Persian Cats Research Articles

Application of Expert Systems in Diagnosing Persian Cat Diseases using the Dempster Shafer Method

The rapid development of information technology in the current era of globalization has provided many benefits in progress in various aspects. Information technology is inseparable from artificial intelligence which is used by humans in facilitating the completion of their daily tasks. An expert system is a system that seeks to adopt human knowledge into computers that are designed to represent the ability to solve problems like an expert. With this expert system, ordinary people can solve their problems or just look for quality information that can only be obtained with the help of experts in their fields. In this study, it is explained how the Expert System diagnoses Persian Cat disease using the Dhempster Shafer method. The Dhempster Shafer method is a method in the branch of mathematics and is commonly used to calculate probabilities. By using the Dhempster Shafer method, a similarity value was obtained with the previous case of disturbance experienced by the Persian cat. This expert system makes it easier to find out the symptoms suffered by Persian cats because this application provides a list of symptoms and is supported by a percentage. The results obtained by testing three types of diseases, it can be concluded that the member is affected by Feline Leukemia Virus with a value of 99.4 %.

Phylogenetic analysis of feline infectious peritonitis virus, feline enteric coronavirus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 of cats in Surabaya, Indonesia.

Questions about the origin of coronavirus and its introduction to human beings have persisted. The detection of a variety of coronavirus related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in bats and pangolins led to the widespread belief that SARS-CoV-2 originated from wild ani-mals and was introduced to humans through an inter-mediate animal. Thus, coronaviruses from animals, especially those in close contact with humans, have attracted particular attention. This study aimed to phylogenetically analyze feline enteric coronavirus (FECV), feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), and SARS-CoV-2 found in cats in Surabaya amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The results will provide a basis for developing basic preventive and pet healthcare strategies. Samples were collected on physical examinations of domestic and Persian cats (males and females) from March 2020 to March 2022. Samples were collected if there were clinical signs of FECV and FIP based on a veterinarian's diagnosis in several clinics in Surabaya. Laboratory examinations in this study were performed by reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with primers for conserved regions of FIP and FECV, DNA sequencing was performed with Applied Biosystem Genetic Analyzer protocol, homology analysis was performed using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool NCBI, phylogenetic analysis was carried out with BioEdit 7.2 software, and sequences were compared with references from GenBank. Samples were collected from ten cats showing clinical signs of FECV and FIP, based on a veterinarian's diagnosis. On RT-PCR examinations performed with specifically designed primers for detecting FIPV in blood, peritoneal fluid, and feces, only one sample showed positivity for FIPV (1/10), namely, a peritoneal sample from a domestic cat in Surabaya. Homology analysis of the FIPV Surabaya isolate showed 98% similarity with FECV and FIPV reported in GenBank (MT444152 and DQ010921, respectively). In phylogenetic analysis, the FIPV Surabaya isolate was clustered together with SARS-CoV-2 of Clade A (MT198653) from Spain, SARS-CoV-2 Clade A (MT192765) from the USA, SARS-CoV-2 Clade D (039888) from the USA, and SARS-CoV-2 Clade F (MT020781) from Finland. This study revealed a relationship between the SARS-CoV-2 viruses that infect humans and cats (FECV), which is an important finding for those keeping cats at home. However, this finding requires further comprehensive support from laboratory studies.

Laser-activated autologous adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction restores spinal cord architecture and function in multiple sclerosis cat model

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent non-traumatic neurological debilitating disease among young adults with no cure. Over recent decades, efforts to treat neurodegenerative diseases have shifted to regenerative cell therapy. Adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) comprises a heterogeneous cell population, considered an easily accessible source of MSCs with therapeutic potential in autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to assess the regenerative capacity of low-level laser-activated SVF in an MS cat model.MethodsFifteen adult Persian cats were used in this study: Group I (control negative group, normal cats), Group II (EB-treated group, induced for MS by ethidium bromide (EB) intrathecal injection), and Group III (SVF co-treated group, induced for MS then treated with SVF on day 14 post-induction). The SVF was obtained after digesting the adipose tissue with collagenase type I and injecting it intrathecal through the foramen magnum.ResultsThe results showed that the pelvic limb’s weight-bearing locomotion activity was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) recovered in Group III, and the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scores of hindlimb locomotion were significantly higher in Group III (14 ± 0.44) than Group II (4 ± 0.31). The lesion’s extent and intensity were reduced in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of Group III. Besides, the same group showed a significant increase in the expression of neurotrophic factors: BDNF, SDF and NGF (0.61 ± 0.01, 0.51 ± 0.01 and 0.67 ± 0.01, respectively) compared with Group II (0.33 ± 0.01, 0.36 ± 0.006 and 0.2 ± 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, SVF co-treated group revealed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in oligodendrocyte transcription factor (Olig2) and myelin basic protein (4 ± 0.35 and 6 ± 0.45, respectively) that was decreased in group II (1.8 ± 0.22 and 2.9 ± 0.20, respectively). Moreover, group III showed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) reduction in Bax and glial fibrillary acidic protein (4 ± 0.53 and 3.8 ± 0.52, respectively) as compared with group II (10.7 ± 0.49 and 8.7 ± 0.78, respectively). The transmission electron microscopy demonstrated regular more compact, and markedly (P ≤ 0.05) thicker myelin sheaths (mm) in Group III (0.3 ± 0.006) as compared with group II (0.1 ± 0.004). Based on our results, the SVF co-treated group revealed remyelination and regeneration capacity with a reduction in apoptosis and axonal degeneration. ConclusionSVF is considered an easy, valuable, and promising therapeutic approach for treating spinal cord injuries, particularly MS.

Flat-Faced or Non-Flat-Faced Cats? That Is the Question.

Persian and exotic shorthair cats are the most-popular brachycephalic breeds worldwide. This study aimed to explore differences in human-cat bonding, behavioural traits, perception of clinical breed-related problems, and the motivation for purchasing between brachycephalic cat owners (BCOs) and non-brachycephalic cat owners (NBCOs). Using an online questionnaire, human-cat bonding and cats' behavioural traits were explored using the CORS and Fe-BARQ scales, respectively. Breed-related problems and motivations for purchasing were explored only in BCOs. There were 278 BCOs and 250 NBCOs who completed the survey. Respiratory diseases resulted in being the main health problem of these breeds. Most BCOs were not aware of the incidence of these disorders in brachycephalic cats. Character and appearance were the main motivations for purchasing these breeds. Perceived emotional closeness (EC), cat-owner interaction (COI), and perceived cost (PC) mean scores were significantly higher in BCOs. Playfulness and affection-/attention-seeking scores were significantly higher in NBCOs. BCOs reported a significantly higher score for separation-related behaviours. The higher scores in separation-anxiety-related behaviours and in the EC and COI scales could be related mainly to the high level of care these breeds require. The motivation for acquiring brachycephalic breeds for good companionship seems in contrast with the lower scores obtained from BCOs for playfulness and affection-/attention-seeking.

Evaluation of etiology, risk factors and clinical signs of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) in Northern Kerala

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) describes multiple ailments and diseases associated with bladder and urethra of cats. A total of 37 cats presented with clinical signs pertaining to lower urinary tract disorders were evaluated in the current study. There were 96.3 per cent males and 3.7 per cent females with maximum distribution in the age group between one to two years (p<0.01). Persian cats (p<0.001) were mostly diagnosed with FLUTD with occurrence of 75.68 per cent. Most of the cats (72.97 per cent) were diagnosed with feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). The other causes of FLUTD diagnosed were bacterial cystitis (8.12 per cent), bladder rupture/ urine seepage (8.12 per cent), pseudomembranous cystitis (5.4 per cent) and urethral plugs (5.4 per cent). Dry diet and indoor habitat were found to be risk factors (p<0.001) for FLUTD. Clinical signs associated with lower urinary tract like stranguria, pollakiuria and periuria were commonly noticed.

A novel cell-free intrathecal approach with PRP for the treatment of spinal cord multiple sclerosis in cats

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. To date, there is no effective therapy for it. Our study aimed to determine the potential role of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of MS in cats.MethodsThe current study was conducted on 15 adult Persian cats that were divided into three groups: control negative, control positive (ethidium bromide (EB)-treated group), and PRP co-treated group (EB-treated group intrathecally injected with PRP on day 14 post-spinal cord injury). PRP was obtained by centrifuging blood on anticoagulant citrate dextrose and activating it with red and green laser diodes. The Basso–Beattie–Bresnahan (BBB) scores were used to assess the motor function recovery on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 20, and 28 following 14 days from EB injection. Moreover, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis, histopathological investigations, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies, and immunohistochemical analysis were conducted, and the gene expressions of nerve growth factors (NGFs), brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF), and stromal cell-derived factors (SDF) were evaluated.ResultsOur results indicated that PRP had a significant ameliorative effect on the motor function of the hindlimbs as early as day 20 and so on. MRI revealed that the size and intensity of the lesion were significantly reduced in the PRP co-treated group. The histopathological and TEM investigations demonstrated that the PRP co-treated group had a significant improvement in the structure and organization of the white matter, as well as a high remyelination capacity. Furthermore, a significant increase in myelin basic protein and Olig2 immunoreactivity as well as a reduction in Bax and glial fibrillar acidic protein immune markers was observed. NGFs were found to be upregulated by gene expression.ConclusionAs a result, we concluded that the intrathecal injection of PRP was an effective, safe, and promising method for the treatment of MS.

Feline pulmonary carcinoma: Gross, histological, metastatic, and immunohistochemical aspects.

Feline pulmonary carcinoma (FPC) is an uncommon neoplasm with unique morphological features. We describe the gross, histological, metastatic, and immunohistochemical aspects of FPC, based on postmortem examinations from an 11-year retrospective study. Thirty-nine cases were selected. Predispositions were observed in senior (P < .001) and Persian (P = .039) cats. There were three gross patterns of the pulmonary tumors: (a) a large nodule and additional smaller nodules, (b) a solitary nodule, and (c) small, multifocal to coalescent nodules. Extrapulmonary metastases were present in 22/39 cases (56.4%), mainly in the regional lymph nodes (17/39, 43.5%), skeletal muscles (9/39, 23%), kidneys (6/39, 15.3%), and parietal pleura (4/39, 10.2%). The primary tumor size was correlated with the occurrence of extrapulmonary metastases (P = .002). Histologically, the tumors were classified as papillary adenocarcinoma (19/39, 48.7%), adenosquamous carcinoma (ADS) (8/39, 20.5%), acinar adenocarcinoma (6/39, 15.3%), solid adenocarcinoma (3/39, 7.6%), lepidic adenocarcinoma (2/39, 5.1%), and micropapillary adenocarcinoma (1/39, 2.5%). By immunohistochemistry, 39/39 cases (100%) were positive for pancytokeratin, 34/39 (87.1%) for thyroid transcription factor-1, and 8/39 (20.5%) for vimentin. Immunoreactivity for p40 was detected in the squamous component of all ADSs (8/8, 100%) and occasionally in the glandular component of adenocarcinomas (10/31, 32.2%). Napsin A expression was absent in all feline tissue tested. The results indicate that a modified and simplified histological classification based on current human and domestic animal systems is appropriate for cats. Additionally, this study highlights the utility of p40 as an immunohistochemical marker for the diagnosis of FPC with squamous differentiation.

Prevalence of polycystic kidney disease in Persian and Persian-related cats in western Mexico.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), the most frequently diagnosed hereditary disease affecting Persian cats, is caused by a cytosine-to-adenine transversion (10063C>A) in PKD1, the gene that codes for polycystin-1. The objective of this study was to provide a preliminary estimate of the frequency of the pathogenic 10063C>A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of PKD1 in Persian and Persian-related cat breeds in western Mexico. Blood samples were collected from 104 cats (89 Persian, seven Persian crossbreed, five Siamese and three Himalayan cats). Genotyping was performed with our proposed PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay, as well as a previously established PCR-RFLP method for validation. The genotypes of control cats were corroborated by a commercial veterinary genetics laboratory. Our proposed PCR-RFLP assay and the validated PCR-RFLP methodology indicated that 24/104 (23.1%) cats in this study were heterozygous carriers of the 10063C>A SNP, including 23/89 Persian cats (25.8%) and 1/7 Persian crossbreed cats (14.3%). No Siamese or Himalayan cats were carriers. There were no discrepancies between the results obtained with our proposed assay and those obtained with the validation method or with commercial laboratory results. The carrier frequency of the PKD1 10063C>A SNP in Persian and Persian-related cat breeds in western Mexico was found to be 23.1%. ADPKD frequencies among cat populations in Mexico have not been published previously. Genotyping assays can be used to facilitate the selection of breeding stocks by local breeders and veterinarians to avoid propagation of ADPKD.

Genetic Aspects of Corneal Sequestra in a Population of Persian, Himalayan and Exotic Cats.

Simple SummaryCorneal sequestrum is a common eye disease in Persian, Himalayan and exotic cats. It is a brown stain on the cornea that can be painful and often requires surgery for full recovery. The cause of this disease is unknown. One hypothesis is that genetic factors influence the disease, but there are no data to support this in the scientific literature. In this study, the influence of genetics on this disease was investigated on the basis of clinical and pedigree data from a cattery. Kittens of some dams in this cattery turned out to have a higher risk of corneal sequestra than kittens of other dams, indicating that genetics indeed play a role. The disease also has a high heritability, which implies that by selecting the right breeding animals, breeders can reduce the risk of corneal sequestra in the offspring. DNA analysis of some of the cats from the cattery could not link the disease to a specific region in the DNA, so it is possible that many different genes in different DNA regions are involved in the development of corneal sequestra.Corneal sequestra are ophthalmic lesions that are remarkably common in Persian, Himalayan and exotic cats. In this study, the genetic aspects of this disease were investigated in a population of cats originating from a single cattery. Odds ratios were calculated for parents with affected offspring. The heritability of (owner-reported) corneal sequestra was estimated with a Markov chain Monte Carlo procedure. Well-phenotyped cases and controls were used for a genome-wide association study. Data from 692 cats originating from the cattery, of which 61 were affected, were used. Cats from two specific mothers had significantly higher odds of developing corneal sequestra, but no significant effect of the fathers was found (after correction for the mothers). The heritability of corneal sequestra was estimated to be 0.96. A genome-wide association study with 14 cases and 10 controls did not reveal an associated chromosomal region. The large effect that genetic factors had on the development of corneal sequestra in this study suggests that selective breeding could be an effective way to reduce the prevalence of this condition in these cat breeds.

Inflammatory tinea capitis due to Microsporum canis transmitted from asymptomatic domestic cats

We report a case of Inflammatory tFiinea capitis due to Microsporum canis transmitted from asymptomatic domestic cats. Three of the patient’s Persian cats were revealed to be asymptomatically infected with M. canis and these isolates were confirmed to be same by using a microsatellite marker. We would like to emphasize that asymptomatic cats could be a source of infection of tinea capitis. Tinea capitis is a cutaneous fungal infection of the scalp that is common among children. It is mainly caused by Trichophyton tonsurans and Microsporum (M.) canis.1 M. canis is a dermatophyte fungus of which cats and dogs are natural hosts, which is easily transmitted to humans. A four-year-old girl with no immunodeficiency was referred to our hospital with a four-month history of erythematous lesions on her scalp. The lesions had gradually enlarged despite the use of antibiotics, oral, and topical corticosteroids. A physical examination revealed multiple erythematous lesions with hair loss, crusts, and pustules (Figure 1A). Potassium hydroxide examinations of the hair root and scales showed no fungal elements. A histological examination showed granulomatous inflammation (Figure 1B), histiocytes and a few multinucleated giant cells were present (Figure 1C). Periodic acid-Schiff and Grocott’s staining showed no fungal elements. Culturing of scalp scales obtained by tape stripping on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar at 25°C showed a cream color with a dense cottony surface (Figure 1D). The scraped specimen from the culture showed hyphae and spindle-shaped macroconidia (Figure 1E). The sequence of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region in the ribosomal RNA gene of the strain amplified with the ITS1 and ITS4 primer set2 was 100% homologous (698/698 bp) with that of the type strain M. canis CBS 217.69 (accession number MH859294.1) (data not shown). After 12 weeks of oral treatment with terbinafine (5 mg/kg/day), the hair regrew completely, although crusted erythema was observed (Figure 1F). Fungal cultures from domestic animals performed to estimate the route of infection resulted in the growth of colonies similar to patient isolates from three cats. The molecular biology of the strains was consistent with that isolated from the patient (data not shown). M. canis is classified into 20 genotypes by a combination of microsatellite markers. We attempted to classify this isolate using three primer sets, MS2, MS4, and MS7.3 Capillary electrophoresis did not result in a classification consistent with a previous report3; however, it showed that the peak positions of all isolates were consistent (Figure 1G), suggesting that the M. canis was transmitted from the domestic cats. We did not have a direct evidence that the case was kerion celsi caused by M. canis. However, M. canis grew on the tape stripping culture before treatment but not after treatment, suggesting that the M. canis on the scalp surface was probably pathogenic. Tinea capitis with inflammation mimicking scarring alopecia was reported and its clinical manifestation was similar to that of our case.4 We hypothesize that our patient had strong immunity to M. canis after the topical inoculation of the dermatophytes. There appear to be two routes of M. canis among cats via a pet shop for domesticated animals and via the outdoors in strays.5 Our patient’s Persian cats were purchased from a pet shop. However, the family had many cats and dogs, and they might have had contact with stray animals. A microsatellite marker analysis can be a useful method for tracing the route of transmission. None declared. Approval of the research protocol: No human participant was involved in this study. Informed Consent: The patient has provided informed consent for the publication of the images submitted with this article. Registry and the Registration No.: N/A. Animal Studies: N/A.

Epidemiology and clinical presentation of feline presumed hereditary or breed-related ocular diseases in France: retrospective study of 129 cats.

This study aimed to describe the epidemiology and clinical presentation of presumed hereditary or presumed breed-related ocular diseases in a population of cats in France. Medical records from between September 2013 and August 2017 were reviewed to identify cats with at least one presumed hereditary or breed-related ocular disease. Cats with concurrent, or a history of, ocular or systemic infectious diseases were excluded. Signalment, history and clinical findings were recorded. Of the 1161 cats that presented to our institution during the study period, 129 were diagnosed with at least one presumed hereditary or presumed breed-related ocular disease (11.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 9.3-12.9). Five ocular abnormalities had a prevalence of >1%: entropion, corneal sequestration, persistent pupillary membrane, cataract and retinal dysplasia. The prevalence of entropion was 2.2% (95% CI 1.3-3.0), with Persians (P = 0.03), Maine Coons (P <0.01) and male cats (P <0.01) being over-represented. The prevalence of corneal sequestration was 2.4% (95% CI 1.5-3.3), with Persians (P <0.01) and Exotic Shorthairs (P = 0.02) being over-represented. Persistent pupillary membranes and cataracts had the same prevalence of 2.3% (95% CI 1.5-3.2), with no particular sex or breed significantly over-represented. Retinal dysplasia had a prevalence of 1.6% (95% CI 0.8-2.3) and Persian cats were over-represented (P = 0.04). Anterior segment dysgenesis had a low prevalence (0.9%, 95% CI 0.4-1.5), with all affected cats being domestic shorthairs and this breed therefore was over-represented (P = 0.04). In a French population of cats, presumed hereditary or breed-related ocular diseases accounted for 11.1% of all ocular diseases. Cataracts, corneal sequestration, persistent pupillary membrane, entropion and retinal dysplasia were the most common conditions. Statistical breed over-representation was observed for entropion, corneal sequestration and retinal dysplasia. We recommend that more systematic screening of feline species is conducted.

Anatomy of the nasolacrimal duct in Persian cats determined by computed tomographic dacryocystography.

This study sought to describe the anatomical characteristics of the nasolacrimal duct of Persian cats as observed by computed tomographic dacryocystography. Ten cats weighing 3-6kg (three live cats and seven cadaveric specimens). The animals were submitted to bilateral computed tomographic dacryocystography, totaling 20 nasolacrimal ducts. Dorsal, sagittal, and transverse planes were studied. Two additional skulls were also dissected following latex injection into the nasolacrimal duct. The length and width of the nasolacrimal duct and lacrimal canaliculi, and the distance between the nasolacrimal duct and the root of the upper canine tooth at the point of closest proximity were measured. The nasolacrimal duct followed a convoluted course, particularly in the middle and rostral portions. Duct stenosis (width reduction equal to or >75%) and dilations (width increase equal to or >50%) were also detected, particularly in the rostral portion. Nasolacrimal duct length and width ranged from 1.3 to 1.5cm and 1.5 to 2.3mm, respectively. Mean lacrimal canaliculus length and width corresponded to 3.1mm and 0.4mm, respectively. Mean distance from the nasolacrimal duct to the canine tooth was 2.4mm. The root of this tooth interfered with the course of the nasolacrimal duct. This study provided anatomical information for clinical assessment of the nasolacrimal drainage system in Persian cats.

An ancient haplotype containing antimicrobial peptide gene variants is associated with severe fungal skin disease in Persian cats.

Dermatophytosis, also known as ringworm, is a contagious fungal skin disease affecting humans and animals worldwide. Persian cats exhibit severe forms of the disease more commonly than other breeds of cat, including other long-haired breeds. Certain types of severe dermatophytosis in humans are reportedly caused by monogenic inborn errors of immunity. The goal of this study was to identify genetic variants in Persian cats contributing to the phenotype of severe dermatophytosis. Whole-genome sequencing of case and control Persian cats followed by a genome-wide association study identified a highly divergent, disease-associated haplotype on chromosome F1 containing the S100 family of genes. S100 calcium binding protein A9 (S100A9), which encodes a subunit of the antimicrobial heterodimer known as calprotectin, contained 13 nonsynonymous variants between cases and controls. Evolutionary analysis of S100A9 haplotypes comparing cases, controls, and wild felids suggested the divergent disease-associated haplotype was likely introgressed into the domestic cat lineage and maintained via balancing selection. We demonstrated marked upregulation of calprotectin expression in the feline epidermis during dermatophytosis, suggesting involvement in disease pathogenesis. Given this divergent allele has been maintained in domestic cat and wildcat populations, this haplotype may have beneficial effects against other pathogens. The pathogen specificity of this altered protein should be investigated before attempting to reduce the allele frequency in the Persian cat breed. Further work is needed to clarify if severe Persian dermatophytosis is a monogenic disease or if hidden disease-susceptibility loci remain to be discovered. Consideration should be given to engineering antimicrobial peptides such as calprotectin for topical treatment of dermatophytosis in humans and animals.

Closure times of neurocranial sutures and synchondroses in Persian compared to Domestic Shorthair cats

Human-directed selective breeding has modified the phenotype of the modern Persian cat towards an extreme brachycephalic phenotype (‘peke-face’ Persian), which originates from a spontaneous mutation that first appeared in the 1950s in traditional Persian types. It was suggested that the peke-face phenotype results from pathologic skull development and might represent a craniosynostosis of the coronal sutures. We followed this hypothesis and investigated the time dependent status of the neurocranial sutures and synchondroses in an ontogenetic series of doll-faced and peke-faced Persian cats compared to Domestic Shorthair cats (DSHs). Cranial suture closure was assessed by examining an ontogenetic series of formalin-fixed head specimens (n = 55) and dry skulls (n = 32) using micro-computed tomography. Sagittal, metopic, coronal and lambdoid sutures as well as intersphenoidal, spheno-occipital and spheno-ethmoid synchondroses were examined. Logistic regression analysis was performed to test the global effect of age on suture closure within a group of peke-face Persians, doll-face Persians and DSHs and the 50% probability of having a closed suture was calculated and compared between groups. Age was a perfect predictor for the condition of the coronal sutures in peke-face Persians. Coronal sutures were found to be closed at 0–0.3 months. In doll-face and DSHs, coronal sutures were open throughout the lifetime with the exception of a few very old cats. Results of this study confirmed a coronal craniosynostosis that likely causes the extreme brachycephalic skull morphology in the peke-face Persian.

Analysis of Dermatophytosis Therapy at Persian Cat After Using Apple Vinegar (Malus domestica)

Dermatophytosis is a skin disease that mostly infects Persian cats caused by microorganisms, Microsoprum canis. Fungal diseases are often repeated on the surface of the cat's skin and the treatment is still using synthetic chemical-based drugs. Therefore, it is necessary to use a natural antifungal that is economically easy to obtain and can minimize side effects when the cat is undergoing treatment. The purpose of this study was to analyze the response of skin surface in Persian cats (Felis sp.) after using apple cider vinegar. The method used to analyze is a qualitative descriptive method with triangulation techniques. After analyzing the eradication of fungi in 4 samples of Persian cats (Felis sp.) through the use of apple cider vinegar, it was found that the use of apple cider vinegar can eradicate fungi in Persian cats. The cat that had been treated with apple cider vinegar experienced a very good change, where the cat was no longer scratching his body intensely because he felt very itchy caused by the fungus, and his body was clean and had no more fungal crusts. After the fungus is completely removed from the cat's body, the cat's hair will immediately grow by itself. The conclusion is apple cider vinegar can be used for dermatophytosis therapy systemic because it has the ability to inhibit pathogenic fungi activity.

Complicated corneal ulceration in cats: diagnosis and treatment outcomes of 80 cases (2014-2018)

The study describes the most common clinical and endoscopic findings associated with complicated corneal ulcers in cats and evaluates the short-term outcomes after surgical interventions. Eighty client-owned cats of different breeds with corneal ulcers were included. Cats were clinically evaluated to initially determine corneal abnormalities. Endoscopic examination of the corneas was performed to determine anterior and posterior segments’ abnormalities. Non-healing superficial ulcer was treated by superficial keratectomy and deep stromal ulcers were treated using conjunctival flaps. Corneal sequestrum were treated by partial keratectomies and conjunctival flaps. Anterior synechiae were treated via peripheral iridectomy and separation of the adhesion between the iris and the inner cornea. Symblepharon were treated by removal of the adhered conjunctival membrane from the cornea. Unresponsive endophthalmitis was treated surgically by exenteration. Outcomes after surgical managements of selected corneal abnormalities were assessed clinically and endoscopically. Non-healing superficial ulcer, deep stromal ulcer with descemetocele, endophthalmitis, symblepharon, corneal sequestration and anterior synechiae with secondary glaucoma and corneal scarring were the recorded complications of corneal ulcer. FHV-1 was a common etiologic factor of corneal ulceration. Persistent corneal scars of varying shape and size developed in cats with deep stromal ulcer, anterior synechiae, and corneal sequestration. Domestic shorthaired and Persian cats were the most predisposed breeds to FHV-1 infection and subsequent corneal ulceration. Management of patients with corneal ulcer would prevent serious complications. No age or sex predisposition to complicated corneal ulceration in cats was noticed.

Echocardiographic measurements of apparently Healthy Persian cats

Background:The objective of this study is to determine normal values for 2-Dimension (2D) and Motion-mode (M-mode) echocardiographic parameters in apparently healthy Persian cats. Apparently normal cats should be screened for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Aim: This study has two aims, first, to determine the normal M-mode and 2D echocardiographic measurements in Persian cats obtained from right lateral recumbent position and express the relation of these measurements with gender, age and body weight. Second, to study the prevalence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Persian cats. Materials and Methods: Seventy eight (78) apparently healthy Persian cats, weighing between 2 and 5 kg, age range (2 to 14) years and of both sexes were enrolled in this study. Cats were subjected to M-mode echocardiography. Measurements from the right parasternal longitudinal axis left ventricular outflow tract view of the heart. Left ventricular internal dimension, interventricular septal thickness and left ventricular posterior wall thickness during diastole and systole, left atrial diameter, aortic root diameter, left ventricular systolic functional parameters, and indices were all measured. Left ventricular hypertrophy was identified when posterior wall during end of diastole ≥ 6 mm. So a separated group was made for Persian cats whose Posterior wall during diastole ≥ 6 mm to detect the apparently healthy Persian cats with Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Results: Gender showed statistically significant on heart rate (p=0.002). Age has statistical significant on left ventricle posterior wall during diastole. Body weight has statistical significance on left ventricle posterior wall during systole. Gender, age and weight have no effect on left ventricle internal diameter during systole and diastole, interventricular septum during systole and diastole, Left atrium and aorta. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is identified in 12 (15.3%) of the 78 examined cats. Conclusion: Gender has no effect on echocardiographic measurements except Heart rate is higher in females than in males, posterior wall during diastole increase by increasing age and posterior wall during systole increase by increasing body weight. Apparently normal cats should be screened for HCM.

Review: Contemporary Political Cinema, by Matthew Holtmeier

Review: <i>Contemporary Political Cinema</i>, by Matthew Holtmeier

Comparison of conjunctival microbiota of clinically normal Persian cats with and without nasolacrimal duct obstruction

This study was performed to determine the conjunctival microbiota of Persian cats with and without nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). Twenty-five Persian cats: 15 with bilateral NLDO (Group A) and 10 with no NLDO (Group B). All fifty eyes were assessed. Sterile swab applicators were used for the collection of specimens, which were cultured. PCR was performed on conjunctival swab and blood samples for the detection of Mycoplasma spp. and feline herpesvirus 1(FHV-1), respectively. FHV-1 was detected in two cats in Group A. Twelve eyes from Group A and four from Group B were Mycoplasma spp. positive based on the PCR results. Moreover, fungal culture was positive in six eyes from Group A and three eyes from Group B. The dominant fungus isolated was Aspergillus spp. (6 out of 11 fungal isolates). Other isolated fungi were Alternaria spp. and Cladosporidium spp. Twenty-three eyes had positive bacterial culture in Group A, while twelve eyes were positive in Group B. The most commonly isolated bacteria were Staphylococcus epidermidis (15 out of 38 bacterial isolates). β-hemolytic Streptococcus spp., Corynebacterium spp., and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated in similar proportions in both groups. Escherichia coli was also present in both groups. Results of this study revealed same isolated fungal and bacterial spp. and in similar proportions in Persian cats with and without NLDO.

Correlation of brachycephaly grade with level of exophthalmos, reduced airway passages and degree of dental malalignment' in Persian cats.

For many years, there has been a trend to breed cats with an increasing degree of brachycephalic head features, which are known to have a severe impact on the animals’ health and welfare. The direct relation between different grades of brachycephaly and their negative implications have not been researched in this species. The aim of this study was therefore to establish correlations between the different grades of brachycephaly and reduced upper respiratory airways, exophthalmos of the eye globes and malalignment of the teeth in Persian cats. Sixty-nine Persian cats of various skull dimensions and ten Domestic shorthair cats were recruited for the study. The cats’ skulls were examined using three-dimensional reconstructions created from Computed Tomography datasets. Brachycephaly was graded using established craniometric measurements (facial index, cranial index, skull index, craniofacial angle). The flow area of the nasal passageways at different locations, the amount of the eye globe not supported by the bony orbit and the axial deviation of the teeth were quantified and evaluated for a correlation with the grade of brachycephaly. The results of this study clearly show that increased grades of brachycephaly in Persian cats resulted in larger extra-orbital parts of the ocular bulbs. The brachycephalic skull dimension also resulted in a lower height of the naso-osseal aperture, while other areas of the nasal airways were not correlated with the severity of brachycephaly. Persian cats showed a significantly increased occurrence of premolar tooth displacement in the upper jaw with increasing brachycephaly grades. It was interesting to note that the measured values had a broad range and values of some individual Persian cats showed an overlap with those of Domestic shorthair cats.