Domestic Shorthair Research Articles

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.

Traumatic 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.

Ruptured jejunal diverticulum in a 7‐month‐old domestic shorthair cat

Ruptured jejunal diverticulum in a 7‐month‐old domestic shorthair cat

Radiographic and ultrasonographic appearance of pyometra with unilateral uterine torsion in a domestic shorthair cat.

An 8-year-old female domestic shorthair, presenting for a 3-day history of lethargy and hyporexia, was obtunded, dehydrated, tachypneic, and had abdominal distension on physical exam with no vaginal discharge or pyrexia. Abdominal radiographs revealed a large, ovoid soft tissue mass and a tortuous, tubular soft tissue structure in the abdomen. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a severely fluid-distended uterus with a left uterine torsion, which was demonstrated by a "whirl sign." Emergency ovariohysterectomy surgically confirmed a 360° torsion of the left uterine horn with a fluid-distended right uterine horn. Histopathology confirmed a diagnosis of pyometra, and the cat recovered uneventfully.

Primary immune‐mediated neutropenia and precursor‐targeted immune‐mediated anaemia in a 4‐year‐old cat

AbstractA 4‐year‐old, female, neutered, domestic shorthair was presented for acute onset of lethargy. The cat had been diagnosed with and treated for precursor‐targeted immune‐mediated anaemia 2 years before presentation. The clinical examination was unremarkable. Haematology and biochemistry revealed neutropenia and hyperglobulinaemia. Electrophoresis revealed polyclonal gammopathy. Toxoplasma spp. IgG/IgM, Bartonella spp., feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus serology were negative. Urine culture was negative. A computed tomography scan of the thorax and abdomen revealed an enlarged spleen, and cytology was suggestive of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. Bone marrow aspirates and biopsies were supportive of primary immune‐mediated neutropenia and recurrence of precursor‐targeted immune‐mediated anaemia. The cat was treated successfully with prednisolone and cyclosporine. The necessity to perform a bone marrow biopsy should be highlighted in this case, as the diagnosis of precursor‐targeted immune‐mediated anaemia and immune‐mediated neutropenia was based on bone marrow sampling, exclusion of infectious disorders and response to immunosuppressive medications.

Palatal dysgenesis in a feline causing complete obstruction of the nasopharynx: A case report.

The nasopharyngeal disease is common in felines. Nasopharyngeal stenosis is uncommonly a congenital problem, with most cases being secondary to other diseases. An 8-month-old male neutered domestic shorthair presented with a chief complaint of chronic nasal congestion, open-mouth breathing, and discharge. CT was performed, and palatal dysgenesis resulting in complete nasopharyngeal obstruction, secondary nasopharyngitis, and rostral nasal turbinate lysis were found. This was confirmed by an endoscopic evaluation of the nasopharynx region, which demonstrated a lack of connection between the nasopharynx and oropharynx. This is the first CT report documenting congenital palate dysgenesis resulting in complete obstruction of the nasopharynx.

Clinical, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography imaging findings in a young cat with epidural pyogranulomatous steatitis

AbstractA 4‐month‐old male domestic shorthair cat with a 36‐h history of acute and progressive painful paraplegia was referred. The neurological examination was consistent with T3‒L3 myelopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracolumbar region revealed an extradural mass at the level of T12‒T13 that caused moderate spinal cord compression. The cat underwent T12‒T13 dorsal laminectomy decompressive surgery, and its neurological signs improved shortly after surgery. A diagnosis of epidural spinal steatitis was reached based on histopathological examination of the compressive mass. To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first description of the magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomographic findings of histopathologically confirmed idiopathic sterile pyogranulomatous inflammation of epidural fat in a cat. Epidural idiopathic sterile pyogranulomatous steatitis should be included as a possible differential diagnosis in young cats with acute and progressive T3‒L3 myelopathy signs.

Ventricular pre-excitation in an elderly cat

An 18-year-old female neutered Domestic Shorthair cat was referred for investigation of seizure-like episodes. Physical and neurological examination were unremarkable, as were systemic arterial blood pressure, cardiac troponin I, complete blood count and biochemistry profile. Diagnostic tests included transthoracic echocardiography which ruled out any structural cardiomyopathy, and electrocardiography which showed an underlying regular wide QRS-complex rhythm with pronounced shortening of the PR interval. Considering the findings, a diagnosis of suspected ventricular pre-excitation secondary to an accessory pathway was made. Further investigations were declined and, as no periods of tachycardia were seen on the five-minute electrocardiogram, no antiarrhythmic treatment was started.

Surgical Treatment of a Perinephric Pseudocyst in a Five-Month-Old Female Cat

Introduction: A perinephric pseudocyst is characterized by the accumulation of fluid within fibrous sacs surrounding one or both kidneys, typically located in the sub-capsular or extracapsular areas. Histologically, these cysts lack an epithelial lining, thus earning the term "pseudocyst." This condition is uncommon in cats and is often associated with chronic kidney disease, particularly in older animals. Diagnosis relies heavily on imaging modalities, and prognosis varies based on the severity of renal impairment. The present case report aimed to detail the diagnosis and treatment of a rare perinephric pseudocyst in a 5-month-old female domestic short-haired cat. Case report: A left perinephric pseudocyst was diagnosed in a 5-month-old female domestic short-haired cat weighing 4.7 kg, presented to Guilan Pet Hospital, Guilan, Iran in January 2021 with a history of abdominal distention and anorexia. Physical examination revealed distension on the left side of the abdomen without any other significant findings. Complete blood count was within normal limits, while the biochemical profile showed elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Cr) levels at the upper limits of the reference range, along with elevated glucose and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels above the reference range. Plain radiography revealed a large mass on the left side of the abdomen, and ultrasonography confirmed the presence of anechoic fluid surrounding the left kidney. Subsequently, a unilateral nephrectomy was performed. Following surgery, the cat owner reported satisfaction with the outcome, and the cat showed no signs of illness during follow-up examinations over the next six months. Both complete blood count and biochemical profiles remained within normal ranges. Conclusion: While perinephric pseudocyst is rare in young cats, it should be considered in cases of abdominal distention and renomegaly. Utilizing imaging is crucial for diagnosis, and nephrectomy proves to be a reliable treatment, ensuring both owner satisfaction and positive results for the cat's health.

Evaluation of darbepoetin therapy on platelet count and function in healthy cats and cats with surgically induced chronic kidney disease.

To evaluate the effects of darbepoetin on platelet population and reactivity in healthy cats (HCs) and azotemic cats with remnant kidney (RK) model-induced chronic kidney disease. 12 purpose-bred domestic shorthair cats (n = 6 HCs and n = 6 RK). In this pilot study, all cats received darbepoetin (1 µg/kg, SC) on days 0, 7, and 14. Blood was sampled at baseline and on days 3, 10, 15, 17, 20, and 21. At each time point, a CBC was performed, platelet aggregometry was assessed by impedance and optical methods, and platelet P-selectin (CD62P) was quantified before and after thrombin stimulation. Additionally, reticulated platelets were quantified using both thiazole orange staining and proprietary analysis by the CBC analyzer. For RK cats, systemic blood pressure (BP) was serially measured. No adverse effects of darbepoetin were seen. There was no statistically significant change in platelet count between or within groups at any time point. Hematocrit increased significantly over time in the RK but not the HC group. RBC reticulocyte numbers in both groups increased over time. Reticulated platelet percentage did not increase in either group. Differences in platelet reactivity within or between groups were not seen in the aggregometry or flow cytometric assessments. In RK cats, indirect BP did not significantly change during the study. This preliminary investigation did not find evidence that darbepoetin administration impacted platelet number, reactivity, nor reticulated platelet count. Anemic RK cats experienced increased hematocrit and RBC reticulocytes as expected with darbepoetin therapy.

Transfusion reaction in a domestic short hair cat

Transfusion reaction in a domestic short hair cat

Case report: Dermatophytic pseudomycetoma in a domestic Korean short hair cat treated with intralesional injection of amphotericin B and oral terbinafine administration

Case report: Dermatophytic pseudomycetoma in a domestic Korean short hair cat treated with intralesional injection of amphotericin B and oral terbinafine administration

Renal alterations in cats (Felis catus) housed in shelters and affected by systemic AA-amyloidosis: Clinicopathological data, histopathology, and ultrastructural features.

AA-amyloidosis is frequent in shelter cats, and chronic kidney disease is the foremost cause of death. The aims were to describe kidney laboratory and microscopic findings in shelter cats with AA-amyloidosis. Cats were included if kidney specimens were collected post-mortem and laboratory data were available within 6 months before death. Renal lesions were evaluated with optical and electron microscopy. Mass spectrometry was used to characterize amyloid. Nine domestic short-hair cats were included; 4 females and 5 males with a median age of 8 years (range = 2-13). All cats had blood analyses and urinalyses available. Serum creatinine concentrations were increased in 6 cats and symmetric dimethylarginine was increased in all of the cats. All of the cats had proteinuria. Eight of 9 cats had amyloid in the medulla, and 9 had amyloid in the cortex (glomeruli). All cats had amyloid in the interstitium. Six cats had concurrent interstitial nephritis and 1 had membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. All cats had extrarenal amyloid deposits. Amyloid was AA in each case. In conclusion, renal deposition of amyloid occurs in both cortex and medulla in shelter cats and is associated with azotemia and proteinuria. Renal involvement of systemic AA-amyloidosis should be considered in shelter cats with chronic kidney disease. The cat represents a natural model of renal AA-amyloidosis.

Polyarthritis associated with clinical Hepatozoon felis infection in a domestic cat

AbstractA 10‐year‐old, female, neutered, domestic shorthair cat was referred for evaluation of lethargy and pyrexia, unresponsive to treatment with meloxicam, potentiated amoxicillin and marbofloxacin. Radiographs of the elbows and tarsi revealed marked periosteal reaction and joint effusion. Arthrocentesis was consistent with a suppurative polyarthritis. Hepatozoonosis was suspected following identification of a Hepatozoon gametocyte, during buffy coat assessment. Diagnosis was confirmed with a positive Hepatozoon felis polymerase chain reaction on a whole blood sample. The cat received a 4‐week course of oral doxycycline, which resulted in normalisation of body temperature, lameness and demeanour. Almost 18 months following diagnosis and treatment, the patient is clinically normal. This case shows that hepatozoonosis should be considered as a differential in cats with a history of foreign travel presenting with polyarthritis.