Thoracic wall deformity in Bengal cats - Morphological findings and results from a breeder questionnaire.

This study was carried out in the Rangpur Division, Bangladesh, to identify domestic cat breeds and assess their reproductive performance. Data were obtained through direct questionnaire administered to cat owners, complemented by regular observation of breed characteristics, behaviour, and reproductive traits. Ten breeds were identified: Indigenous, Persian, Persian (Calico), Maine Coon, Bengal Cat, Mixed, British Shorthair, Turkish Angora, Scottish Fold and American Shorthair. Common oestrus signs included vocalization, rolling, rubbing of the body and genital area, affectionate behaviour, and receptivity to male. The age at sexual maturity among females ranged from 6 to 23 months, with Persian cats exhibiting the highest mean age at maturity (16.2 ± 3.8 months, P<0.05). Oestrus cycle length varied from 7 to 45 days, with Bengal cats having the longest cycle (25.5 ± 6.4 days, P<0.05). Indigenous cats generally matured in spring and summer, although some showed year-round oestrus when housed with tomcats. Gestation lasted 57 – 67 days, with no significant difference between breeds; the longest was recorded in Scottish Folds (64.2 ± 2.4 days). Litter sizes ranged from 2 to 10 kittens, with Bengal cats producing the largest average litters (6.0 ± 3.5 kitten). Postpartum oestrus began 30–90 days after parturition. Pregnancy rates were highest in Indigenous cats (86.1%) and lowest in Scottish Folds (77.8%). Abortion rates were highest in Scottish Folds (28.6%) and lowest in Indigenous cats (16.1%). The sex ratio of kittens was approximately 49 males to 50 females. Kitten mortality was highest in Persian cats (21.8%) and lowest in American Shorthairs (11.8%). These findings provide valuable insights into breed-specific reproductive physiology, which can support breeding management strategies and inform veterinary reproductive care. Bang. vet. 2025. Vol. 42, No. 1 – 2, 17 – 27

Abstract A 12‐year‐old, male, neutered Bengal cat was referred for a suspected cranial abdominal mass, diarrhoea and weight loss despite polyphagia. Computed tomography identified a large pancreatic cyst, cholecystoliths and jejunal lymphadenopathy. An inability to visualise the common bile and pancreatic ducts precluded partial pancreatectomy, so the cyst was drained intra‐operatively and omentalised. Incisional biopsies confirmed a non‐neoplastic, epithelial pancreatic cyst and concurrent alimentary lymphoma. Hypocobalaminaemia and low trypsin‐like immunoreactivity were also noted, consistent with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, but feline‐specific pancreatic lipase was normal. The cyst refilled following intra‐operative and post‐operative percutaneous, ultrasound‐guided drainage. On both occasions, the cat had ultrasonographic evidence of extrahepatic biliary obstruction and progressive hyperbilirubinaemia. When the cyst reformed again, percutaneous, ultrasound‐guided ethanol ablation was performed under a general anaesthetic. The cat recovered uneventfully, and while the cyst refilled within a week, its clinical signs improved. Euthanasia was elected 7 months later.

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy type 50 (DEE50) in humans is a severe early-onset neurometabolic disorder caused by biallelic loss-of-function variants in the CAD gene encoding a key multi-enzymatic protein for de novo pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis. Untreated, the condition is often fatal, but patients respond to uridine supplementation, which fuels nucleotide synthesis through CAD-independent salvage pathways. Here, we report a novel variant in the feline CAD gene in a 4-month-old Bengal kitten with intractable seizures and abnormal behavior. The variant, XP_011279586.1:p.(Ser2015Asn), was predicted to affect the oligomerization of the C-terminal aspartate transcarbamylase (ATCase) domain of CAD. Genotyping of 110 unaffected Bengal cats revealed four additional carriers of the mutant allele, confirming its presence in the breed. In a CAD-knockout human cell line dependent on uridine, the recombinant expression of human wildtype CAD, but not of the Asn2015 mutant, restored cell growth without uridine, demonstrating that the p.Ser2015Asn variant disrupts CAD function and is pathogenic. This study facilitates genetic testing of carriers and affected cats and suggests that uridine supplementation could be a potential treatment. Furthermore, CAD-deficient Bengal cats might serve as a valuable spontaneous large animal model to further investigate the pathogenic mechanisms of this rare epileptic encephalopathy in humans.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), caused by Feline Coronavirus (FCoV), is a fatal disease affecting domestic and feral cats worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical manifestations of FIP and to analyse treatment protocols employed at the Central Veterinary Hospital (CVH), Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 305 feline cases were examined during a five-month period (December 2023–May 2024), revealing an FIP prevalence rate of 12.13%. Key risk factors included age, sex, breed, and vaccination status. Cats aged 11–20 months and >31 months, males, non-vaccinated, and certain breeds such as British Shorthair and Bengal cats demonstrated higher susceptibility. Clinical manifestations predominantly included ascites (100%) and respiratory distress (81.09%), with fever (67.56%) and mild dehydration (86.48%) also observed. The effusive form of FIP was more prevalent, characterized by fluid accumulation in body cavities. Diagnostic confirmation utilized rapid diagnostic test kits and Rivalta’s test, with a combination of both tests achieving the highest accuracy. This study underscores the critical need for early diagnosis, vaccination programs, and breed-specific prevention strategies to reduce the impact of FIP. Enhanced diagnostic tools. These findings provide valuable insights into the clinical management of FIP in the feline population in Dhaka, contributing to global efforts in understanding and mitigating this devastating disease.

The aim of the present study was to establish the incidence of dystocia in pedigree cat breeds and investigate mortality rates in kittens up to the age of 12 weeks. A retrospective study was conducted that utilised convenience sampling. Registered cat breeders from 29 countries whose cats had given birth within a single year (2019) were asked to complete an online questionnaire. This study is the third in a series over 30 years that have assessed changes in birth-related statistics in cat breeds. Data were collected from 448 breeders on 853 litters, with 3560 live-born kittens from 45 pedigree breeds (as per the queens' breed). The incidence of dystocia that required veterinary intervention was 14.9% and varied by breed (range 0-22.2%). Caesarean section was required for 10.7% of litters, most commonly in Cornish Rex cats. Despite apparent breed variation, there was no statistically significant difference among breeds. Queens aged over 5 years and litters of more than six kittens were associated with a reduced risk of dystocia, whereas a longer gestation period increased the risk. Bengal cats had the highest cumulative kitten mortality up to the age of 12 weeks (23.4%). Significant breed differences (P <0.001) were noted, with Ragdoll and Norwegian Forest Cats having lower litter mortality compared with Bengal and British Shorthair/Longhair cats. The incidence of dystocia in pedigree cats was higher than the historical values for non-pedigree and pedigree cats. The age of the queen, gestation length and litter size affected the incidence of dystocia. Kitten mortality was affected by the requirement for caesarean section, presence of birth defects and breed.

Cardiac biomarkers, such as serum galectin-3 (Gal-3) and titin levels, may be related to cats with sarcomeric gene mutations. This study evaluated cardiac biomarkers and echocardiographic parameters in cats with or without myosin-binding protein C3 (MYBPC3) gene mutations. Forty-two healthy cats without cardiac symptoms, including Bengal, Maine Coon, Scottish fold, and Ragdoll cats, were enrolled in this study. Cats were categorized into three groups: Homozygous wild type (n = 17), homozygous MYBPC3 gene mutation (n = 14), and heterozygous MYBPC3 gene mutation (n = 11). All recruited cats underwent echocardiography, and blood samples were collected for DNA extraction. DNA sequencing for MYBPC3 gene mutations at A31P and A74T loci was first examined by Sanger sequencing. The biomarkers of cardiac fibrosis (Gal-3) and myocardial stiffness (titin) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Gal-3 levels >250 pg/mL were associated with echocardiographic parameters. However, Gal-3 levels were not significantly different between cats with MYBPC3 gene mutations and those in the wild-type group. Titin was associated with the left ventricular (LV) thickness and systolic function (r = 0.405, p = 0.013). Qualitative measurement of titin antibodies showed that the highest percentage of these antibodies was found in homozygous wild-type cats. No correlation was found between titin levels and MYBPC3 gene mutations. Weight was positively associated with interventricular septum (r = 0.312, p = 0.056) and LV wall thickness (LVPW) (r = 0.219, p = 0.187). However, they were not associated with Gal-3 levels. LVPW was correlated with weight in cats with sarcomeric gene mutations. Serum titin may be an underlying factor for cardiac hypertrophy in cats.

We show coherent photons with spin and orbital angular momentum have symmetry of special unitary group of degree four, SU(4), both theoretically and experimentally. We show the degree of polarisation could be a measure to characterise the quantum coherency of a spin state, which was significantly affected by the partial trace out of orbital degree of freedom. By changing the amplitudes of the classically entangled state, we observed a crossover from quantum Heisenberg spin to classical Ising spin. We also demonstrated projections of coherent states, which recover the coherency of the spin state, while the SU(4) state is projected to be a simple product state of SU(2)×SU(2). Based on the developed platform, we have explored spin texture of coherent photons, and found a unique spin profile reminiscent of the Bengal cat upon wrapping to a three-dimensional sphere. We have controlled the phase between singlet and triplet states and found the spin texture rotated upon increasing the phase.

Background Feline coronavirus infection causes feline infectious peritonitis in a subset of cats, but can also result in persistent infection. The tissue reservoirs of feline coronavirus and the role of viral persistence in pathogenesis are poorly understood. Aims This study aimed to identify sites of feline coronavirus persistence in a naturally infected cat, identify disease correlates and characterise within-host viral evolution. Methods The study followed a 5-year-old Bengal cat for 6 years and collected non-invasive samples, including faeces and conjunctival, oropharyngeal and saliva swabs. At 11-years-old, the patient was euthanised as a result of respiratory distress, and tissue samples were collected. The authors used hybridisation capture and next-generation sequencing methodologies focused on the feline coronavirus S gene, along with RNA in-situ hybridisation. Results During the study, the patient was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, alimentary small cell lymphoma, chronic rhinitis and mitral valve regurgitation. Feline coronavirus was detected in the nasal cavity, intestine, faeces and conjunctiva in 2017, and in the intestine, faeces and heart in 2022. Sequence analysis showed that the virus adapted to tissue reservoirs over time. Conclusions This study identifies potential feline coronavirus reservoirs. The relationship of persistent feline coronavirus infection to chronic conditions warrants further investigation.

The heterodimeric kinesin-2 motor (KIF3A/KIF3B with accessory protein KAP3) drives intraflagellar transport, essential for ciliogenesis and ciliary function. Three point mutations in the KIF3B subunit have recently been linked to disease in humans (E250Q and L523P) and Bengal cats (A334T) (Cogné et al., Am. J. Hum. Genet., 2020, 106, 893-904). Patients display retinal atrophy and, in some cases, other ciliopathy phenotypes. However, the molecular mechanism leading to disease is currently unknown. Here, we used Kif3a -/- ;Kif3b -/- (knockout) 3T3 cells, which cannot make cilia, to characterize these mutations. While reexpression of KIF3B(E250Q) and KIF3B(L523P) did not rescue ciliogenesis, reexpression of wildtype or KIF3B(A334T) restored ciliogenesis to wildtype levels. Fluorescent tagging revealed that the E250Q mutant decorated microtubules and thus is a rigor mutation. The L523P mutation, in the alpha-helical stalk domain, surprisingly did not affect formation of the KIF3A/KIF3B/KAP3 complex but instead impaired motility along microtubules. Lastly, expression of the A334T motor was reduced in comparison to all other motors, and this motor displayed an impaired ability to disperse the Golgi complex when artificially linked to this high-load cargo. In summary, this work uses cell-based assays to elucidate the molecular effects of disease-causing mutations in the KIF3B subunit on the kinesin-2 holoenzyme.

Ancestry dynamics and trait selection in a designer cat breed

Abstract A 5‐year 11‐month‐old, male, neutered, Bengal cross cat was examined for a 5‐week history of tenesmus. Positive contrast urethrocystography and computed tomography scan demonstrated a fluid‐filled structure occupying the pelvic canal. Midline coeliotomy and symphysiotomy revealed a large cystic structure dorsal to the urethra in the area of the prostate. This structure was communicating with the urethra via a duct and both vas deferens were inserting in it. The duct was ligated and partial ablation and omentalisation of the structure was performed. Histopathological examination identified features consistent with a true uterus masculinus. Bacteriology of the cystic fluid cultured Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis . The cat recovered uneventfully and with no ongoing clinical issues.

ベンガル猫，未避妊雌，9ヶ月齢。2ヶ月齢より鼻平面に乾燥，鱗屑が認められ，徐々に悪化傾向にあった。ステロイド反応性下痢症のために投与したプレドニゾロンにより鼻鏡症状も部分的に改善した。しかし，反応は一過性で，同用量では再び悪化したため，プレドニゾロン休薬後にパンチ生検を実施した。病理組織では，表皮の肥厚および顕著な正角化性角化亢進，表皮直下の真皮にごく軽度のリンパ球浸潤が認められた。生検部位の治癒後，ジフルプレドナートの塗布を行った。鼻鏡症状は徐々に改善し，現在は週1回の塗布で維持している。

Feline panleukopenia is an infectious disease that attacks cats, especially cats that have not been vaccinated at a young age. The main cause of this disease is feline panleukopenia virus which belongs to the Parvoviridae family. Panleukopenia virus is a non-enveloped single-stranded DNA virus and can cause fever, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, leukopenia, vomiting, depression, dehydration and diarrhea with a high mortality rate. The purpose of writing this case study is to determine the description and treatment of the disease in cases of feline panleukopenia in cats using diagnostic methods including history taking, physical examination and further examination. The results of the physical examination showed that the cat had decreased appetite. Body weight was 2.6 kg and rectal temperature was 38.6 °C. The patient also experienced dehydration which was indicated by checking skin turgor which reached &gt;2 seconds and visible nictitans membranes. Then, inflammation of the ears, anorexia, vomiting and diarrhea were found. Treatment is carried out by administering fluid therapy, antibiotics, anti-diarrhea, anti-vomiting and multivitamins.

This report aims to describe the case of a cat intoxicated with zolpidem that was treated with flumazenil. Flumazenil is an imidazodiazepine that effectively reverses the central effects of benzodiazepines. In humans, it is used to treat zolpidem poisoning. Zolpidem is a sedative hypnotic agent, non-benzodiazepine, that is used to treat patients with insomnia. A 2-year-old Bengal cat weighing 2.5 kg showed signs of ataxia, incoordination and diarrhea after accidental ingestion of 10 mg zolpidem (Stilnox®). The cat was administered with 0.1 mg/kg of flumazenil intravenously, and after 20 minutes all clinical signs disappeared. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of flumazenil for the treatment of zolpidem poisoning in cats. Discussion regarding the treatment of zolpidem poisoning is necessary owing to the increased prescription of this drug in humans and, consequently, to a greater possibility of accidental poisoning in domestic animals.

The purpose of this case study was to describesthe infection withfeline calicivirus manifested aschronic stomatitis, rhinitisand otitis ina Bengal cat. Acat was presented to the clinic due to inappetence, weakness, and frequent vomiting. It hadnever been vaccinated, and never been given anthelmintic. It had an openwound on itsback,andpurulent dischargewas appearing inthe earand nose. Usingan antigen testkit, Feline Calicivirus was tested positivefor infection with Feline calicivirus.Therapies were givento relieve clinical signshowever, thepatient could not be saved. Prevention of feline caliciviruscould be done by vaccination, as well as maintainingcleanliness of housingand equipment

Abstract Nerve root signature presents as discomfort and lameness in a single limb related to disease involving the spinal nerve roots or spinal nerve itself. It has been well described in dogs with disc protrusion or herniation. In this case, a 10‐month‐old, female, entire Bengal cat presented with nerve root signature and deterioration in ability to ambulate following acetabular fracture repair. The cat was reluctant to move and markedly uncomfortable on even gentle manipulation of the pelvic limb. A right sacral wing fracture was suspected to be compressing the right L7–S1 nerve root on computed tomography. Revision surgery was performed to remove the fragment, and the cat gradually made a full recovery. Compression of nerve roots L7–S1 by sacral fractures causing nerve root signature should be considered in cats presenting non‐ambulatory and exquisitely uncomfortable after surgery.

Simple SummaryThe most common cardiomyopathy in feline is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) that is recognized as an inheritance of autosomal dominant transmission in some cats. Feline HCM has been associated with the mutation of the myosin-binding protein C3 (MYBPC3) gene in several locations with a specific breed. Recently, the proteomic analyzed by mass spectrometry is a promising novel approach to characterize the specific pattern of peptide and protein for relatively clinical biomarkers. However, there has been only limited knowledge of differential peptides and proteins related to the MYBPC3 gene mutation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the MYBPC3 gene mutation in Bengal cats with HCM. In combined with mass spectrometry, we purposed to identify the potential peptide candidates and expected proteins. The obtained findings of specific peptides and proteins from mass spectrometry may contribute to the development of novel diagnostic tools for feline HCM related to the MYBPC3 gene mutation. Further, this observation appears to be useful information such as a database of peptidomics library in veterinary medicine for the future diagnosis of feline cardiomyopathy associated with gene mutation.This study aimed to identify the potential peptide candidates and expected proteins associated with MYBPC3-A74T gene mutations in Bengal cats and determine if peptidome profiles differ between healthy controls and cats with MYBPC3-A74T gene mutations. All animals were evaluated using echocardiography. DNA was isolated and followed by the screening test of MYBPC3 gene mutation. The MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was conducted for analyzing the targeted peptide and protein patterns. The expected protein candidates were searched for within the NCBI database. Our results demonstrated that the MYBPC3-A74T gene mutation was dominant in Bengal cats but not in domestic shorthair cats. Correlations between baseline characteristics and echocardiographic parameters were discovered in Bengal cats. Mass spectrometry profiles of the candidate proteins were suspected to accompany the cat with the MYBPC3-A74T gene mutation, involving integral protein–membrane, organization of nucleus, DNA replication, and ATP-binding protein. Therefore, MYBPC3-A74T gene mutations occur frequently in Bengal cat populations. The high incidence of homozygotes for the mutation supports the causal nature of the MYBPC3-A74T mutation. In addition, peptidomics analysis was established for the first time under this condition to promise a complementary technique for the future clinical diagnosis of the MYBPC3-A74T mutation associated with physiological variables and cardiac morphology in cats.

A four year old female Bengal cat was presented to Al Wasl Veterinary Clinic (Falcon centre) Dubai with distended abdomen and complaint of inappetance.The cat had mating history before 35 days.On clinical examination cat had the rectal temperature of 100.9 F and pale mucous membrane.The vulva was dry and clean.On ultrasonography examination of abdomen, multiple anechoic areas found in the uterine lumen.Complete blood count revealed leucocytosis with neutrophilia and eosinophilia.Based on the above mentioned findings, the condition was diagnosed as feline closed pyometra or Cystic endometrial hyperplasia.Cat was stabilized with antibiotics and supportive intravenous medication.Midventral laparotomy was performed under general anaesthesia.Ovariohysterectomy was performed in a routine manner.Blood parameters two days post surgery was within the normal limits.The cat had an uneventful recovery.

There is a paucity of information on the clinical course and outcome of young cats with polyneuropathy. The aim of the study was to describe the clinical features, diagnostic investigations, and outcome of a large cohort of cats with inflammatory polyneuropathy from several European countries. Seventy cats with inflammatory infiltrates in intramuscular nerves and/or peripheral nerve biopsies were retrospectively included. Information from medical records and follow up were acquired via questionnaires filled by veterinary neurologists who had submitted muscle and nerve biopsies (2011–2019). Median age at onset was 10 months (range: 4–120 months). The most common breed was British short hair (25.7%), followed by Domestic short hair (24.3%), Bengal cat (11.4%), Maine Coon (8.6%) and Persian cat (5.7%), and 14 other breeds. Male cats were predominantly affected (64.3%). Clinical signs were weakness (98.6%) and tetraparesis (75.7%) in association with decreased withdrawal reflexes (83.6%) and, less commonly, cranial nerve signs (17.1%), spinal pain/hyperesthesia (12.9%), and micturition/defecation problems (14.3%). Onset was sudden (30.1%) or insidious (69.1%), and an initial progressive phase was reported in 74.3%. Characteristic findings on electrodiagnostic examination were presence of generalized spontaneous electric muscle activity (89.6%), decreased motor nerve conduction velocity (52.3%), abnormal F-wave studies (72.4%), pattern of temporal dispersion (26.1%) and unremarkable sensory tests. The clinical course was mainly described as remittent (49.2%) or remittent-relapsing (34.9%), while stagnation, progressive course or waxing and waning were less frequently reported. Relapses were common and occurred in 35.7% of the cats' population. An overall favorable outcome was reported in 79.4% of patients. In conclusion, young age at the time of diagnosis and sudden onset of clinical signs were significantly associated with recovery (p < 0.05). Clinical and electrodiagnostic features and the remittent-relapsing clinical course resembles juvenile chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), as seen in human (children/adolescents), in many aspects.