62.5 mg per cat every 12 h). These findings suggest that feline leprosy comprises two different clinical syndromes, one tending to occur in young cats and caused typically by M lepraemurium and another in old cats caused by a single novel mycobacterial species.
63 citations
TL;DR: In this series, definitive diagnosis was possible for cats with neoplasia (gastric tumours and gastrinoma), however, it was difficult to precisely identify the underlying aetiology in cats with non-neoplastic GU.
Abstract: Gastroduodenal ulceration (GU) and blood loss was diagnosed in eight cats and compared with 25 previously reported cases of feline GU. Cats with GU presented in a critical condition. Clinical signs consistent with gastrointestinal bleeding were infrequently identified although anaemia was a common finding. Non-neoplastic causes of feline GU tended to have a shorter clinical course with ulcers confined to the stomach. Conversely, cats with tumour-associated GU usually had a more protracted clinical course, weight loss, and ulcers located in the stomach for gastric tumours and the duodenum for extra-intestinal tumours. In this series, definitive diagnosis was possible for cats with neoplasia (gastric tumours and gastrinoma), however, it was difficult to precisely identify the underlying aetiology in cats with non-neoplastic GU. Prompt stabilisation with a compatible blood transfusion, surgical debridement or resection, antibiotic and antiulcer therapy, and treatment of the underlying disease, if identified, was successful in the majority of cases. The prognosis for cats with appropriately managed GU depended on the underlying aetiology, but even cats with neoplasia could be successfully palliated for prolonged periods.
48 citations
TL;DR: Current understanding of feline blood groups and alloantibodies, and their importance in transfusion medicine is reviewed.
Abstract: The feline blood group system was first characterised in 1962 following the identification of two major blood types (designated A and B) (Eyquem et al 1962). One blood group system with three types (A, B and AB) has since been identified (Auer & Bell 1981). Naturally occurring antibodies against foreign blood types in the cat are responsible for the premature destruction of transfused red cells, clinically severe transfusion reactions and neonatal isoerythrolysis. Type A cats given type B blood may develop a mild transfusion reaction that is often not clinically apparent. The recipient’s packed cell volume (PCV) falls to pre-transfusion levels within days of the transfusion (Giger & Bucheler 1991). Type B cats that are transfused with type A blood invariably develop rapid, potentially fatal transfusion reactions following even a single transfusion of a small volume of blood (Auer & Bell 1981). This paper reviews current understanding of feline blood groups and alloantibodies, and their importance in transfusion medicine.
45 citations
TL;DR: Failure to detect feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus-1 suggests that tissue persistence of these viruses is not associated with the development of inflammatory polyps.
Abstract: Inflammatory polyps are associated with significant aural or nasopharyngeal disease in cats. It has been proposed that chronic viral infection may induce the masses. Ventral bulla osteotomy (VBO) is usually recommended for definitive therapy but removal of masses from the nasopharynx or external ear canal by traction/avulsion is also used. A retrospective study of 28 cats with inflammatory polyps was conducted to correlate recurrence with mode of therapy. Tissues from 41 polyps were assayed for feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus-1 by RT-PCR and PCR, respectively. Of the 14 cats initially treated by traction/avulsion, recurrence was detected in five of nine cats with radiographic evidence of bulla disease but none of the cats with normal bullae. Traction/avulsion is a reasonable treatment for inflammatory polyps if the bullae are radiographically normal. Failure to detect feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus-1 suggests that tissue persistence of these viruses is not associated with the development of inflammatory polyps.
42 citations
TL;DR: A 5 year old, neutered male, domestic shorthaired cat had acute left hemiparesis and Horner's syndrome and the presumptive diagnosis was focal spinal cord oedema associated with intervertebral disc extrusion.
Abstract: A 5 year old, neutered male, domestic shorthaired cat had acute left hemiparesis and Horner's syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a loss of the normal signal from the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc at C3/4, narrowing of the ventral subarachnoid space and slight dorsal displacement of the spinal cord and a focal hyperintense lesion affecting the left side of the spinal cord at the same level. The presumptive diagnosis was focal spinal cord oedema associated with intervertebral disc extrusion. A traumatic aetiology was suspected. The cat was treated conservatively and improved gradually over a period of 6 months.
42 citations
TL;DR: It has been suggested that hyperthyroidism is truly a new disease of cats and this is complicated by a growing cat population, an increased longevity for cats and possibly, a greater propensity to seek veterinary advice.
Abstract: Hyperthyroidism is recognised not only as the commonest endocrine disease of domestic cats but as one of the most frequently diagnosed disorders in small animal practice. Prior to its first definitive diagnosis in 1979, there were few reports of pathological abnormalities in feline thyroid glands and only anecdotal reference to clinical signs that may have been caused by hyperthyroidism. Since that time, there has been a marked increase in the frequency of diagnosis of feline hyperthyroidism. It is unlikely that increased awareness and improved diagnostic capabilities alone account for such a dramatic increase in the prevalence of this disease and it has been suggested that hyperthyroidism is truly a new disease of cats. However, this is complicated by a growing cat population, an increased longevity for cats and possibly, a greater propensity to seek veterinary advice. Thyrotoxicosis arises because of the excess production of the active thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and/or thyroxine (T4) from an abnormally functioning thyroid gland. To date, much research has been carried out culminating in a wealth of data on clinical manifestations, diagnostic tests and therapeutic options. Histopathologically, functional adenomatous hyperplasia (adenoma) of one (approximately 30% of cases) or more commonly, both (70% of cases) thyroid lobes is known to be the most common abnormality associated with hyperthyroidism while thyroid carcinoma is rare, accounting for less than 2% of cases. However, the
40 citations
TL;DR: The cat was feline immunodeficiency virus - and feline leukemia virus-negative and even if the owner was unaware of trauma, the hypothesis of wound contamination is the most likely.
Abstract: A case of feline cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to Cladophyalophora bantiana is described. The cat was presented with breathing difficulty and a swollen, ulcerated nodule on the dorsal nose and left nostril. Histological examination of the nodule revealed a cystic granulomatous dermatitis characterised by neutrophils, macrophages and giant cells. Pigmented, yeast-like fungus cells and hyphal elements were easily identified in haematoxylin-eosin stained tissue sections. Cladophyalophora bantiana was isolated from a tissue specimen. This organism, primarily known to cause cerebral infection in humans and cats, only rarely causes cutaneous infection. Despite anti-fungal chemotherapy two relapses occurred. The cat was feline immunodeficiency virus- and feline leukemia virus-negative and even if the owner was unaware of trauma, the hypothesis of wound contamination is the most likely.
40 citations
TL;DR: Based on the authors' observations, it will be simpler to locate anomalies of development or pathologies during ultrasound examination of pregnant queens.
Abstract: Prenatal feline fetal growth and utero-placental development were ultrasonographically evaluated using an ultrasound scanner with a 10 MHz sector probe. Uterus, placenta, embryo, fetus and fetal membranes in 16 pregnant cats were monitored during the course of pregnancy; 13 subjects underwent an ovariectomy on specific days while three subjects went to term. Various anatomic structures, fixed in Carson-buffered formalin, were sectioned and then compared to ultrasound images. By ultrasound examination it is possible to evaluate every stage of the fetal development; the gestational chamber can be seen on the 10th and the embryo inside the chamber on the 14th day. By the 20th day it is possible to evaluate all the fetal membranes, and later it is possible to appreciate organs and structures such as the stomach, intestine, eyes (crystalline lens), kidneys and the cerebral choroid plexi, on the 30th, 40th, 50th, 39th and 40th day respectively. Based on our observations, it will be simpler to locate anomalies of development or pathologies during ultrasound examination of pregnant queens.
34 citations
TL;DR: The case report described herein presented with dyspnoea secondary to incarceration of hepatic cysts within the pericardial space of a cat with a peritoneopericardials diaphragmatic hernia.
Abstract: Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia is a common incidental finding in cats and is rarely symptomatic. The case report described herein presented with dyspnoea secondary to incarceration of hepatic cysts within the pericardial space of a cat with a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia.
TL;DR: In 155 cats, both with and without clinical signs of hyperthyroidism, total thyroxine (TT4) concentrations were compared to a sensitive, semi-quantitative thyroid palpation technique and 23 of the 155 cats were classified ashyperthyroid.
Abstract: In 155 cats, both with and without clinical signs of hyperthyroidism, total thyroxine (TT4) concentrations were compared to a sensitive, semi-quantitative thyroid palpation technique. On the basis of TT4 concentrations, 23 of the 155 cats were classified as hyperthyroid. The size of individual thyroid glands was scored between ‘0’ (non-palpable) and a maximum of ‘6’. One or more enlarged thyroid glands (score >0) were palpated in 22 of the 23 hyperthyroid cats and in 78 of the 132 euthyroid cats. However, none of the 132 euthyroid cats had a thyroid lobe score of greater than ‘3’ whereas 18 of the 23 hyperthyroid cats had a thyroid lobe score of ‘4’ or greater, and in two of the five that had scores below ‘4’ there was evidence of intrathoracic functional thyroid tissue on scintigraphy.
TL;DR: Client-owned cats underwent surgery to remove palpable cervical masses in cats with normal total T4 values and no clinical signs of hyperthyroidism, renal disease, or hyperparathyroidism and non-functional thyroid and parathyroid adenomas were found.
Abstract: Client-owned cats underwent surgery to remove palpable cervical masses in cats with normal total T4 values and no clinical signs of hyperthyroidism, renal disease, or hyperparathyroidism. Non-functional thyroid and parathyroid adenomas were found and identified by histopathological examination. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to palpating a goiterous mass in an asymptomatic cat.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that a coarse fractionation regime of megavoltage radiotherapy can provide effective long-term palliative treatment for feline nasal tumours and has the advantages of requiring only four to six treatments.
Abstract: A retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate the long term survival of eight cats with non-lymphoproliferative nasal tumours treated by megavoltage radiotherapy alone. Adenocarcinoma was the most commonly diagnosed tumour. Megavoltage radiotherapy was given to eight cats in 4-6 fractions of 4-8 Gys over a 16 to 28 day period. Seven cats completed the radiotherapy schedule and only two cases developed mild acute radiotherapy side effects. Median survival time after the completion of the radiotherapy course as calculated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was 382 days. The 1 year survival rate was 63%. All cats were euthanased because of either a poor response to radiotherapy or recurrence of the nasal tumour. This study demonstrates that a coarse fractionation regime of megavoltage radiotherapy can provide effective long-term palliative treatment for feline nasal tumours. The coarse fractionation schedule has the advantages of requiring only four to six treatments.
TL;DR: A small but significant, dose-dependent improvement in glucose tolerance in healthy, non-obese cats supplemented with dietary chromium is shown and cats most likely to benefit are those with glucose intolerance and insulin resistance from lack of exercise, obesity and old age.
Abstract: The effect of dietary chromium supplementation on glucose and insulin metabolism in healthy, non-obese cats was evaluated. Thirty-two cats were randomly divided into four groups and fed experimental diets consisting of a standard diet with 0 ppb (control), 150 ppb, 300 ppb, or 600 ppb added chromium as chromium tripicolinate. Intravenous glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance and insulin sensitivity tests with minimal model analysis were performed before and after 6 weeks of feeding the test diets. During the glucose tolerance test, glucose concentrations, area under the glucose concentration-time curve, and glucose half-life (300 ppb only), were significantly lower after the trial in cats supplemented with 300 ppb and 600 ppb chromium, compared with values before the trial. Fasting glucose concentrations measured on a different day in the biochemistry profile were also significantly lower after supplementation with 600 ppb chromium. There were no significant differences in insulin concentrations or indices in either the glucose or insulin tolerance tests following chromium supplementation, nor were there any differences between groups before or after the dietary trial. Importantly, this study has shown a small but significant, dose-dependent improvement in glucose tolerance in healthy, non-obese cats supplemented with dietary chromium. Further long-term studies are warranted to determine if the addition of chromium to feline diets is advantageous. Cats most likely to benefit are those with glucose intolerance and insulin resistance from lack of exercise, obesity and old age. Healthy cats at risk of glucose intolerance and diabetes from underlying low insulin sensitivity or genetic factors may also benefit from long-term chromium supplementation. (C) 2002 ESFM and AAFP.
TL;DR: Surgical management of megacolon consists of subtotal colectomy with the recommendation that the ileocolic junction be preserved and the majority of individuals will experience a transient period of loose stool formation in the immediate post-operative period.
Abstract: There are many recognised causes of constipation in the cat and the management of the condition depends on the clinician's ability to recognise the appropriate aetiology in each case. Most surgery therapies for constipation in the cat are related to the management of idiopathic megacolon, although causes such as pelvic outlet obstruction, complications of neutering surgery, perineal herniation, and malunion pelvic fractures may also require surgical intervention. Currently, the surgical management of megacolon consists of subtotal colectomy with the recommendation that the ileocolic junction be preserved. The procedure, in general, is associated with few life-threatening complications although the majority of individuals will experience a transient period of loose stool formation in the immediate post-operative period. In the majority of cases, the long-term outcome following subtotal colectomy is considered excellent.
TL;DR: The study confirms that commercial hypoallergenic diets are adequate for maintenance in cats with dermatological manifestations of adverse food reactions and identifies two commercially available selected-protein-source diets as maintenance diets.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate two commercially available selected-protein-source diets as maintenance diets in cats with dermatological manifestations of adverse food reactions. Twenty cats with a confirmed adverse food reaction were tested in a double-blind manner. An adverse food reaction was diagnosed when, after recovery with a home-cooked elimination diet, the signs relapsed after a challenge with their previous dietary components, and re-disappeared on a second elimination diet period. Hereafter the cats were blind and randomly challenged with two commercial hypoallergenic diets. Relapse of the clinical signs was seen in eight cats (40%) on a lamb and rice diet and in 13 cats (65%) on a chicken and rice diet (P>0.05).Neither one of the commercial diets was as effective in controlling the skin problems as the home-cooked elimination diet. The study confirms that commercial hypoallergenic diets are adequate for maintenance.
TL;DR: To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of the use of laparoscopy for the treatment of cryptorchidism in cats.
Abstract: Several techniques for castration of cryptorchid cats have been described. In this case report, the use of laparoscopy for castration of a bilateral cryptorchid cat (with testes located in the abdomen) is described. Three trocars were inserted into the abdominal cavity, the testicles were easily identified adjacent to the urinary bladder. Haemostasis of the gubernaculum testis and spermatic cord was achieved with bipolar cauterisation. The testicles were easily removed in approximately 20 min. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of the use of laparoscopy for the treatment of cryptorchidism in cats.
TL;DR: The treatment, that was symptomatic (diazepam, metronidazole) and supportive (physical therapy, assist feeding and intravenous fluid therapy) resulted in the progressive improvement of limb rigidity and the restoration of motor dysfunction in a period of 5- and 2- month duration.
Abstract: In this report two cases of localised tetanus in two young (<1 year) intact male and outdoor DSH cats, which had been missing, are described. Clinical examination revealed severe muscular spasms on the right (case 1) or both thoracic limbs (case 2). In the latter cat, wrinkling of the forehead and mild trismus were also seen. The routine diagnostic workup (CBC, survey radiographs of the spine, CSF analysis) did not reveal any abnormalities in both cats. EMG testing on the affected muscles in the second animal showed persistent spontaneous motor unit potentials, strongly indicating tetanus. The treatment, that was symptomatic (diazepam, metronidazole) and supportive (physical therapy, assist feeding and intravenous fluid therapy) resulted in the progressive improvement of limb rigidity and the restoration of motor dysfunction in a period of 5- (case 1) and 2- (case 2) month duration.
TL;DR: A 12-year-old male neutered Siamese cat presented with a history of inappetance and lethargy and an enlarged left anal sac and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of anal sac adenocarcinoma.
Abstract: A 12-year-old male neutered Siamese cat presented with a history of inappetance and lethargy and an enlarged left anal sac The anal sac was surgically excised and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of anal sac adenocarcinoma Perianal tumours are rare in the cat and anal sac adenocarcinoma has not been previously reported This is in contrast to the dog where anal sac adenocarcinoma is a well recognised albeit uncommon tumour
TL;DR: There is no breed predilection and most cases of hyperadrenocorticism in the cat are caused by the excessive secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
Abstract: Etiology Similarly to the dog, most cases of hyperadrenocorticism in the cat are caused by the excessive secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pars intermedia or pars distalis of the pituitary gland which stimulates the adrenal glands to secrete an excessive amount of cortisol (pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism; PDH) (Duesberg et al 1995, Duesberg & Peterson 1997, Meij et al 2001, Zerbe et al 1987). About 20% to 25% of cats have adrenocortical tumours (AT) which secrete excessive amounts of cortisol in an autonomous fashion (Duesberg et al 1995, Duesberg & Peterson 1997, Meijer et al 1978). The cats that have been described with hyperadrenocorticism were mostly middle-aged and older cats (Duesberg et al 1995). While a female sex predilection has been documented by some (Duesberg & Peterson 1997), this has not been seen uniformly (Duesberg et al 1995, Goossens et al 1995, Meijer et al 1978, Stewart 1994). There is no breed predilection.
TL;DR: The clinical signs, the gross examination, and the morphological and immunohistochemical features of a haemangiosarcoma in the right atrium of a 13-year-old domestic shorthair cat are described and a distant metastasis was found in the liver.
Abstract: Primary cardiac neoplasms are rare in animals. Hemangiosarcoma is the most common primary cardiac tumour in the dog, but has not been reported in the cat. We describe the clinical signs, the gross examination, and the morphological and immunohistochemical features of a haemangiosarcoma in the right atrium of a 13-year-old domestic shorthair cat. In addition, a distant metastasis was found in the liver.
TL;DR: The findings in one of the authors' cases and one case in the literature raise the question if other organs such as the joints, the eyes or the heart may be involved in feline RPC.
Abstract: Only 11 reports of cats with relapsing polychondritis (RPC) were found in the literature. We describe two additional cases and provide a review of the literature. Predominantly young to middle aged cats are affected (range 1.5 to 14.5 years, median 3 years). There is no sex predilection for feline RPC. In all cats with feline RPC, the ears were affected. The findings in one of our cases and one case in the literature raise the question if other organs such as the joints, the eyes or the heart may be involved in feline RPC. The histological lesions observed in biopsy samples of the ears were similar in all cats. Glucocorticoids were not effective in the treatment of RPC. Dapsone appeared to result in some clinical improvement but side effects were observed in one of four cats. Some cats improved without treatment.
TL;DR: An 18-week-old male domestic long-hair kitten was presented with a history of polyuria and polydipsia and based on clinical findings and an elevated serum fructosamine concentration, a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus was established.
Abstract: An 18-week-old male domestic long-hair kitten was presented with a history of polyuria and polydipsia for several weeks. The general condition was unremarkable, but the kitten was considerably smaller than expected for the age and showed cataracts in both eyes. Serum glucose concentrations were persistently elevated and based on clinical findings and an elevated serum fructosamine concentration, a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus was established. Diabetes mellitus is not commonly diagnosed in young kittens, nor are cataracts recognised as a frequent feature of this disease in cats. The cataracts progressed in spite of the insulin therapy and the kitten was euthanised 10 weeks after referral. Histopathological examination of the pancreas revealed few and small islets of Langerhans compared to the examination of pancreas from a healthy kitten of the same age. Histopathological changes in the eyes included cataracts affecting both cortex and nucleus.
TL;DR: Cats chronically infected with T gondii were inoculated with Bartonella henselae followed by FHV-1 to test the hypothesis that immune stimulation by multiple infections will reactivate ocular toxoplasmosis, and rejection of the hypothesis was allowed.
Abstract: Infection by Toxoplasma gondii is very common in cats although most remain disease free. The factors that trigger development of uveitis in some cats infected with T gondii have not been elucidated, but infection by more than one organism may be contributory. In this study, cats chronically infected with T gondii were inoculated with Bartonella henselae followed by FHV-1 to test the hypothesis that immune stimulation by multiple infections will reactivate ocular toxoplasmosis. Anterior uveitis and chorioretinitis were not detected in the cats with chronic T gondii infection thus allowing rejection of the hypothesis using this experimental design.
TL;DR: Clinical improvement and decreased intestinal inflammation is observed in humans with IBD when intestinal bacterial concentrations are decreased by antibiotic administration, and both clinical observations and animal models implicate the resident bacterial flora as an essential cofactor in driving the inflammatory response to IBD.
Abstract: Inflammatory bowel (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal tract disorder of unknown cause and ill-defined pathogenesis. Although the aetiology is unclear, new information suggests that these diseases result from complex interactions between host susceptibility, mucosal immunity, and the enteric microflora. A variety of pathogenic mechanisms for IBD have been proposed, including an appropriate immune response to a luminal pathogen or abnormal luminal substance, autoimmunity, or an aberrant immune response to normal luminal constituents such as dietary antigens or resident intestinal bacteria (Sartor 1997). In susceptible animals, IBD may arise because of a breakdown in the regulatory constraints on mucosal immune responses (loss of tolerance) to enteric bacteria. Both clinical observations and animal models implicate the resident bacterial flora as an essential cofactor in driving the inflammatory response to IBD. Clinical improvement and decreased intestinal inflammation is observed in humans with IBD when intestinal bacterial concentrations are decreased by antibiotic administration (Sutherland et al 1991, Peppercorn 1993). Strong serological antibody activity to several bacterial species is observed in patients with IBD (Brandwein et al 1997). Furthermore, experimental colitis generally fails to develop when mice in these laboratory models are maintained in germfree conditions (Rath et al 1996).
TL;DR: A 16 month old cat presented with a history of acute onset oral pain and hypersalivation and a wooden stick that protruded from the right sublingual region was found.
Abstract: A 16 month old cat presented with a history of acute onset oral pain and hypersalivation. Oral examination revealed a wooden stick that protruded from the right sublingual region. Lateral cervical radiography showed retro pharyngeal gas lucencies. An 11 cm wooden stick was removed per os and the resulting tract was endoscopically explored. There were no post-operative complications and the cat remains disease free four months after presentation. In contrast to dogs, where oropharyngeal stick injuries are an uncommon albeit well recognised condition, there have been no previous case reports of oropharyngeal stick injuries in the cat. This case report describes the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of an oropharyngeal stick injury in a cat.
TL;DR: An 8-month-old, intact female Devon Rex cat was presented to the University Veterinary Centre, Sydney with bilateral forelimb deformity and an abnormal gait and it was unknown if either parent had produced other abnormal offspring from prior matings.
Abstract: An 8-month-old, intact female Devon Rex cat was presented to the University Veterinary Centre, Sydney with bilateral forelimb deformity and an abnormal gait. The deformities had been present at birth and resulted in dystocia (a caesarean section was not necessary). She had been the only kitten in the litter and it was unknown if either parent had produced other abnormal offspring from prior matings. The cat appeared bright and responsive. She was well grown and had a good appetite. Both forelimbs had a varus deformity at the carpus and a medial angulation of the forearm. She stood with her elbows abducted and flexed and walked with a squatted, stiff gait due to the medial angulation of the antibrachii and carpi and the restricted range of elbow movement (this was not quantitated with goniometry). Neither limb could be straightened fully with manipulation, due to contracture of the medial tendons and muscles, as well as the bony deformity. The carpi could not be straightened, nor the elbows fully extended, however they did not appear unstable and neither was painful on palpation or manipulation. The first digits of both front paws were absent and the cat had a short, stiff tail. The hindlimbs and rest of the physical examination were unremarkable. © 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of ESFM and AAFP
TL;DR: It is now apparent that the immune system at the intestinal mucosal surface (eg, gutassociated lymphoid tissue-[GALT]) has distinct structural and functional features that are likely to be a key feature in the development of chronic gastrointestinal inflammation.
Abstract: It is now apparent that the immune system at the intestinal mucosal surface (eg, gutassociated lymphoid tissue-[GALT]) has distinct structural and functional features. Indeed, the GALT is a most complex organ which intimately interfaces between the environment and the host organism. These functions include tolerance to orally administered antigens, local protective immune responses at the B and T cell level, and systemic and mucosal dissemination of stimulated B and T lymphocytes. In addition, animal models of intestinal inflammation have shown that disturbances in immune regulation lead to mucosal inflammation. A breakdown in mucosal tolerance is likely to be a key feature in the development of chronic gastrointestinal inflammation, such as seen with inflammatory bowel disease (Duchmann et al 1995).