Bengal Cat Research Articles

Evaluation of galectin-3 and titin in cats with a sarcomeric gene mutation associated with echocardiography.

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.

Spin textures of coherent photons with SU(4) symmetry

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.

Persistent feline coronavirus infection in a cat with cardiac and gastrointestinal signs

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.

Characterization of the disease-causing mechanism of KIF3B mutations from ciliopathy patients.

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

The Bengal cat breed was developed from intercrosses between the Asian leopard cat, Prionailurus bengalensis, and the domestic cat, Felis catus, with a last common ancestor approximately 6 million years ago. Predicted to derive ∼94% of their genome from domestic cats, regions of the leopard cat genome are thought to account for the unique pelage traits and ornate color patterns of the Bengal breed, which are similar to those of ocelots and jaguars. We explore ancestry distribution and selection signatures in the Bengal breed by using reduced representation and whole-genome sequencing from 947 cats. The mean proportion of leopard cat DNA in the Bengal breed is 3.48%, lower than predicted from breed history, and is broadly distributed, covering 93% of the Bengal genome. Overall, leopard cat introgressions do not show strong signatures of selection across the Bengal breed. However, two popular color traits in Bengal cats, charcoal and pheomelanin intensity, are explained by selection of leopard cat genes whose expression is reduced in a domestic cat background, consistent with genetic incompatibility resulting from hybridization. We characterize several selective sweeps in the Bengal genome that harbor candidate genes for pelage and color pattern and that are associated with domestic, rather than leopard, cat haplotypes. We identify the molecular and phenotypic basis of one selective sweep as reduced expression of the Fgfr2 gene, which underlies glitter, a trait desired by breeders that affects hair texture and light reflectivity.

Clinical and diagnostic features of a paraprostatic cyst of a true uterus masculinus in a male cat presented with tenesmus

AbstractA 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.

Nasal hyperkeratosis in a juvenile Bengal cat: the first case report in Japan

Nasal hyperkeratosis in a juvenile Bengal cat: the first case report in Japan

Tratamento da intoxicação por zolpidem com flumazenil em um gato

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.

Feline Calicivirus Infection with Chronic Stomatitis, Rhinitis and Otitis in a Bengal Cat in Indonesia

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

Nerve root signature in a cat: Presentation and treatment following acetabular fracture stabilisation and sacral fracture displacement

AbstractNerve 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.

Echocardiography and MALDI-TOF Identification of Myosin-Binding Protein C3 A74T Gene Mutations Involved Healthy and Mutated Bengal Cats.

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.

Surgical Management of Closed Pyometra in a Bengal Cat: A Case Report

Surgical Management of Closed Pyometra in a Bengal Cat: A Case Report

Clinical Course and Diagnostic Findings of Biopsy Controlled Presumed Immune-Mediated Polyneuropathy in 70 European Cats.

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.

Makeup Design of Characters in the Musical &amp;lt;Cats&amp;gt; -Perceiving cats as motives-

This study attempted to suggest Makeup designs with actual cats as motives to newly express characters in the musical &lt;Cats&gt;. For indepth research, nine major characters were chosen. Makeup images were matched and designed in consideration of the characteristics of the characters and the appearance and the personality of cat breeds. For example, Grizabella, Bombalurina, Victoria, and Old Deuteronomy Makeups were created with LaPerm, Bengal, Turkish angoras, and Norwegian forest cat breeds, respectively. In addition, Rum Tum Tugger, Jenny-Any-Dots, Macavity, Bustopher Jones, and Gus Makeup images were designed based on Korean short-haired, Abyssinian, American short-haired, ragamuffin, and Maine coon cat breeds, respectively. It is anticipated that the study results would be available as basic data for students in developing new Makeup designs.

Personalized Strategy for Animal-Assisted Therapy for Individuals Based on the Emotions Induced by the Images of Different Animal Species and Breeds.

Simple SummaryIn this study, we hypothesized that the personalized strategies for the animal-assisted therapy (AAT) could be improved by selecting animal species and breeds for individuals (persons) according to the emotions induced in the persons by different animal species and breeds. To our knowledge, this study is the first in the area in which the FaceReader technique has been applied to improve the methodology of AAT, which could be the first step to avoiding and/or minimizing stressful situations during a person’s contact with an animal. To implement the aim, the images of different animal species (dogs, cats, pigs, sheep, and horses) and various breeds of those species were used. This study showed that the animal species is a significant factor in the intensity of the ‘neutral’ and ‘happy’ emotions as well as valence. In addition, animal breed is a significant factor in the intensity of the emotion ‘happy’ and valence. Finally, in this study, we obtained results that could be used as a personalized strategy for improvement of the AAT and to help the individuals select a pet.The aim of this study was to apply the FaceReader technique to select the animal species and breed for a personalized AAT based on the emotions (‘neutral’, ‘happy’, ‘sad’, ‘angry’, ‘surprised’, ‘scared’, ‘disgusted’, and ‘contempt’) induced in the persons (18–64 years old) by the images of different animal species and breeds. To implement the aim, the images of different animal species (Canis familiaris, Felis silvestris catus, Sus scrofa domesticus, Ovis aries, and Equus caballus) and their breeds (dogs: Australian shepherd, pug, Labrador retriever, Doberman, miniature schnauzer, beagle, three mixed-breed types, Yorkshire terrier, Cane Corso, Samoyed, and Chihuahua; cats: British shorthair, Himalayan cat, three mixed breed types, Siamese cat, Sphynx, and Bengal cat; horses: Norwegian Fjord, Exmoor pony, Andalusian, and Friesian; pigs: Vietnamese pot-bellied and Kunekune; sheep: Herdwick sheep and Suffolk sheep) were used. This study showed that the animal species is a significant factor in the intensity of the emotions ‘neutral’ and ‘happy’ as well as valence, and the animal breed is a significant factor for the emotion ‘happy’ intensity and valence. The obtained results could be used as a personalized strategy for improving AAT and helping the individuals to select a pet.

Expert System To Diagnose Beengal Cat Disease With Case Based Reasoning Method

At this time, many animal lovers keep pets. Cat or cattery owners sometimes find it difficult to diagnose pet cat diseases because cat diseases are not the same as human diseases, which are easy to diagnose and provide visible symptoms. Horas Cattery is a breeding ground and provider of pet cat adoption services, including Bengal cats. From the observations of the authors at Horas Cattery, understanding of the symptoms of cat diseases is still lacking, so they still rely on the expertise of experts manually, in addition, the cost for treatment to a veterinarian is very expensive and there are still few veterinarians. In this case, the research conducted at Horas Cattery uses the Case Based Reasoning method which is one of the methods of the expert system to diagnose Bengal cat disease because the method is based on knowledge from previous cases. Based on the research conducted, it was found that the case with the lowest weight was case 13, which was 0.2. Case 2 produces a high weight of 0.6667. So the results of calculations with weights show a confidence level of more than 60%.

Bengal and savannah hybrid cats: do they behave differently from other domestic cats?

Bengal and savannah hybrid cats: do they behave differently from other domestic cats?

Osseous Metaplasia of the Transverse Humeral Ligament in a 10-Year-Old Bengal Cat

AbstractThis report is of an osseous metaplasia of the transverse humeral ligament and secondary bicipital tenosynovitis in a 10-year-old Bengal cat. Computed tomography revealed the presence of an osseous bridge enclosing the bicipital groove, with ultrasonography confirming partial tear and inflammation of the bicipital tendon. Initial conservative management with intra-articular long-acting steroids failed to provide long-term improvement of clinical signs. Surgical excision of the osseous lesion resulted in complete resolution of lameness after surgery, confirmed by a 1-year follow-up. Histopathology of this lesion confirmed a well-differentiated osseous metaplasia of the transverse humeral ligament.

Hyperkalaemia during two consecutive anaesthetics in an aggressive Bengal cat

AbstractThe development of unanticipated hyperkalaemia during general anaesthesia in healthy veterinary patients is an increasingly recognized phenomenon. Cases have been reported in dogs, cats, horses and non‐domestic felids. However, recurrent hyperkalaemia has not yet been described in domestic cats. We report the development of hyperkalaemia during two consecutive anaesthetics in a 5‐year‐old, Bengal cat, anaesthetised for medial patella luxation repair and 3 months later for implant removal. During both procedures, hyperkalaemia was diagnosed. However, it was only during the first anaesthetic that the hyperkalaemia became life‐threatening, necessitating treatment. The reasons why some animals develop hyperkalaemia during general anaesthesia are still unknown. Considering the apparent increasing frequency of this condition, hyperkalaemia should be considered as a potential cause of intraoperative bradydysrhythmias and must be investigated and treated appropriately.

Intestinal Protothecosis in a Young Bengal Cat

Background: Intestinal protothecosis is an uncommon and insidious mycotic disease. Only one human case and a few rare cases in dogs have been reported. To the authors’ knowledge, intestinal protothecosis has never been reported in cats. Case description: This paper describes a case of intestinal protothecosis in a nine-month-old male, Bengal cat. The cat presented because of onset of haemorrhagic diarrhoea. Investigations allowed diagnosis of intestinal protothecosis, confirmed by PCR test on faeces. Treatment with itraconazole did not improve the clinical signs. Treatment with nystatin was prescribed and caused improvement in the clinical signs and decreased number of pathogens seen on faecal cytology. PCR on faecal samples was negative two months after treatment, with complete resolution of symptoms. Conclusion: Infection with Prototheca should be part of the list of differential diagnoses for diarrhoea in cats. nystatin was effective in treating the infection in this case; this drug should be considered as a first-line treatment in cats as well as in dogs, in which protothecosis appears to have a poor prognosis. Although protothecosis is not considered a zoonotic disease, cases of algal infections in companion animals might be considered indicators of environmental risks for humans.