Domestic Shorthair Research Articles

Primary primitive neuroectodermal tumour in the orbit of a domestic shorthair cat (Felis catus)

AbstractA 13‐year‐old, domestic shorthair cat presented for evaluation of left‐sided exophthalmos, epiphora and third eyelid elevation of approximately 4‐month duration. Based on ophthalmic exam findings, a retrobulbar mass was suspected. Computed tomography of the head revealed a fluid to soft‐tissue, non‐contrast‐enhancing mass caudoventral to the left globe. Based on these findings, a retrobulbar abscess was considered the most likely differential, while a neoplastic mass could not be completely excluded. The mass and left globe were surgically excised via a modified lateral orbitotomy and exenteration. Histopathology and special staining of the mass was consistent with an orbital primitive neuroectodermal tumour, while the globe was unremarkable.

Urethral obstruction due to pseudomembranous cystitis in a domestic shorthair cat

AbstractA 2‐year‐old, male, neutered, domestic shorthair cat presented with acute onset lethargy, anorexia, stranguria, dysuria without micturition. Routine blood tests demonstrated hyperkalaemia, azotaemia and metabolic acidosis. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a bi‐compartmentalised urinary bladder, with intravesical mineralised septa. The patient was diagnosed with urethral obstruction secondary to pseudomembranous cystitis. Following initial medical management, an exploratory celiotomy and cystotomy were performed, which revealed a complete fluid‐filled intravesical pseudomembranous sac, which extended via a long thin pedicle into the proximal urethra. The pseudomembranous sac was excised. Cystotomy and abdominal wound closure were routine. Post‐operative stranguria resolved with medical management within 9 days. Bacterial culture of the urinary bladder wall demonstrated no growth. Histopathology confirmed a pseudomembrane, which was composed predominantly of eosinophilic proteinaceous material and extravasated erythrocytes, with some neutrophils and cellular debris. Four months post‐operatively, no recurrence of the clinical signs has been reported.

Disseminated phaeohyphomycosis caused by Cladophialophora in an immunosuppressed cat.

A 3-year-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat with a history of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, treated with cyclosporine and prednisolone, was presented for acute lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea. Abdominal ultrasound revealed multiple predominantly avascular hypo-anechoic nodules in the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and peritoneum. Fine needle aspirates and culture of the liver and kidney revealed abscessation caused by Cladophialophora. This case adds to the currently limited literature documenting ultrasonographic features of systemic infection caused by pigmented fungi in cats.

Desmoid fibromatosis following surgery of an intradural spinal lipoma in a young cat

BackgroundIntradural lipomas have been previously reported in individuals with spinal dysraphism; however, they have not been reported in cats with an intact spinal canal. Desmoid tumors are a rare finding in veterinary medicine, and there is no prior description of these tumors invading the spinal cord. Furthermore, the etiopathogenesis remains debated, with trauma, such as surgical intervention of an intradural structure, potentially contributing to its development.Case descriptionA 10-month-old domestic shorthair cat was presented initially with progressive proprioceptive ataxia. The MRI identified an intradural compressive lesion at the cranio-cervical junction, confirmed as a lipoma by histopathology. Despite surgical removal, postoperative complications led to the cat's euthanasia. Postmortem examination revealed invasion of a desmoid tumor at the surgical site.ConclusionsThis case highlights the rarity of intradural lipomas in this location and the unusual complication of desmoid tumor invasion. It underscores the need for further research into the underlying mechanisms and potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for similar cases and suggests that these findings may be added to the list of potential post-surgical complications.

Subdural fluid accumulation with two meningiomas in a cat.

A case of two separate meningiomas with concurrent subdural fluid accumulation is presented. A 13-year-old, male neutered domestic shorthair cat presented with behavior change and progressive neurologic signs localizing to the forebrain. Two extra-axial masses were seen along with a large subdural fluid collection on advanced imaging of the brain. Histology of the lesions was consistent with multiple meningiomas, while analysis of the subdural fluid was consistent with cerebrospinal fluid. A case of multiple feline meningiomas with peritumoral subdural fluid accumulation has not previously been reported.

Replication kinetics and cytopathic effect of feline calicivirus in feline corneal epithelial cells.

To determine the replication kinetics and cytopathic effect (CPE) of feline calicivirus (FCV) in feline corneal epithelial cells (FCEC). Seven archived FCV isolates and one archived feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) isolate, previously obtained from eight domestic short hair cats. FCV RNA was extracted for sequencing using Illumina MiSeq, to identify three genomically diverse isolates for further testing. Following reference-based assembly, viral genomes were annotated and assessed. Superficial keratectomies were performed to isolate the corneal epithelium of cats and the cells were cultured invitro. FCEC were infected with the three chosen FCV isolates and one FHV-1 isolate at two different multiplicity of infection ratios (MOIs, 0.1 and 0.01 PFU/cell) and virus titration was assessed at 0, 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h post-infection (hpi). Viral identity was confirmed by RT-qPCR. Three genomically diverse FCV isolates were chosen for further assessment in the FCEC model. All infections of FCEC with FCV led to visible CPE, characterized by epithelial cell rounding and detachment from the plate by 24 hpi, while FHV-1 led to visible CPE within 48 hpi. All three of the FCV isolates replicated effectively in FCEC at both 0.1 and 0.01 MOI, with a peak increase in titer approximately 12-24 hpi. The results support the possible role of FCV as a primary pathogen of the feline ocular surface. FCV replicates in FCEC invitro, leading to profound CPE.

Computed tomographic features of Morel-Lavallée lesions in 3 cats.

To describe the CT features of Morel-Lavallée lesions (MLLs) and their association with trauma in cats. This study aimed to investigate whether MLL fluid in cats accumulates between the dermis and deep fascia near superficial trauma, exhibits a vertical attenuation gradient, and shows no or only mild contrast enhancement on CT images. 3 young cats: a 1-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat, a 2-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat, and a 3-year-old neutered female British Shorthair cat. The clinical presentation of the 3 cats in the study involved recurrent swelling and fluid accumulation affecting at least 1 pelvic limb following trauma. In all cases, there was a fluid-filled space deep to the skin and superficial subcutaneous layer but superficial to the deep fascial plane overlying the muscular component of the pelvic limbs. The MLL fluid had a vertical attenuation gradient and no or only mild contrast enhancement. Morel-Lavallée lesions are often initially overlooked, likely due to distraction by concomitant significant bone injuries, and can be mistaken for hematomas, seromas, subcutaneous edema, contusions, or cellulitis, leading to less aggressive treatment. If left untreated, MLLs present a significant risk of extensive skin necrosis compared to other types of subcutaneous swelling.

Clinical features of tularemia in cats: a retrospective study from 2000 to 2021.

The objectives of this study were to describe the clinical features of cats diagnosed with tularemia, and to compare the clinical features of cats with and without tularemia and identify characteristics increasing the likelihood of a tularemia diagnosis. Diagnostic laboratory data and medical records were retrospectively reviewed of cats tested for tularemia between 2000 and 2021. Clinical features including signalment, presenting complaint(s), physical examination findings and clinicopathologic data were described for cats with tularemia diagnosed by culture and/or PCR. Clinical features were also compared between PCR+ vs PCR- cats and logistic regression was used to identify features that predicted PCR+ status. A total of 18 cats were diagnosed with tularemia. The affected cats had a mean age of 5.8 ± 4.9 years, with a slight male predominance. Most were domestic shorthair cats and had outdoor access. Common presenting complaints included lethargy and anorexia, while physical examination findings frequently revealed fever, peripheral lymphadenomegaly and oral ulcers. Laboratory findings varied, with notable abnormalities including neutrophilic inflammation observed on cytology and widespread acute systemic pathologic changes in necropsy results. Leukopenia and neutropenia were more common in PCR+ vs PCR- cats, and these factors were 7.4 times (confidence interval [CI] 1.2-62.3) and 10.0 times (CI 1.4-83.2) more likely to occur in PCR+ vs PCR- cats, respectively. There were no significant differences between the groups in other parameters including anemia, thrombocytopenia, band neutrophilia and hyperbilirubinemia. This study provides a more comprehensive description of tularemia in cats than has been available to date. In particular, leukopenia and neutropenia are significantly associated with tularemia-positive cats. These clinical features should be considered and raise suspicion for tularemia in cats. These findings may be valuable for the timely diagnosis, treatment and prevention of tularemia outbreaks in cats and humans.

Comparative performance of video-otoscopy and CT in the diagnosis of external ear disease in cats.

The aim of the study was to compare CT with video-otoscopy for detecting external ear canal masses in cats and to describe CT features of feline external ear disease. This retrospective study evaluated the external ear canals of cats that underwent both CT and video-otoscopy. Two blinded observers reviewed the CT scans and their findings were compared with video-otoscopy results evaluated by one blinded observer. Of the 32 examined ears, 13 had an external ear canal mass detected by both CT and video-otoscopy. No false positives were identified. All 19 ears without masses were correctly identified as true negatives, resulting in perfect agreement for mass detection (kappa = 1.000). On histopathology, 9/13 masses were diagnosed as polyps, 1/13 masses was diagnosed as carcinoma, 2/13 did not undergo histopathology and 1/13 masses seen on video-otoscopy was diagnosed as otitis externa with granulomatous tissue formation. Of the 16 cats examined, 12 had a mass in the external ear canal diagnosed by video-otoscopy: six domestic shorthairs, five Maine Coons and one Oriental Shorthair cat. Of these cats, 11 had a unilateral mass and one had a bilateral mass. There was very low agreement between CT and video-otoscopy for ear canal wall enhancement and erythema (kappa = 0.033), as well as for ear canal thickening and stenosis (weighted kappa = 0.056). There was no significant difference between chronic and non-chronic clinical signs in terms of the presence of ear canal wall mineralisation (P = 0.223). There is high agreement between video-otoscopy and CT in detecting external ear canal masses in cats. However, there is very low agreement between CT and video-otoscopy for ear canal wall enhancement, erythema, thickening and stenosis. The presence of external ear canal mineralisation did not correlate with the chronicity of clinical signs.

Sedative effects of intramuscular alfaxalone–methadone–midazolam versus ketamine–methadone–midazolam in cats

ObjectiveTo assess depth and quality of sedation and the ability to place an intravenous catheter in cats after intramuscular (IM) injection with alfaxalone–methadone–midazolam (AMM) or ketamine–methadone–midazolam (KMM). Study designBlinded randomized clinical trial. AnimalsA group of 46 healthy Domestic Short Hair cats. MethodsCats were randomly assigned to be administered IM methadone 0.3 mg kg–1 and midazolam 0.3 mg kg–1 with either alfaxalone 2 mg kg–1 (AMM group, n = 23) or ketamine 3 mg kg–1 (KMM group, n = 23). Before IM injection, a temperament score was assigned. The reaction to injection was scored. After 15 minutes, the depth of sedation was scored using a simple descriptive scale (SDS) and multidimensional sedation score. Success or failure to place an intravenous catheter at first attempt was recorded; p < 0.05. ResultsCats in the AMM group had a significantly higher median temperament score (p = 0.026). Behavioural reaction to injection with AMM was significantly less compared with KMM (p = 0.016). Median sedation scores were significantly higher in the AMM group than in the KMM group: SDS 4 (0–4) versus 2 (0–4), p = 0.01, respectively; multidimensional sedation score AMM 13 (0–13) versus 3 (0–10), indicating superior sedative effect in the AMM group, p = 0.01. Success rate of catheter placement was significantly higher in the AMM group (18/23) than in the KMM group (10/23), p = 0.033. Conclusionsand clinical relevance Addition of 2 mg kg–1 alfaxalone to 0.3 mg kg–1 methadone and 0.3 mg kg–1 midazolam provided better sedation after IM injection than ketamine 3 mg kg–1 combined with the same doses of methadone and midazolam. This combination of drugs may be particularly desirable as an alternative to α-2 adrenoceptor agonist-based protocols for cats requiring IM sedation.

Ciliary body myxoid epithelioid sarcoma in a cat: a case report

BackgroundThe majority of primary, intraocular tumors in cats originate from the uvea and include feline diffuse iris melanoma, lymphoma, and iridociliary epithelial adenoma or adenocarcinoma. In this case report, we describe for the first time the clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical findings of a rare myxoid intraocular neoplasm arising from the ciliary body in a cat.Case presentationA 14-year-old, female, spayed domestic shorthaired cat was presented for evaluation of discolouration of the right eye. Upon examination, a clear to light whitish-tan, bubble-shaped intraocular mass adherent to the inferior ciliary body and extending into the anterior chamber was noted. Within five weeks, the tumor was significantly larger and the eye had developed secondary glaucoma so was enucleated. Light microscopic examination of the globe revealed a multinodular, hypocellular neoplasm arising from the ciliary body composed of interwoven spindle cells embedded in abundant amounts of a lightly basophilic myxoid matrix. Neoplastic cells exhibited strong immunoreactivity for cytokeratin while also showing moderate to strong immunoreactivity to vimentin. A diagnosis was therefore made of an unusual intraocular myxoid epithelioid sarcoma arising from the ciliary body.ConclusionsAlthough apparently exceedingly rare, epithelioid myxosarcoma should be included as a differential diagnosis for intraocular tumors in cats and they represent a clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical diagnostic challenge. Early surgical intervention should be considered to prevent local invasion and ascension to the brain.

Lymphaticovenous anastomosis of the caudal thoracic duct to the azygous vein: A feline cadaver study.

The aim of this study was to describe a technique for anastomosis of the thoracic duct (TD) to the azygos vein (AV) using a microvascular anastomotic coupler (MAC) device in feline cadavers. Our hypothesis was that a TD-AV lymphaticovenous anastomosis would be feasible in feline cadavers. Cadaveric study. Eight domestic shorthair feline cadavers. A left paracostal laparotomy and 9th or 10th intercostal thoracotomy was performed. Contrast media was injected into a mesenteric lymph node and lymphography was used to identify the TD and its branches. The TD and AV were isolated, ligated, and divided with the aid of a surgical microscope. The TD and AV were anastomosed end-to-end using a 1.5 or 2.0 mm MAC. Intraoperative patency was assessed by manipulation of chyle and venous blood across the anastomosis. Mesenteric lymphography was repeated to confirm postoperative anastomotic patency. The TD was identified via lymphography in seven of eight cats. The anastomosis was successful and patency was confirmed via intraoperative assessment and postoperative lymphography in all cats. The median (range) duration for the dissection and anastomosis portions of the procedure was 122 (80-150) min. End-to-end anastomosis of the TD to the AV using a MAC was feasible in the feline cadaver without major intraoperative technical challenges. Anastomosis of the TD and AV may have application as an alternative treatment for idiopathic chylothorax in cats. By directly connecting the abdominal lymphatics to the central venous system, the stimulus for collateral vessel development around the site of TD ligation may be minimized, which may prevent leakage of chyle through the more cranial lymphatics.

Hemophilia A in a male cat with intermittent lameness

A 3-month-old domestic shorthair tomcat born on a farm was unsuccessfully treated with meloxicam for alternating lameness, fever and inappetence. On presentation, there was lameness (grade 2/4) of the right forelimb with mild swelling of the soft tissue. Rectal temperature was 39.9°C, a moderate anemia developed. Inadequate bleeding occurred during arthrocentesis performed on suspicion of polyarthritis. Coagulation tests revealed an isolated prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Activity of factor VIII was 5% (reference range: 70-125%), of factor IX 55% (80-130%), and of factor XII 73% (50-140%).In a genetic study, exons and adjacent intron sequences of the feline F8-gene were sequenced and compared with the reference (ENSFCAT000078256.1). While no non-synonymous variants were found in coding sequences, intron 19 revealed the variant c.6073+2 T>C. This variant likely results in splice site alteration, atypical splicing, and thus an altered mRNA for FVIII.The patient was treated symptomatically (metamizole, buprenorphine, tranexamic acid) and clinical signs improved. Chemical castration with a GnRH implant was performed at 8 and 18 months of age, whereby minor bleeding at the implantation site occurred after the second implantation. After 3.5 years, the cat lives nearly without clinical signs of bleeding.aPTT prolongation with normal PT indicated a factor deficiency. Determination of factor activity led to the diagnosis of hemophilia A. Genetic testing detected a splice variant in the F8-gene.

Clinical presentation, imaging characteristics, and short‐term outcome of eight cats presented with suspected traumatic atlantoaxial hyperflexion

AbstractTraumatic atlantoaxial hyperflexion is considered rare in cats, and only a few case reports have been published. There are other conditions that can result in a peracute onset of neurological signs localized to the cervical spinal cord segments, including acute noncompressive nucleus pulposus extrusion, ischemic myelopathy, or vertebral fractures. Appropriate treatment for these conditions can only be initiated after an accurate diagnosis has been obtained. The aim of this observational, retrospective, single‐center, descriptive case series study was to describe the clinical presentation, imaging characteristics, and short‐term outcome of eight cats presented with suspected traumatic atlantoaxial hyperflexion. Young male healthy domestic shorthair cats were overrepresented (7/8) and typically presented with a peracute, nonprogressive, nonpainful, nonlateralizing C1–C5 myelopathy (tetraplegia or nonambulatory tetraparesis) following a road traffic accident or head trauma. All MRI studies demonstrated a solitary, focal, ill‐defined intramedullary lesion immediately dorsal to the dens of the axis, affecting both grey and white matter. All cats were treated medically. In 50% of the cats, the neurological grade improved at discharge or short‐term follow‐up, 25% of the cats recovered completely, one cat was static at short‐term follow‐up, and one cat was euthanized due to persistent forebrain signs and lack of neurological improvement.

Patent urachus with subcutaneous communication and ventral abdominal swelling in a domestic short‐hair cat

AbstractA 3‐month‐old, male, entire, domestic shorthair kitten underwent investigations for stranguria and haematuria, and was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection secondary to a suspected extramural vesicourachal diverticulum. Lower urinary tract signs resolved with a 14‐day course of amoxicillin clavulanate. Three months later, the kitten re‐presented for investigation of acute onset ventral abdominal discomfort and bruising. On presentation, clinical examination revealed omphalitis and subcutaneous bruising, with no evidence of an umbilical stoma. Ultrasonography demonstrated a patent urachus communicating with the subcutaneous tissue space, resulting in accumulation of urine at the level of the umbilicus. A ventral midline coeliotomy was performed to allow resection of the urachal remnant, including a partial cystectomy. The cat was urinating normally within 10 hours postoperatively, and the wound healed without complication. No postoperative complications or recurrent lower urinary tract signs were reported at follow‐up (312 days).

Morphological and Morphometric Variations of the Tympanic Bulla Between Domestic Shorthair and Brachycephalic Cats Utilizing Computed Tomography

Morphological and Morphometric Variations of the Tympanic Bulla Between Domestic Shorthair and Brachycephalic Cats Utilizing Computed Tomography

Pain related syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion in a kitten

A 2-month-old domestic shorthair kitten was presented for evaluation of weakness, gait abnormalities, and signs of pain after trauma. On admission, the patient was found laterally recumbent with obvious gait abnormalities: difficulty rising from sitting and marked unilateral left hind limb lameness. On orthopedic examination, severe pain, crepitations, and swelling of the left hind limb were detected. Results of the first diagnostic work-up were all consistent with hyponatremia, hypochloremia and a Salter-Harris type I fracture.The kitten initially received isotonic fluids, analgesia, and antiemetic treatment. Twelve hours after admission, the analgesic plan was considered insufficient, and the general patient's condition worsened, showing severe mental depression. Blood and urine samples were collected for a more in-depth diagnostic evaluation; the patient showed worsening hyponatremia (113 mmol/L; [RR: 146,2-156,2]), severe plasma hypoosmolality (218.2 mOsm/kg; [RR: 287-307 mOsm/kg]), high natriuresis (Na: 74.9 mmol/L; [RR: <40 mmol/L]), and urinary hyperosmolality (630 mOsm/kg; [RR: <150 mOsm/kg]). Based on these new clinical findings syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion was diagnosed.Emergency treatment with hypertonic saline was then instituted, a constant rate infusion of 3% hypertonic saline infusion to increase plasma sodium was initiated and a loop diuretic, furosemide (1 mg/kg/IV), was administered at 12-hour intervals to induce diuresis. Discharge occurred 4 days after admission as the patient was clinically stable and the hyponatremia progressively resolved. To the author's knowledge this is the first report of a kitten developing pain related SIADH associated to orthopedic trauma.

Rostral cranial fossa and sinonasal neoplasms with cribriform plate involvement in 32 dogs and 17 cats.

The rostral cranial fossa (RCF) consists of the sphenoid and ethmoid bones, which accommodate the olfactory bulbs and nerves along the recesses of the cribriform plate. Neoplasms located in the vicinities of the RCF can compress and/or invade the cribriform plate. Here we describe the clinical and pathologic findings of neoplasms involving the cribriform plate in 32 dogs and 17 cats autopsied over a 13-y period. The average ages of affected dogs and cats were 9.2 y and 9.7 y, respectively. No sex or breed predisposition was evident in dogs, but 13 of 18 cats were spayed females and 14 of 18 were domestic shorthair cats. The main clinical signs were seizures (10 cases) and epistaxis (5 cases) in dogs, and red-to-brown nasal discharge (5 cases) and seizures (4 cases) in cats. In dogs, the 22 sinonasal neoplasms included adenocarcinoma (14 cases), transitional carcinoma (4), squamous cell carcinoma (2), lymphoma (1), and histiocytic sarcoma (1); the 10 intracranial neoplasms consisted of high-grade gliomas (3 cases), psammomatous meningiomas (2), histiocytic sarcomas (2), olfactory neuroblastomas (2), and a meningeal granular cell tumor (1). In cats, the 14 sinonasal neoplasms included lymphoma (8 cases), adenocarcinoma (4), adenosquamous carcinoma (1), and squamous cell carcinoma (1); the 3 intracranial neoplasms consisted of oligodendroglioma (1), transitional meningioma (1), and olfactory neuroblastoma (1).

Bilateral idiopathic oculomotor neuropathy in a cat

AbstractIdiopathic oculomotor neuropathy is a well‐recognised syndrome in people, and it has also been described in dogs. In dogs, the disease appears to have a good prognosis; however, only reports of a unilateral presentation exist. Evidence of oculomotor dysfunction in cats has been previously associated with intracranial neoplasia, with a poor prognosis. This case report describes the clinical and imaging findings and outcome of a 12‐year‐old, male, neutered, domestic shorthair cat with bilateral mydriasis, unresponsive to light, as the sole clinical sign. Thorough diagnostic investigations led to a diagnosis of bilateral idiopathic oculomotor neuropathy. No treatment was prescribed, and there was no change in the clinical signs with 9‐month follow‐up. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of bilateral idiopathic oculomotor neuropathy in a cat, which, based on this case, suggests a good prognosis with minimal adverse impact on the patient.

Evidence of obesity-induced inflammatory changes in client-owned cats.

Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus are common health issues in obese (OB) cats. In humans, obesity leads to alterations in adipokine and proinflammatory cytokine secretion, causing persistent inflammation. The inflammatory impact of obesity in cats remains unproven. This study investigated associations between obesity and inflammatory and metabolic changes in three groups of client-owned Brazilian domestic shorthair cats: naturally lean, overweight (OW), and OB. Cats from the Veterinary Hospital of Professor Sylvio Barbosa e Cardoso (FAVET/UECE) were clinically evaluated. Blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical profile measurements, and part of the serum was used for measuring adipokine and inflammatory cytokines using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In both the OW and OB groups, serum cholesterol and insulin concentrations increased, while triglyceride concentrations were notably elevated in the OB group. In the OW and OB groups, serum adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β levels were elevated, and leptin levels were significantly higher in the OB group. This study is the first in Brazil to reveal increased serum levels of inflammatory markers in OW and OB client-owned felines. OW cats exhibited higher proinflammatory marker levels, implying obesity-induced inflammation.