Maine Coon Cat Research Articles

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.

Disseminated histoplasmosis in an imported Maine Coon cat in western continental Europe

AbstractA 4‐year‐old, male, neutered Maine Coon presented with a 9‐month history of weight loss, tachypnoea, dyspnoea and lethargy. The patient had been in the owner's possession since kittenhood in Texas, and 20 months before presentation had moved to Europe, living first in France and then the Netherlands. A bronchoalveolar lavage performed by the referring veterinarian cultured positive for Mycoplasma (unknown species), and treatment was initiated with minimal response. Sequential referring radiographs showed progressive diffuse pulmonary broncho‐interstitial changes. At presentation, focused echocardiogram suggested moderate likelihood of pulmonary hypertension. Repeat thoracic radiographs showed markedly progressed pulmonary changes, with a new miliary component. Bloodwork showed hypergammaglobulinaemia. Pending additional diagnostic results, the patient passed away within 4 days. Postmortem examination was compatible with severe chronic pyogranulomatous pneumonia with pleuritis, splenitis, hepatitis and adrenalitis, with histopathological identification of intracytoplasmic fungal elements. Sequencing of pulmonary granulomatous tissue confirmed the presence of Histoplasma capsulatum.

Establishment and characterization of a novel cell line and xenotransplant mouse model derived from feline colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Colorectal adenocarcinoma is an aggressive malignant tumor in cats that frequently metastasizes to the lymph nodes and/or distant organs. However, research on feline colorectal adenocarcinoma is limited, and experimental models have not been established. A novel cell line, FeLeco-G7, was established from the lymph node of a 12-year-old spayed female Maine Coon cat with metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma. FeLeco-G7 cells were polygonal with abundant cytoplasm and adherent growth. The population-doubling time was approximately 28.3 hours, and the mean number of chromosomes was 37.6±0.1 per cell (ranging between 32 and 41). Consistent with the original tumor, FeLeco-G7 cells were immunopositive for cytokeratin (CK) 20 and CDX2, and immunonegative for CD10 and CK7. Nuclear accumulation of β-catenin was rarely observed. Mutation analysis suggested TP53 gene alterations. A subcutaneous injection of FeLeco-G7 cells into immunodeficient mice resulted in the formation of a mass at the injection site without the development of metastatic lesions. An orthotopic (intrarectal) transplantation of FeLeco-G7 cells caused cachexia and diffuse involvement of the rectal mucosa in one of the 3 mice and the formation of masses around the rectum in the other 2 mice. Metastases to the regional lymph nodes and lungs were detected in three of the 3 and one of the 3 mice, respectively. The histological findings and immunohistochemical features of these masses were similar to those of the original tumor. These results suggest that FeLeco-G7 cells and the orthotopically transplanted mouse model are valuable tools for further molecular and therapeutic research on feline colorectal adenocarcinoma.

A Nonsense Variant in the DMD Gene Causes X-Linked Muscular Dystrophy in the Maine Coon Cat.

(1) Feline dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy (ddMD) is a fatal disease characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of skeletal muscles and is caused by variants in the DMD gene. To date, only two feline causal variants have been identified. This study reports two cases of male Maine coon siblings that presented with muscular hypertrophy, growth retardation, weight loss, and vomiting. (2) Both cats were clinically examined and histopathology and immunofluorescent staining of the affected muscle was performed. DMD mRNA was sequenced to identify putative causal variants. (3) Both cats showed a significant increase in serum creatine kinase activity. Electromyography and histopathological examination of the muscle samples revealed abnormalities consistent with a dystrophic phenotype. Immunohistochemical testing revealed the absence of dystrophin, confirming the diagnosis of dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy. mRNA sequencing revealed a nonsense variant in exon 11 of the feline DMD gene, NC_058386.1 (XM_045050794.1): c.1180C > T (p.(Arg394*)), which results in the loss of the majority of the dystrophin protein. Perfect X-linked segregation of the variant was established in the pedigree. (4) ddMD was described for the first time in the Maine coon and the c.1180C>T variant was confirmed as the causal variant.

Right Coronary artery of the heart of Maine coon cat

The study of the arterial bed of the heart of small domestic animals is of high practical importance in veterinary practice and requires further development and study. The work was performed at the Department of Animal Anatomy, St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine. The material for the study was five corpses of Maine Coon cats, of which three cats (male) and two cats (females).The methods for the study were fine anatomical preparation and making casts of heart vessels using Flexstep latex milk. According to the results of the study, it was found that the right subsinus artery in a Maine Coon cat is poorly developed and does not participate in anastomosis with the branches of the left paraconal artery in the region of the apex of the heart. In the region of the coronary sulcus, the right anastomotic branch departs from the right coronary artery, which is involved in closing the collateral path of blood supply to the heart of the Maine Coon cat. The blood supply to the heart of a Maine Coon cat is due to the right and left coronary arteries, but the right coronary artery and its branches are less developed compared to the left, which confirms that this cat breed has a left-coronal type of blood supply.

ANATOMICAL AND TOPOGRAPHIC PATTERNS OF THE LEFT CORONARY ARTERY OF THE HEART OF A MAINE COON CAT

The heart is the central and regulatory organ of the cardiovascular system, the study of the morphology of its bloodstream in humane and veterinary medicine is an important aspect for further diagnosis, prevention and treatment of heart pathologies. In all studied species, the heart is supplied with blood by the right and left coronary arteries, which, according to the species and breed features of the structure, can differ in the degree of their development. The study of the main branches of the coronary arteries and branches of the first and second order, together with their functional significance in the blood supply of a particular structure of the heart, is a topical area in modern veterinary morphology. The purpose of the study is to study the anatomical and topographic patterns of the left coronary artery of the heart of a Maine Coon cat. The object for the study was the corpses of Maine Coon cats at the age of three to five years. In total, five corpses of animals were studied, of which three cats (male) and two cats (females). The following research methods were used: fine anatomical preparation and making casts of heart vessels using Flexstep latex milk. In the course of the study, it was found that the blood supply to the heart of a Maine Coon cat occurs due to the right and left coronary arteries, the latter of which is dominant, from which it follows that this breed of cats has a left-coronal type of blood supply. In the region of the coronary sulcus, anastomotic branches depart from the branches of the left coronary artery, thanks to which the collateral path of blood supply to the heart of the Maine Coon cat closes. The interventricular septum of the heart is supplied with blood by the interventricular branch extending from the left coronary artery.

MRI of a middle ear cholesteatoma in a cat

A 9-year-old Maine coon cat presented with right-sided Horner and facial nerve paralysis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a heterogeneously contrast-enhancing mass occupying the right dorsolateral compartment of the tympanic cavity and extending into the ventromedial compartment, which was expanded and fluid filled. A ventral bulla osteotomy was performed to debulk the soft tissue mass. Histopathology revealed a cholesteatoma. The cat showed slow improvement of clinical signs and was euthanized eleven months postoperatively for unrelated causes. The MRI characteristics of middle ear cholesteatoma in the present case varied from those described in humans and dogs.

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.

Boots

"Boots" is a lyrical, narrative poem from the perspective of a Maine Coon Cat rescued one winter by a boy, Johnny, who grows up to be a young man enlisting in the service. Johnny comes back wounded in many ways, one of them being an amputee with phantom limb syndrome. Boots tries to help his owner as best he can by scratching the prosthetic leg that seems to pain Johnny so, and ponders the winters long ago when they used to play in the snow together. After our global campaign against COVID, I couldn't help but feel the poem had a renewed sense of meaning to many of the walking wounded who served their communities in the face of COVID. So it is a poem I hope in memorial to veterans of wars military and medical.

Acupuncture Treatment of Chronic Constipation and Megacolon in a Cat

An 8-year-old neutered male, Wood constitution, Maine Coon cat was presented with a 22-month history of severe constipation and megacolon. With conventional medications and an enema every 2-3 months, he could produce a soft, wet, large stool on average once every 14-16 days. Clinical exam findings included an animal with weight loss, bilateral deep weak pulses, a wet pink tongue and radiographs demonstrating a large, stool-impacted descending colon. A TCVM Pattern of Spleen Qi Deficiency was diagnosed. Due to his Wood constitution attitude about prolonged handling, a small number of acupuncture points at easily accessible locations were chosen for his treatment. Acupuncture techniques used included dry needle, aqua-acupuncture and electro-acupuncture. Over a 4-month period with 5 acupuncture sessions, the severe constipation slowly resolved. This case is an excellent clinical example of using TCVM treatment to address a difficult, poorly responsive clinical condition frequently seen in geriatric cats.

Use of human intravenous immunoglobulin for treatment of immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia in two cats

AbstractA 2‐year‐old male neutered Maine Coon cat (Cat 1) presented to a referral centre with a 1‐day history of lethargy. A 3‐year‐old male neutered domestic shorthair cat (Cat 2) presented with a 1‐week history of inappetence and lethargy. Complete blood count revealed a severe, mildly regenerative, normocytic, normochromic anaemia for Cat 1, and a severe, non‐regenerative normocytic normochromic anaemia for Cat 2. Following further investigations, a diagnosis of non‐associative immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia was made. Treatment with immunosuppressive dosages of glucocorticoids was started; however, given the lack of response and severity of disease in both cases, it was decided to administer human intravenous immunoglobulin. There was improvement of haematocrit 2 days following the infusion for Cat 1, and 5 days after for Cat 2. Both cats were discharged from the hospital. Cat 1 remained in remission 6 months following the diagnosis, and Cat 2 was lost to follow‐up.

Billroth II procedure for the treatment of spontaneous gastrointestinal perforation in two cats

A 9-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat (cat 1) and a 10-year-old castrated male Maine Coon cat (cat 2) were presented for recurrent feline lower urinary tract disease after receiving outpatient care from their primary veterinarians. Physical examination findings for both cats were initially within reference limits. After a short period of hospitalization, both cats developed peritoneal effusion; results of cytologic analysis of a sample of the fluid were consistent with septic peritonitis. During exploratory laparotomy, perforation of the pylorus or proximal portion of the duodenum secondary to ulceration was identified. Both cats underwent partial duodenectomy, partial gastrectomy (pylorectomy), and gastrojejunostomy (Billroth II procedure). The cats recovered from surgery and returned to a normal quality of life; however, each had mild episodes of anorexia but maintained a stable body weight. Cat 2 required additional surgery for trichobezoar removal 7 weeks later but recovered quickly. At 7 months after trichobezoar removal, cat 2 developed intermittent vomiting, but clinicopathologic, abdominal ultrasonographic, and upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopic findings were within reference limits. At 9 (cat 2) and 13 (cat 1) months after the Billroth II procedure, both cats were reported to be in good general health and without gastrointestinal signs. In both cats, the Billroth II procedure was technically straightforward and associated with a full recovery and good medium- to long-term quality of life. A Billroth II procedure could be considered for treatment of cats with large mural lesions in the pyloroduodenal region.

Identification of a novel missense mutation in the fibroblast growth factor 5 gene associated with longhair in the Maine Coon Cat.

Hair length can be a highly variable trait within the Felis catus species, varying between and within different cat breeds. Previous research has demonstrated this variability is due to recessive mutations within the fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) gene. Following a genetic screen, four longhaired Maine Coons were identified that had only one copy of a known FGF5 mutation. We performed DNA sequencing on samples from two of these Maine Coons and identified a missense mutation in FGF5 c.577G > A p.Ala193Thr. Genetic screening via restriction digest was then performed on samples from the other two Maine Coons and an additional 273 cats of various breeds. This screening found that only the two additional Maine Coons were heterozygous for the novel variant. Furthermore, the novel variant was not identified after in silico analysis of 68 whole genome cat sequences from various breeds, demonstrating that this novel mutation is most likely a breed-specific variant for the Maine Coon, contributing to the longhair phenotype in about 3% of these cats.

Unilateral extramural ureteral ectopia in a cat: Ultrasonographic and computed tomography findings

AbstractA 6‐months‐old male intact Maine Coon cat presented for investigation of urinary incontinence and a palpable mass in the right cranial abdomen. Abdominal ultrasonography (US) revealed marked right hydronephrosis and hydroureter and raised a suspicion of ureteral ectopia, but the exact location of the ureterovesical junction was not visualised. Abdominal CT was performed and provided excellent information about opening of the ureter and confirmed the diagnosis of right extramural ureteral ectopia. The patient underwent ureteronephrectomy and recovered without complications. No urinary incontinence was detected after surgery. The patient continues to do well and remains free from clinical signs up to date. This is the first case report describing the use of CT and US in diagnosis of a rare anomaly of ureteral ectopia in a cat. It also highlights the important role of diagnostic imaging modalities in investigating and treatment planning of ectopic ureters in feline patients.

Fístula oronasal congénita secundaria en un neonato felino de Maine Coon: Terapia clínica y soporte nutricional asistido

Congenital malformations are related to hereditary factors or promoted by environmental agents, to mention: toxic, infectious, nutritional, chemical and physical. In felines, the casuistry of neonates with malformation is between 1% and 2%. Among the most observed pathologies, we highlight the cleft palate (more frequent), hydrocephalus and agenesis of the digestive tract. In secondary cleft palate the closure of the palate is incomplete, the patient has milk flow through the nostrils, coughing, choking and / or sneezing in the food and respiratory tract infections, the diagnosis being confirmed by inspection of the oral cavity. The article deals with clinical management and assisted nutrition, without surgical correction. A newborn, male, Maine Coon cat was admitted to a clinic complaining of a parent's rejection. On physical examination, the presence of a secondary congenital cleft palate was observed. The tutor and veterinary doctor opted for clinical management, considering the scarcity of literature regarding surgical treatment in neonates with this pathology. The patient was fed by an orogastric tube until his complete adaptation to the large format dry food at five months of age. During this process of adaptation to his congenital condition, the feline developed two cases of aspiration pneumonia by Klebsiella pneumoniae and the ingestion of a foreign body (part of the orogastric tube), assessed by radiography and removed by endoscopy in the descending portion of the duodenum. In the follow-up of the patient until the age of one year and nine months, the feline did not present recurrences regarding aspiration pneumonia. The animal was healthy until the date of submission of this work. This report aims to discuss the clinical management of the patient in this condition and the diets offered for vital maintenance, as well as their growth.

The surgical repair of a congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in Maine Coon cat

A 1-year-old female Maine Coon cat presented with a history of labored breathing and intermittent cough. Thoracic radiography revealed a diaphragmatic hernia; echocardiography showed adhesions of a hepatic lobe and gall bladder to the left myocardium. After a final diagnosis of peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH), a surgical treatment was successfully done to repair the congenital PPDH. Blood transfusion was performed during surgical correction to ameliorate the excessive blood loss during liver lobectomy. This surgical technique can close the diaphragmatic defect and be used as a treatment option to prevent further herniation and reduce compliance with heart failure complications. Surgical treatment provides an excellent outcome for cats with a congenital pericardial-diaphragmatic anomaly. However, severe hemorrhage may occur with the abdominal organ’s adhesion to the pericardium, such as the liver. This study described the diagnosis and surgical treatment. The surgical procedure may provide the information for further successful treatment in the feline congenital pericardial defect.

Differences in metabolic profiles between the Burmese, the Maine coon and the Birman cat-Three breeds with varying risk for diabetes mellitus.

Feline diabetes mellitus shares many features with type 2 diabetes in people, regarding clinical presentation, physiology, and pathology. A breed predisposition for type 2 diabetes has been identified, with the Burmese breed at a fivefold increased risk of developing the condition compared to other purebred cats. We aimed to characterize the serum metabolome in cats (n = 63) using nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics, and to compare the metabolite pattern of Burmese cats with that of two cat breeds of medium or low risk of diabetes, the Maine coon (MCO) and Birman cat, respectively. Serum concentrations of adiponectin, insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 were also measured (n = 94). Burmese cats had higher insulin and lower adiponectin concentrations than MCO cats. Twenty one metabolites were discriminative between breeds using a multivariate statistical approach and 15 remained significant after adjustment for body weight and body condition score. Burmese cats had higher plasma levels of 2-hydroxybutyrate relative to MCO and Birman cats and increased concentrations of 2-oxoisocaproic acid, and tyrosine, and lower concentrations of dimethylglycine relative to MCO cats. The metabolic profile of MCO cats was characterized by high concentrations of arginine, asparagine, methionine, succinic acid and low levels of acetylcarnitine while Birman cats had the highest creatinine and the lowest taurine plasma levels, compared with MCO and Burmese. The pattern of metabolites in Burmese cats is similar to that in people with insulin resistance. In conclusion, the metabolic profile differed between healthy cats of three breeds. Detection of an abnormal metabolome might identify cats at risk of developing diabetes.

Idiosyncratic reaction of topiramate in a Maine Coon cat

AbstractA 1.5‐year‐old Main Coon neutered male cat was presented for cluster epileptic seizures. The cat was first treated with phenobarbital; however, it had to be discontinued due to anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome. Topiramate was then initiated. Shortly thereafter, a persistent neutropenia developed and the topiramate was stopped. The epileptic seizures are now adequately controlled by levetiracetam extended release 500 mg every 12 hours and the neutropenia had resolved. This is the first report of adverse drug reaction of topiramate in cats.

Intrahistiocytic Storage of Clofazimine Crystals in a Cat.

A 13-year-old castrated male Maine coon cat with a 5-year history of atypical mycobacteriosis was euthanized and submitted for necropsy. The cat had been kept in clinical remission since diagnosis using a combination of the antimycobacterial drug clofazimine and additional multimodal antimicrobial therapy. Grossly, tissues were diffusely discolored red-brown to yellow. Histologically, the myocardial interstitum was expanded by numerous, often multinucleated cells, which were distended by uniformly shaped acicular cytoplasmic spaces. These cells were immunopositive for CD18 and immunonegative for desmin, suggesting a histiocytic rather than muscular origin. Macrophages in other tissues contained similar acicular spaces. Ultrastructurally, the spaces were surrounded by 2 lipid membranes, resembling an autophagosome. Based on the clinical history and histologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural data, we diagnosed clofazimine crystal storage. To our knowledge, this is the first report of clofazimine storage in a cat or within myocardial interstitial macrophages.