Catteries Research Articles

Feline Vector-Borne Diseases and Their Possible Association with Hematological Abnormalities in Cats from Midwestern Brazil

Among the parasitic and infectious diseases affecting cats, those caused by vector-borne pathogens deserve attention due to their ability to cause nonspecific clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities. We studied the presence of Cytauxzoon spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Mycoplasma spp. in blood samples from 135 cats referred to the veterinary teaching hospital of the Federal University of Goiás in midwestern Brazil. We also investigated co-infections with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) as well as the correlation between Mycoplasma spp. infection and cat variables, including age, sex, breed, and complete blood count abnormalities. Upon PCR testing, 20.7% (28/135) of samples were positive for Mycoplasma spp., 1.5% (2/135) for Cytauxzoon spp., and none for Ehrlichia spp. Co-infections with Mycoplasma spp. and Cytauxzoon spp. were detected in the two cats with the latter infection. Mycoplasma spp. infection was statistically associated with the simultaneous presence of thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis. This study confirms a high frequence of Mycoplasma spp. infection, with both M. haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ circulating in this cat population. The clinical significance of Mycoplasma spp. infection in cats should be further explored and this infection should eventually be included in the differential diagnosis of thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis in otherwise apparently healthy cats.

Incidence and Characteristics of Dermatophytosis Lesions in Cats (Felis catus) at Go Pet Care Animal Clinic (2020-2022)

Dermatophytosis, a dermatological condition caused by dermatophyte fungi, affects the superficial keratinized structures of the skin. The primary etiological agents include the genera Microsporum, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton. This study examines the incidence and characteristics of dermatophytosis lesions in domestic cats (Felis catus) at Go Pet Care Animal Clinic from 2020 to 2022. The research utilized secondary data from the clinic's medical records, which is a significant reference institution in Kabupaten Bandung Barat, to assess the prevalence and features of dermatophytosis within this population. The findings revealed a prevalence of 7.5% in 2020, 11.3% in 2021, and 3.7% in 2022. The incidence was highest in cats under 1 year of age, with a notable frequency in Persian breed cats and males. Common lesions identified included localized alopecia primarily in the ear region, alopecia in the back region, and crust formation also in the back area. This study provides critical insights into the epidemiology and clinical presentation of dermatophytosis in domestic cats, offering guidance for improved diagnosis and management of the condition.

Video-based compilation of acute pain behaviours in cats.

The aim of this work was to create a video-based compilation of acute pain behaviours in cats as an open-access online resource for training of veterinary health professionals. A database comprising 60 h of video recordings of cats was used. Videos were previously recorded after ethical approval and written client consent forms, and involved cats with different types (eg, medical, surgical, trauma, orofacial) and degrees (eg, from no pain to severe pain) of acute pain, before and after surgery or the administration of analgesia. The database included videos of cats of different coat colours, ages, sex and breeds. Video selection was based on a published ethogram of acute pain behaviours in cats. Videos were selected by one observer (SM) according to their definition and quality, followed by a second round of screening by two observers (SM and PVS). Video editing included a standardised template (ie, watermark and titles). A total of 24 videos (mean length 33 ± 17 s) with each acute pain-related behaviour described in the ethogram were uploaded to an open-access online video-sharing platform (http://www.youtube.com/@Steagalllaboratory) with an individual hyperlink. Videos were provided with a short description of the behaviour for the public. This video-based compilation may promote better training of veterinary health professionals on acute pain assessment while improving feline health and welfare and the understanding of cat behaviours.

Tear cytokines as potential markers of inflammation in feline conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis is a prevalent feline ocular surface disorder, often accompanied by inflammation. Inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of conjunctival inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the tears of cats with conjunctivitis and compare them with healthy controls, thereby enhancing our understanding of the inflammatory processes in feline conjunctivitis. Tear samples were collected from cats of various breeds diagnosed with conjunctivitis (n = 15) and healthy control cats (n = 5) using Schirmer strips. The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Protein concentration were measured using Bradford assay and data were expressed as pg/mg protein of tear sample. Our results revealed a statistically significant increase in the levels of both TNF-α and IL-6 in cats with conjunctivitis compared to the control group (p < .0001). Positive correlation were observed between tear IL-6 (p < .001, r = 0.902) and TNF-α (p < .001, r = 0.919) with clinical grades of conjunctivitis. The results demonstrated a significant elevation in the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the tears of cats with conjunctivitis, suggesting that these cytokines are involved in the inflammatory response of feline conjunctivitis. These findings could pave the way for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, focusing on cytokine modulation, to manage feline conjunctivitis more effectively.

Clonal Analysis and Genetic Diversity of Cat Breeds From Both Local and Foreign Breeds

Clonal Analysis and Genetic Diversity of Cat Breeds From Both Local and Foreign Breeds

A Method for Enhancing the Accuracy of Pet Breeds Identification Model in Complex Environments

Most existing studies on pet breeds classification focus on images with simple backgrounds, leading to the unsatisfactory performance of models in practical applications. This paper investigates training pet breeds classification models using complex images and constructs a dataset for identifying breeds of pet cats and dogs. We use this dataset to fine-tune three SOTA models: ResNet34, DenseNet121, and Swin Transformer. Specifically, in terms of top-1 accuracy, the performance of DenseNet is improved from 89.10% to 89.19%, while that of the Swin Transformer is increased by 1.26%, marking the most significant enhancement. The results show that training with our dataset significantly enhances the models’ classification capabilities in complex environments. Additionally, we offer a lightweight pet breeds identification model based on PBI-EdgeNeXt (Pet Breeds Identification EdgeNeXt). We utilizes the PolyLoss function and Sophia optimizer for model training. Furthermore, we compare our model with five commonly used lightweight models and find that the proposed model achieves the highest top-1 accuracy of 87.12%. These results demonstrate that the model achieves high accuracy, reaching the SOTA level.

Analysis of serum proteomic in cats with polycystic kidney disease-1 gene mutation

Feline autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is common in Persian and Persian-cross cats. This study aims to investigate proteins that can be potential biomarkers for early disease diagnosis in cats with PKD1 heterozygous gene mutations and compare them with chronic kidney disease cats and normal wild-type cats. Thirty-three client-owned cats of variable breeds (ten PKD1 gene mutation cats, twelve wild-type cats with normal blood profiles, and eleven wild-type cats with chronic renal disease) were enrolled in this study. This study used serum-based proteomic profiling analysis in cats. Abdominal ultrasounds were examined in all cats. Proteomic analysis was conducted by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). One hundred and fifty-nine proteins were significantly differentially expressed between each group. The proteins identified in this study are known to regulate the apoptosis pathway. The apoptosis regulator Bcl-2 (BCL2) was overexpressed in the chronic kidney disease (CKD) group, while apoptotic peptidase activating factor 1 (APAF1) and BCL2-associated X apoptosis regulator (BAX) were only expressed in the PKD group. Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed that proteins uniquely expressed in the PKD group were linked to the Wnt signaling pathway and MAPK pathway. Asparagine synthetase domain-containing and secreted frizzled-related proteins were interesting proteins that should be studied further for the possibility of a candidate protein for disease detection. The proteomic profiles identified in this study could be used as potential novel biomarkers for the early detection of PKD in cats.

Shared alleles and genetic structures in different Thai domestic cat breeds: the possible influence of common racial origins

Over hundreds of years, cats have been domesticated and selectively bred, resulting in numerous pedigreed breeds expedited by recent cat shows and breeding associations. Concerns have been raised about the limited breeding options and the genetic implications of inbreeding, indicating challenges in maintaining genetic diversity and accurate identification in purebred cats. In this study, genetic variability and structure were examined in 5 Thai domestic cat breeds using 15 microsatellite markers and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop sequencing. In total, 184 samples representing the Wichien Maat (WCM), Suphalak (SL), Khao-Manee (KM), Korat (KR), and Konja (KJ) breeds were analyzed. High genetic diversity (Ho and He > 0.5) was observed in all breeds, and mtDNA analysis revealed two primary haplogroups (A and B) that were shared among all domestic cat breeds in Thailand and globally. However, minor differences were observed between Thai domestic cat breeds based on clustering analyses, in which a distinct genetic structure was observed in the WCM breed. This suggests that allele fixation for distinctive morphological traits has occurred in Thai domestic cat breeds that emerged in isolated regions with shared racial origins. Analysis of relationships among individuals within the breed revealed high identification efficiency in Thai domestic cat breeds (P(ID)sibs < 10−4). Additionally, diverse and effective individual identification can be ensured by optimizing marker efficiency by using only nine loci. This comprehensive genetic characterization provides valuable insights into conservation strategies and breeding practices for Thai domestic cat breeds.

Comparative Analysis of Image Classification Methods on Cat Breeds and Behavior using Machine Learning Techniques

This research investigates image classification techniques applied to two distinct datasets related to cats. The primary focus is on addressing the problem of accurately classifying cat breeds and cat behavior. This research focuses on the comparative analysis of both deep learning and machine learning techniques. The techniques are categorized as use of Transfer learning on deep learning models, Transfer learning on machine learning algorithms, and Teachable machine pre-trained model. Transfer learning has gained popularity as one of the employed techniques, in inception V3 for classifying images. It requires re-utilizing an existing model, for a new model by applying a small-scale dataset to pace up training and enhance overall performance. Five different methodologies are explored: Convolutional Neural Networks using Google Inception-V3 model, Convolutional Neural Networks on top of Google Inception-V3 model with K-fold cross-validation, Random Forest on Inception V3 features, Support Vector Machine on Inception V3 features, and Teachable Machine model. The study aims to compare the performance of these methodologies in terms of accuracy, F1 score, and ROC-AUC score. The research results show that each approach has levels of effectiveness with various algorithms and models showing accuracy and F1 scores in classifying both cat breeds and behaviors. These findings offer information, on image classification, in datasets related to cats helping to improve the precision of identifying cat breeds and behaviors.

Radiomorphometric analysis of the metapodial bones in the Scottish fold cats.

Scottish Fold cats (Felis catus, Linnaeus 1758) are one of the most well-known and popular cat breeds in the world, characterized by their folded ears attached to the head. Very frequently, cats fall prey of different trauma and accidents that can cause bone fractures especially in the metapodial bones. The method of radiometry is used in veterinary practice to visualize and measure different parts of the animal skeleton. The aim of this study was to assess the linear parameters derived from radiographic images of the metacarpals and metatarsals in Scottish Fold cats and additionally detecting potential sexual dimorphism. Radiographic images of 24 adult Scottish Fold cats (12 male and 12 females) of different ages and weights were analysed. Six linear measurements of the metapodial bones were evaluated to investigate any differences between the sexes. The linear radiometric measurements of the five metacarpals (MC1-5) and the four metatarsals (MT2-5) bones were larger in male metapodial bones than that of female cats. The maximum length (Ml) of the MC1 and MC2 was statistically different between sex, respectively, (p = 0.001) and (p = 0.05). The others metacarpal bones were different in mostly all linear parameters but not statistically significant. The most significant differences between sexes were observed in the parameter of width proximal end (Wp) of MC1-3 (p = 0.001) and MC4 (p = 0.05). More statistical different was MT2 and less MT3. The linear parameter of Bd of the MT4 was the most different statistically between sex (p = 0.001). The results of the study will be useful in function of comparative anatomy, in veterinary clinical practice, in zoo archaeology and in the veterinary forensic investigation.

Molecular prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of hemotropic Mycoplasma species in cats in different regions of Iran

BackgroundHemotropic Mycoplasma species (hemoplasmas) cause hemolytic anemia in cats worldwide and are recognized as emerging zoonotic pathogens. There is no comprehensive study on the prevalence and species diversity of hemoplasmas in domestic cat populations in different regions in Iran. Thus, the aims of the present study were to provide data on the prevalence and molecular characterization of hemotropic Mycoplasma species in apparently healthy cats from six Iranian provinces with different climates. In addition, potential risk factors associated with hemoplasmosis in cats were assessed.ResultsMycoplasma spp. DNA was detected in the blood of 56 / 361 cats (15.5%) using genus-specific PCR. Further examinations with species-specific PCR and Sanger sequencing showed that 38 cats (10.5%) tested positive for Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm), 8 cats (2.2%) tested positive for Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), and 2 cats (0.6%) tested positive for Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (CMt). Co-infection with CMhm, and Mhf was observed in 7 cats (1.9%). One cat (0.3%) showed mixed infection with CMhm, Mhf, and CMt. There were statistically significant relationships between Mycoplasma positivity and being female, living in shelter (cattery), and being over 3 years old (P < 0.05). No significant association was observed for the cat breed and sampling localities.ConclusionsCurrent study findings revealed that hemoplasma infections are common among Iran cat populations. Considering the impact of such emerging zoonotic pathogens on the One Health, routine screenings, increasing public awareness, effective control, and prophylactic strategies for minimizing infection in cats and subsequently in human are strongly recommended.

Influence of Clinical Aspects and Genetic Factors on Feline HCM Severity and Development.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which is associated with thickening of the left ventricular wall, is one of the most common heart pathologies in cats. This disease has a hereditary etiology and is primarily related to mutations in the MYBPC3 and MYH7 genes. This study aims to determine the effect of the presence of heterozygosity or homozygosity for the p. A31P mutation (c.91G>C) in the MYBPC3 gene in cats (Maine Coon) of different ages referring to the HCM severity and development, and to compare echocardiographic data and various clinical aspects for the most objective detection of disease in cats of different breeds. The incidence of HCM was 59% of the 103 cases of heart disease in cats in this study. In 23 cats diagnosed with HCM, cats heterozygous for the mutation accounted for 34%, and homozygous cats accounted for 26%. Cats homozygous for this mutation had moderate to severe HCM, suggesting an association with high penetrance of HCM and a significant risk of cardiac death in this group. The penetrance of the heterozygous type was lower than that of the homozygous genotype. This study also indicates that HCM has some age-related penetrance. The disease did not occur in the study group of cats aged up to 1 year, whereas at the age of 7 and older, the percentage of animals diagnosed with HCM was the highest and amounted to 44.3% of the total number of studied cats with HCM.

Feline Calicivirosis in the catteries

Cat breeding has become very popular nowadays. The presence of these animals in catteries, especially in conditions of imperfect compliance with sanitary and hygienic requirements, often causes outbreaks of viral diseases, the causative agents of which are transmitted mainly by the aerogenic transmission mechanism. Calicivirosis is the most common kennel disease; it can occur as a mono-infection and can also be associated with other viral respiratory diseases. The study aimed to evaluate the epizootic features and clinical course of feline calicivirus in catteries. It was found that the disease's stationary focus was in the experimental cattery. Depending on the year's season, the morbidity increase begins in April, peaks (40 %) in July, and gradually decreases until September. The most vulnerable age group is kittens aged 2–6 months due to imperfect immune mechanisms at this age. The disease occurs mainly manifestly in this age group, with characteristic pronounced clinical signs. Sick cats have sub febrile or pyretic fever, lack of appetite, and salivation with viscous saliva. Ulcers develop on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. Also, erosions and ulcers are noted in the nasal mirror and on the mucous membrane of the larynx. There was conjunctivitis with serous to catarrhal-purulent exudate. Laboratory tests revealed leukopenia, acceleration of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, left shift of the nucleus, lymphocytosis, and monocytosis, which indirectly determine the viral disease and stimulation of immune functions, and the development of a systemic inflammatory response. Biochemical tests revealed the development of intoxication syndrome, hepatitis liver failure, and renal failure. The data obtained prove the systemic nature of the impact of calicivirus infection, the development of complications in the form of a systemic inflammatory response, which affects various organs and systems, particularly the liver and excretory system. The development of multiorgan pathology in feline calicivirus infection requires an integrated approach to treatment, including pathogenetic and symptomatic measures in the treatment protocol.

Life tables of annual life expectancy and risk factors for mortality in cats in the UK.

The aims of the present study were to generate the first life tables for the UK companion cat population overall as well as broken down by sex and breed status, and to quantify associations between mortality and traits such as sex, neuter status, breed status and body weight in relation to mortality. Life table construction and modelling included data on 7936 confirmed deaths in cats under primary veterinary care at clinics participating in the VetCompass Programme in 2019. The life tables were built for cats overall, female and male cats, and crossbred and purebred cats. Multivariable generalised linear regression models were generated to explore the risk factors for a shortened lifespan. Life expectancy at age 0 for UK companion cats overall was 11.74 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.61-11.87). The probability of death at each year interval increased with age from year interval 3-4, with the probability value not exceeding 0.05 before year 9. Female cats (12.51 years; 95% CI 12.32-12.69) had a 1.33-year longer life expectancy than male cats (11.18 years; 95% CI 11.01-11.38) at age 0. Among the 12 breeds (including crossbred) analysed, Burmese and Birman had the longest life expectancy at year 0, showing 14.42 years (95% CI 12.91-15.93) and 14.39 years (95% CI 12.87-15.91), respectively. Sphynx had the shortest life expectancy at year 0 among the analysed breeds at 6.68 years (95% CI 4.53-8.83). Being entire, purebred and with a non-ideal body weight were significantly linked to a decreased lifespan. The life tables presented here for companion cats in the UK overall, by sex, and by crossbred and purebred cats can contribute to a better understanding of the life trajectory of cats, helping with evidence-based decision-making for cat owners and the veterinary profession. We have also provided an updated life expectancy at age 0 for various cat breeds for 2019 and showed evidence of the association between non-ideal weight and a decreased lifespan.

When cat rescue fails — Part 1. Lion-clip shaving, enilconazole bathing and oral itraconazole treatment failed to control an iatrogenic Microsporum canis outbreak in a shelter: but a novel ophytrium-chlorhexidine shampoo and mousse treatment succeeded in the home

OBJECTIVE: To identify the reason(s) for failure to prevent repeated nosocomial dermatophyte infection of shelter cats and to present alternative strategies which are less stressful to the cats and humans involved. ANIMALS: The Dorset branch of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) seized 30 of 32 Persian cats from a cat breeder on the 2nd of August 2019 and put them into Ashley Heath RSPCA shelter. Two cats and three dogs were left at home. All 30 cats were returned to their guardian in July 2020. Three cats died between 2020 and 2022, leaving 29 cats which were seized on the 8th of March 2022 and put into two RSPCA shelters. The dogs were not seized. Four cats were later euthanased. METHODS: RSPCA Animal Treatment Reports along with photographs used for evidence in the court case against the breeder and the veterinary records of their primary veterinary surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Clinical signs of dermatophytosis occurred on the index_ _case one week after dematting with clippers in August 2019. _Microsporum canis_ (_M. canis) _was cultured from 27 of 30 (90%)_ _cats on the 39th day of the Ashley Heath shelter stay in 2019. _M. canis_ infection could only have been acquired while in RSPCA care because the incubation period from infection to development of clinical signs for _M. canis_ is one to three weeks, and there was no history of ringworm in their home. Efforts to control the ringworm outbreak in the shelter included lion clipping, weekly enilconazole bathing and oral itraconazole (EI treatment) for five or seven weeks until culture negative. Six cats became culture positive again in 2020. Cats were housed in pairs in 2019 to 2020 and singly in 2022, therefore transmission was indirect (i.e. via fomites). Two cats remained positive when the cats were returned to their guardian in 2020, all 30 were treated with a single ophytrium-chlorhexidine (Douxo S3 Pyo) shampoo followed by ophytrium-chlorhexidine mousse rubbed into their fur for three weeks. It was reasonable to conclude that the ophytrium-chlorhexidine treatment had cleared the _M. canis_ infection for the following six reasons: first no cat developed clinical signs of dermatophytosis during the 20 months in their home. Second, no obvious ringworm lesions were seen on the photographs taken for evidence and third, no veterinary surgeon noted in the records any lesions suspicious of dermatophytosis during the examination of the cats within days of them being seized again in March 2022. Fourth: no positive dermatophyte results were produced as evidence during the trial (ringworm charges against the owner were dropped). Fifth: three of four dermatophyte tests performed on EI untreated cats were negative and samples from the positive cat were after three months in the shelter. Sixth: no EI treatment was administered until the cats had been in the shelters again for two and a half months. Nevertheless, shelter staff assumed ringworm infection from the arrival of the cats in 2022 and again subjected them to the stressful shaving/bathing/itraconazole protocol. CLINICAL RELEVANCE AND CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of ophytrium-chlorhexidine for treatment and prevention of _M. canis _in cats. We recommend shelter staff be trained in basic barrier nursing and be educated regarding the difference between true dermatophyte infection versus fomite carriage.

Effects of Erythropoietin-Promoted Fracture Healing on Bone Turnover Markers in Cats.

In orthopaedics, erythropoietin (EPO) is applied in the preoperative management of anaemic patients, but also as a stimulating factor to assist bone regeneration due to its angiogenic and osteoinductive potential. Since orthopaedists mainly rely on their clinical experience to assess bone healing, additional and more objective methods such as studying the dynamics of bone markers are needed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the plasma activity of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), the N-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (PINP), the C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), and deoxypyridinoline (DPD) during the first 2 months of healing of comminuted fractures in cats, either non-stimulated or locally stimulated with recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO). The study included twelve cats of mixed breeds, aged 7.2 ± 4 months, weighing 2.11 ± 1.1 kg, with comminuted diaphyseal fractures of the femur. Surgical treatment with plate osteosynthesis was performed in all animals. The cats were randomly divided into two groups-a control (n = 6) and an EPO group (n = 6). The locally applied EPO leads to the increased activity of bone formation markers (BALP and PINP) during the second week after the osteosynthesis, preceding the peaks in the control group by two weeks. The studied bone resorption markers (DPD, CTX) varied insignificantly during the studied period. In conclusion, erythropoietin could serve as a promoter of bone healing in comminuted fractures in cats.

Efficient generation of cloned cats with altered coat colour by editing of the KIT gene

Coat colour largely determines the market demand for several cat breeds. The KIT proto-oncogene (KIT) gene is a key gene controlling melanoblast differentiation and melanogenesis. KIT mutations usually cause varied changes in coat colour in mammalian species. In this study, we used a pair of single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) to delete exon 17 of KIT in somatic cells isolated from two different Chinese Li Hua feline foetuses. Edited cells were used as donor nuclei for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) to generate cloned embryos presenting an average cleavage rate exceeding 85%, and an average blastocyst formation rate exceeding 9.5%. 131 cloned embryos were transplanted into four surrogates, and all surrogates carried their pregnancies to term, and delivered 4.58% (6/131) alive cloned kittens, with 1.53% (2/131) being KIT-edited heterozygotes (KITD17/+). The KITD17/+ cats presented an obvious darkness reduction in the mackerel tabby coat. Immunohistochemical analysis (IHC) of skin tissues indicated impaired proliferation and differentiation of melanoblasts caused by the lack of exon17 in feline KIT. To our knowledge, this is the first report on coat colour modification of cats through gene editing. The findings could facilitate further understanding of the regulatory role of KIT on feline coat colour and provide a basis for the breeding of cats with commercially desired coat colour.

Assessment of eye disorders in brachycephalic cat breeds - a retrospective study of 328 cases (2018-2022)

Excess selective breeding that causes significant changes in the facial structure of brachiocephalic breeds has resulted in potential ophthalmological disorders that put their vision at risk. This study aims to assess the prevalence of ophthalmological disorders in seven cat breeds referred to the Ophthalmology Clinic of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital between January 2018 and January 2022. The medical records of all patients that underwent a complete ophthalmological examination, including patient signalment, clinical signs, routine and complementary ophthalmological test results, diagnosis, frequency, and the dates of visits were closely monitored, and the data were summarized in Microsoft Office Excel 2010®. The mean age at the initial referral was 4.65 years (ranging from 2 months to 14 years). The most prevalent breeds were Persians, British Shorthairs, and Scottish Folds, in descending order, at 35.9% (n=118/328), 27.1% (n=89/328), and 16.1% (n=53/328), respectively. Entropion, conjunctivitis, and corneal necrosis were the most common disorders, each of which was detected in ≥ 100 cats. The lesions’ anatomic localization-wise distribution most frequently involved, in descending order, the conjunctiva, cornea, and eyelid at 42.57% (n=321/754), 25.86% (n=195/754), and 22.14% (n=161/754), respectively. In conclusion, the study aimed to instruct the pet owners and breeders concerning understanding the potential severity of health issues in brachycephalic pet animals, and will undoubtedly contribute to veterinary practitioners’ clinical approach to various eye conditions by determining the most commonly encountered eye disorders in these breeds.

Anatomical and topographic features of the gluteal muscle group of extensors and rotators of the hip joint in a Maine Coon cat

The article presents the anatomical features of the gluteal group of extensors and supinators of the hip joint in a Maine Coon cat, which are absent in the available literature. The Maine Coon is the largest of the numerous breeds of domestic cats. To date, the anatomy of cats, and even more so the age, sex, breed, and species characteristics remain poorly understood, while the study of the specific anatomical features of the pelvic limb muscles in animals is one of the urgent tasks in the field of comparative anatomy and practical veterinary medicine. We have established that the muscles of the gluteal extensor group belong to different types of muscles: the middle gluteal is dynamic, the additional and deep gluteal, the pear–shaped is dynamostatic, with appropriate functional abilities. The research was carried out at the Department of Anatomy and Histology of Animals named after Professor A.F. Klimov, Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology – MBA named after K.I. Scriabin."The sectional material – pelvic limbs (n=8), selected from a domestic cat, without external signs of musculoskeletal pathologies, served as a material for research. Methods of fine macro- and microanatomic dissection were used, followed by functional analysis of the studied structures and skeletotopic projection of points of attachment of muscle parts. On the basis of the conducted research, we have established the skeleto-topical features of the anatomical formations on the pelvic and femur bones. It has been convincingly shown that the main extensor of the hip joint in the Maine Coon is the gluteus medius muscle. It is the most powerful among the gluteal muscles and belongs to the dynamic type in its internal structure. At the same time, the additional gluteus muscle, being a muscle of the dynamo-static type, performs a more static function of the joint, that is, when it is extended, it holds the joint in this position for a longer time. The piriformis and deep gluteus muscles, anchored by the bases at different levels, are synergists in hip abduction.

Detecting Polymorphism of Myosin-binding Protein C3 Gene in Persian Breed Cat With and Without Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Background: In cats, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) stands out as a prevailing heart disease. The mutations in the gene that encodes cardiac myosin-binding protein C (MYBPC3) have been detected in the Ragdoll and Maine Coon breeds. Objectives: HCM is believed to be hereditary in other breeds, too. Methods: Blood samples were collected for DNA extraction from 2 unaffected and 7 affected Persian breed cats with HCM. Besides accomplishing conventional polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing was performed. The sequence changes were utilized to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms in the MYBPC3 gene and predict amino acid substitutions based on the Acc. No. XM_019812396.1 and comparisons with the literature on identified breed variants and control samples. Results: Although many single nucleotide polymorphisms were found in the affected and unaffected Persian cats, no causative mutation for HCM was observed. Conclusion: In this breed, HCM does not seem to be caused solely by mutations in this cardiac gene. Potential cardiac genes should be investigated to uncover other genetic reasons for this cardiac disease in the Persian cat breed.