Tom Cat Research Articles

Reversible control of reproduction in tom cats: medical options for manipulating libido and fertility.

There has been a growing interest in alternatives to surgery for controlling reproduction in tom cats, and the resultant medical options add to a practitioner's toolbox when handling these cases in clinical practice. It is important, however, that when suggesting these drugs, veterinarians have a good understanding of their mode of action, and their correct use and dosage. Breeders increasingly wish to be able to switch on/off the reproductive ability of their tom cats in a controlled manner. In addition, in small animal medicine, there has been concern from some academics, and a growing number of pet cat owners, about potential long-term effects of surgical sterilisation. Further, for some cats surgical castration may not be possible due to health conditions that mean anaesthesia is unsafe. In all of these scenarios, medical alternatives to surgery can prove useful. No special equipment or technical skills are required. A good knowledge of the medical alternatives to surgical sterilisation for controlling reproduction in a tom, and making sure the patient is a suitable candidate, are, however, important for ensuring the cat's health during and after treatment and the owner's satisfaction. This review is aimed principally (but not exclusively) at veterinary practitioners working with cat breeders who seek a temporary arrest in their tom cat's reproduction. It may also help practitioners with clients who would like an alternative to surgery or with cats where anaesthesia for surgical castration is not possible. Advances in reproductive feline medicine have resulted in improved knowledge of medical contraception. This review draws on scientific evidence-based papers that report on the mode of action, length of efficacy and potential side effects of different methods of medical contraception, as well as the authors' own clinical experience.

Surgical management of eventration of lung in a tom cat

Surgical management of eventration of lung in a tom cat

“CLASS: Cloud Log Assuring Soundness and Secrecy” Scheme for Cloud Forensics

Abstract-User activity logs can be a valuable source of information in cloud forensic investigations; hence, ensuring the reliability and integrity of such logs is crucial. Most existing solutions for secure logging are designed for conventional systems rather than the complexity of a cloud environment. In this paper, we propose the Cloud Log Assuring Soundness and Secrecy (CLASS) process as an alternative scheme for the securing of logs in a cloud environment. In CLASS, logs are encrypted using the individual user’s public key so that only the user is able to decrypt the content. In order to prevent unauthorized modification of the log, we generate proof of past log (PPL) using Rabin’s fingerprint and Bloom filter. Such an approach reduces verification time significantly. Findings from our experiments deploying CLASS in OpenStack demonstrate the utility of CLASS in a real-world context Keywords- Cloud Log, Cloud Computing, Virtual Machine, Cloud Server, Apache Tom cat, Java.

Ultrasonographical and Histopathological Diagnosis of Anal Sacculitis in Dogs

The objectives of the present experimental study were to induce an experimental anal sacculitis in dog and investigate its effects on anal sac ultrasonography scanning and Histopathological evaluation of anal sac post anal saculectomy. Four dogs were used; three male & one female related to different breeds. They were collected from the clinic at the Faculty of veterinary medicine-Alexandria University and pets private clinic in Alexandria Governorate and animal health center at Alexandria. All dogs subjected to U/S scanning and then artificial ligation of anal sac ducts was performed under the effect of general anesthesia by using the tom cat catheter as duct landmark. Ligation the duct over the skin by proline 0/2 or silk 0/2 in suture. Regular follow up weekly for clinical signs appear and Ultrasonographic scanning every 2 week. Conclusions; the best methods of diagnosis depends up ultrasonographic scanning and laboratory examination and histopathological examination. Surgical removal of anal sac and its gland after 2 months of ligation induce good healing in the wound, the skin and hair coat growth normally.

Histological Features of the Accessory Sex Gland of Indigenous Tom cat (Felis catus)

The study was aimed to investigate the histological characteristics of the Tomcats accessory sex glands. A total of six indigenous Tom cats were used in this study. The samples of the ampulla of ductus deferens, prostate and bulbourethral glands were collected and fixed in 10% buffered formalin saline, and processed with routine paraffin technique. The tissue sections were stained by Hematoxyline & Eosin, Masson's trichrom and PAS stains. Results showed that the mucosa of ampulla has composed of tunica mucosa, muscularis, and adventitia. The tunica mucosa lined by mucous secreting cells which showed negative reaction for PAS stain and non-secreting cells which have intense reaction for PAS stain. The tunica muscularis composed of circular oriented smooth muscle fibers. The tunica adventia composed of dense irregular collagenous connective tissue. Prostate was large tubuloalveolar gland, surrounded the pelvic urethra; the gland consisted of very thick peri urethral tunica mucosa which lined with transitional epithelium. The prostatic lamina propria composed of collagen bundles, tubuloalveolar glands and manifested by many of like cavernous tissue wide veins. The prostate glandular epithelium was pseudo stratified columnar to low cuboidal which showed intense reaction for PAS stain. The muscularis of prostate composed of thick layer of skeletal muscle cells. The bulbourethral glands surrounded by a thick fibro-muscular capsule whose septa subdivided the gland into lobules. Each lobule composed of tubuloalveolar secretory units. The secretory units were lined by pseudo stratified to simple columnar epithelium supported by a thin layer of myoepithelial cells surrounds each alveolus. The cytoplasm of epithelial secretory units contained acidic secretory granules with Alcian blue (2.5pH) stains (fig.11, 12 & 13). It was concluded that tom cat's accessory glands has devoid of seminal vesicles and has well developed and functional prostate and bulbourethral glands.

Preliminary investigation on feline coronavirus presence in the reproductive tract of the tom cat as a potential route of viral transmission.

ObjectivesFeline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is an immune-mediated disease initiated by feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection. To date, the only proven route of transmission is the faecal–oral route, but a possible localisation of FCoV in the reproductive tract of tom cats is of concern, owing to the involvement of the male reproductive tract during FIP and to the presence of reproduction disorders in FCoV-endemic feline catteries. The aim of the study was to investigate the presence and localisation of FCoV in semen and/or in the reproductive tract of tom cats, and its possible association with seroconversion and viraemic phase.MethodsBlood, serum, semen and/or testicle samples were obtained from 46 tom cats. Serology was performed on 38 serum samples, nested reverse transcriptase PCR (nRT-PCR) and reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were performed on 39 blood samples and on 17 semen samples, and histology, immunohistochemistry and nRT-PCR were performed on 39 testicles.ResultsTwenty-four of 38 serum samples were positive on serology. Semen samples were negative on RT-PCR and RT-qPCR for FCoV, while all blood samples were negative at both molecular methods, except for one sample positive at RT-qPCR with a very low viral load. All testicles were negative at immunohistochemistry, while six were positive at nRT-PCR for FCoV. Serology and blood PCR results suggest that the virus was present in the environment, stimulating transient seroconversion. FCoV seems not to localise in the semen of tom cats, making the venereal route as a way of transmission unlikely. Although viral RNA was found in some testicles, it could not be correlated with the viraemic phase.Conclusions and relevanceIn the light of these preliminary results, artificial insemination appears safer than natural mating as it eliminates the direct contact between animals, thus diminishing the probability of faecal–oral FCoV transmission.

149 Preliminary Results of the Oxytocin Treatment on the Collection of Cat Semen by Urethral Catheterization After Pharmacological Induction

Urethral catheterization after pharmacological induction (Ur.Ca.P.I.) has been developed as a method to collect semen from cats (Zambelli et al. 2008 Theriogenology 69, 485-490). This procedure is based on contraction of the vas deferens induced by the α-agonist medetomidine and the subsequent release of sperm into the urethra. To ensure adequate sedation, the medetomidine dosage is 130 µg kg−1. Usually, a single collection of semen is done by catheterization immediately after medetomidine takes effect. A 3.5 French (Fr) gauge urinary tom cat catheter with the tip cut is inserted 90 mm deep into the urethra. Even in the absence of clinical signs, the cut catheter tip may cause minor trauma to the urethral mucosa. Aims of this study were to test a new catheter and evaluate effects of oxytocin administration on quality and quantity of semen collected. The study was performed on 8 client-owned, pubertal domestic cats, 10 to 18 months old. These cats were randomly allocated into 2 groups: control and treatment, with 3 and 5 cats, respectively. In each group, 2 semen collections were performed. The catheter had a diameter of 4 Fr and a rounded tip without mandrel and it was inserted 90 mm deep. In both groups, the first collection was performed as effects of medetomidine were apparent. In the control group, the second collection was done 10 min later. However, in the treated group, 5 IU of oxytocin was injected intramuscularly immediately after semen collection, with the second collection performed 10 min later. Semen was evaluated for volume, concentration, rate of progressive motility, curvilinear speed (VCL), morphology, and vitality. Comparisons between collections and between groups were done with a Student’s t-test. Comparing the second versus first collection in the control group, there was only an increase in volume (9.33 v. 2.67 µL; P < 0.05). In contrast, in the oxytocin group, all parameters evaluated were better (P < 0.05) for the second collection. As expected, the first collection was not different between the 2 groups for any parameter. However, for the second collection, there were differences (P < 0.05) between the oxytocin and the control group for volume (12.6 v. 3.7 µL), concentration (1252.6 v. 858 × 106 sperm mL−1), progressive motility (90.2 v. 77.8%), VCL (137.71 v. 117.94 µm s−1), morphologically normal sperm (87.0 v. 81.4%), and vitality (86.4 v. 82.8%). Oxytocin may be involved in mobilization of sperm from the epididymis. We concluded that oxytocin improved recovery of sperm from epididymal reserves, resulting in sperm with better morphology and function than those present in the vas deferens.

Trypanosoma evansi infection in a cat—a rare case

A seventeen-month-old tom cat was presented to the hospital with the history of pyrexia, unable to stand with forelimbs and abnormal mentation. Trypanosoma evansi organisms were detected in the stained peripheral blood smears collected from the cat. The cat had anemia, hypoglycemia and hypoalbuminemia. The cat was successfully treated with injection diminazene aceturate along with other supportive medication and uneventfully recovery was noticed by the sixth day in his activities.

Sperm evaluation of Jungle Cat (Felis chaus) obtained by urethral catheterization (CT) after medetomidine administration

This study aimed to evaluate semen from Jungle Cat (Felis chaus) by urethral catheterization (CT) after medetomidine administration that offers feasible and different approaches to obtaining good quality sperm, especially in wild felids. Accordingly, this method was tested in five Jungle Cats. After general anesthesia with the α2-agonist medetomidine (which also stimulates semen release into the urethra) and ketamine, an abdomen ultrasound was performed to locate dilation of the first segment of the urethra (prostatic urethra). A commercial Tom cat urinary catheter 3–5 (depending on the size of the animal) was advanced into the urethra to reach the semen full dilated primary region of the urethra, so as to allow semen collection into the lumen of the catheter by capillary forces. After retraction, sperm volumes between 69 ± 27.92 yielded motility of 77.13 ± 14.15 (mean ± SD) with a mean sperm concentration of 75.13 ± 17.05 million/ml. The results of this study showed that semen collection in jungle cat is feasible, using this method. This study describes a simple, useful in field, inexpensive method which does not require the training of the animal and is better than other methods. Samples have normal pH, suitable color and consolidation, high concentration and lower contamination with excellent motility in Jungle Cat and potentially, other wild felid species, as an alternative to electro-ejaculation.

Diagnosis and treatment of a functional follicular cyst in a Persian queen cat: A case report

In the present report, diagnosis and treatment of a case with follicular ovarian cysts in a 5-year-old Persian queen cat is described. In response to palpation of spines, the queen cat presented herself in lordosis and danced up and down with her rear legs. Trans-abdominal ultrasonography examination showed 2 cysts in the left ovary of the queen. Serum estrogen assay indicated elevated level of 17 β-estradiol concentration (105 pg/ml). However, progesterone concentration was normal (0.3 ng/ml). Accordingly, the queen was diagnosed with functional follicular cysts. The queen was treated with an administration of hCG intra-muscularly. Thirty (30) days after the administration of hCG, an injection of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) (50 IU) was given intra-muscularly. Natural mating was done with a fertile Persian tom cat. In conclusion, it seems that treatment of functional follicular cysts can be applied to preserve fertility in cats.

156 LAPAROSCOPIC UTERINE EMBRYO TRANSFER IN THE CAT

In the first successful transfer of cat embryos (Theriogenology 11, 51–62), the uterus was accessed by midventral laparotomy. That surgical approach was the most widely used method for transferring cat embryos for more than two decades. Then, 10 to 15 years ago pregnancies were reported after early cleavage stage embryos were transferred to the oviduct of recipients using a laparoscopic technique. Even though laparoscopic oviducal embryo transfer has produced higher survival/pregnancy rates than were obtained previously there are valid reasons for establishing a minimally invasive, technically simple method for depositing morulae and blastocysts into the uterus of recipients. Thus, the purpose of the present project was to develop a technique for laparoscopic uterine embryo transfer in the cat. Recipients (n = 4) were gonadotropin-treated females (Theriogenology 81, 126–37) from which prevoulatory oocytes (n = 27–42/retrieval) had been recovered 7 or 8 days previously. The procedure for accessing the reproductive tract has been described (Theriogenology 71, 864–71). Briefly, after abdominal insufflation via a Veress needle, two 5-mm ports were inserted in the midline – one ~2.5 cm anterior to the umbilicus and the other between the two most posterior teats. An endoscope/camera and a Babcock forceps were placed in the anterior and posterior ports, respectively. After the left uterine horn was stabilised with the Veress needle, the Babcock forceps were gently applied at ~2–3 cm from the anterior tip. In the first two attempts, a 16 g × 5 cm thin-walled stainless steel (s.s.) trocar/cannula was inserted transabdominally such that it aligned with the anterior portion of the left uterine horn when elevated with the forceps. Then, either a 14-cm, 3.5 Fr tom cat catheter with a s.s. sharp-tipped stylette or a 20/22 g × 6 cm indwelling catheter was passed through the s.s. cannula and inserted into the uterine horn. In each case, the length of the s.s. cannula restricted depth of insertion of the catheter into the horn. Polyethylene tubing (PE10) containing the embryos was threaded through the catheter and embryos were expelled with a 1-mL threaded-plunger syringe. The failure to establish pregnancies after transfer of five or six Day 7 or Day 8 IVF-derived “fresh” embryos into the first two recipients was attributed to technical difficulties. So, for the third and fourth procedures, we shortened the s.s. trocar/cannula to 2.5 cm and, for insertion into the horn, a 20/22 g × 6 cm indwelling catheter was used. With the third procedure, in which cryopreserved d 8 IVF blastocysts were transferred into a Day 7 recipient, the failure was possibility due sub-optimal in vitro development of embryos after thawing on d 7. For the fourth transfer, 6 “fresh” Day 8 IVF blastocysts – 2 expanding and 4 in the early stages of emerging from the zona pellucida – were auto-transferred into a 3-year-old recipient. A singleton pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography on Day 28 and a live, healthy male kitten (119 g) was born on Day 67. In summary, we demonstrated the feasibility of transferring in vitro-derived cat embryos into the uterus of recipients by the minimally invasive technique of laparoscopy.

Cat affected with sarcoptic mange in Y. S. R. District of Andhra Pradesh, India

Sarcoptes scabiei infestation in cats was rare. A 1-year-old tom cat was presented to the clinic with recurrent dermatitis, emaciation, severe itching and presence of skin lesions over the face, forehead and ears. Microscopic examination of skin scrapings from the skin lesions revealed the presence of mites. Based on the morphology of the mites, sarcoptic mange was confirmed. Cat was treated with parenteral ivermectin and supportive therapy. Complete recovery was observed by the fifteenth day of treatment.

There’s a Mouse Hiding in This Book! by Benjamin Bird (review)

Reviewed by: There’s a Mouse Hiding in This Book! by Benjamin Bird Thaddeus Andracki Bird, Benjamin There’s a Mouse Hiding in This Book!; written and illus. by Benjamin Bird. Capstone, 2014 [32p] Paper over board ISBN 978-1-62370-125-3 $9.95 Reviewed from galleys Ad 4-7 yrs Right from the title page, Tom Cat (yes, of Tom and Jerry fame) lets audiences know that a mouse is loose in his book. Viewers are encouraged to help him in his hunt for Jerry, through a mousehole, across a field of mousetraps, and under falling paint, while turning pages, shaking the book, and blowing to clean up the mess—right up to the end, where the book can be snapped shut, trapping the mouse until next time. This book’s frenzied chase captures the tone of the classic cartoon and the familiar faces might offer some appeal. However, its rather prosaic approach to the interactive genre (“I can hear him breathing. Can’t you? Shut your eyes and listen closely”) lacks the whimsy of classics like Schwarz’s There Are Cats in This Book, the inventiveness of Tullet’s Press Here, or even the grabby humor of recent additions like Lehrhaupt’s Warning: Do Not Open This Book! (BCCB 9/13). The evenly saturated digital illustrations have the polished sheen of animated classics, complete with comic-book style speech bubbles and colorful onomatopoeia, but the attempt to pack in the frenetic energy of a TV cartoon often clutters the page and makes the illustrations difficult to follow. Still, storytime leaders who’ve gone through aforementioned titles several times will likely be happy to have one more interactive tale to add to their bag of tricks. Copyright © 2014 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

Suppression of fertility in adult cats.

Cats are animals with highly efficient reproduction, clearly pointing to a need for suppression of fertility. Although surgical contraception is highly effective, it is not always the method of choice. This is predominantly because it is cost-intensive, time-consuming and irreversible, with the latter being of major importance for cat breeders. This article reviews the use of progestins, scleroting agents, immunocontraception, melatonin, GnRH antagonists and finally, GnRH agonists, in adult male and female cats in detail, according to the present state of the art. By now, various scientific and clinical options are available for the suppression of fertility in adult cats and the decision as to which should be chosen - independent of the legal registration of any state - depends on different facts: (i) feral or privately owned animal? (ii) temporary or permanent suppression of fertility wanted/needed? (iii) sex of the animal? New effective and available methods for hormonal contraception include melatonin implants for short-term post ponement of oestrus in adult queens and slow-release GnRH-agonist implants containing deslorelin (Suprelorin(®) ) for short- and long-term contraception in male and female companion and breeding cats.

INSECTICIDES FOR PEPPER WEEVIL CONTROL IN BELL PEPPER, SPRING 2013

Programs of insecticides were compared to a non-treated check for pepper weevil control in field-grown bell pepper at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Wimauma, FL in the spring of 2013. ‘Tom Cat’ transplants were set on 5 Mar, 12 inches apart within row, in 8-inch-high and 32-inch-wide beds, spaced on 5-ft centers, of Myakka fine sand, covered with white virtually impermeable mulch. Each plot consisted of three adjacent 20-plant rows and was separated by 10 ft of unplanted bed within rows and 12 ft between rows. Treatments were replicated four times in a RCB design. Drip injected soil treatments were applied through one of two irrigation tubes in 245 gpa, then flushed with 545 gpa. The irrigation tube emitters were spaced at 12 inches and had a flow rate of 0.25 gal/h at 10 psi (Table 1). Foliar treatments were applied with a high clearance, self propelled sprayer, pressurized to 200 psi, fitted with four Albuz orange nozzles per row and calibrated to deliver 60 gpa (Table 1). Fruit were harvested from the middle ten plants of the middle row of a plot on 23 May. Fruit infested with pepper weevil were separated first, then fruit which were free of pepper weevil were graded as marketable or cull according to USDA standards. Fruit in all categories were counted and weighed. The data were subjected to ANOVA. The percentage of pepper weevil damage was calculated [% damage=(damaged fruit/total fruit)×100] on a numerical and weight basis and transformed arcsine[√(% damage/100)] prior to ANOVA. Means were separated by Fisher’s Protected LSD (P=0.05). Means were reported in the original scale.

110 ASSISTED CONCEPTION IN THE FISHING CAT BY LAPAROSCOPIC INTRATUBAL INSEMINATION

Fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus) are small (6–15 kg) spotted cats from dispersed areas of Southeast Asia found mostly in wetland habitats. They are classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as endangered, with a decreasing population, due to habitat loss and degradation. Few studies have been done on applying assisted breeding techniques to the species, although the birth of a live kitten after IVF/embryo transfer (ET) has been reported (2006 Theriogenology 66, 1518–1524). Here, we describe the birth of a live fishing cat kitten using the technique of laparoscopic intratubal AI. A ten-year-old female who had served previously as an oocyte donor (5×) following gonadotropin treatment was administered a total of 5 IU of porcine FSH (Sioux Biochemical, Sioux City, Iowa) over 4 days (1×/day) followed by 10 IU of porcine LH on the fifth day. At approximately 28 h after LH treatment, the ovaries/oviduct were accessed by a laparoscopic technique comparable to that used for oviducal embryo transfer (ibid.). To deposit semen into the left oviduct, a 16-guage thin-wall trocar/needle was inserted into the abdominal cavity on the right side, approximately 1 cm lateral to the midline and approximately 2 to 3 cm below the umbilicus. A 14-cm open-end tom cat catheter was inserted into the 16-guage cannula (blunt) and the catheter tip was positioned underneath the fimbria overlaying the ovary. Then, a 50-mm length of 30-guage polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) thin-wall tubing containing approximately 30 μL of freshly collected semen was threaded through the catheter and the sample was expelled with positive pressure from a threaded-plunger 1-mL syringe. The left ovary contained 7 to 8 preovulatory (3–4 mm) follicles, 4 of which were manually ruptured immediately after deposition of semen with a 22-guage needle inserted through the 16-guage cannula. Then, with the 16-guage trocar/cannula in the same position (on the right side), the tip was redirected towards the right ovary and approximately 30 μL of semen was deposited underneath the fimbria as described above. The right ovary presented with 5 to 6 preovulatory (3–4 mm) follicles, 2 of which were punctured with the 22-guage needle after insemination. No ovulations were present on either ovary. The semen used for insemination was a fresh sample collected by electroejaculation from a 9-year-old male. The raw sperm concentration was 220 million mL–1, with 70% motility. The number of motile sperm deposited per oviduct was estimated to be approximately 4.6 million. The female was anesthetized 51 days later and radiography was done to determine her pregnancy status. A single fetus was present, so she was moved from an outdoor pen into a large indoor holding pen to allow for video-monitoring during the remainder of gestation. On Day 70, early signs of labour were observed and an elective Caesarean section was done approximately 4 h later. A live, healthy male kitten weighing 204 g was delivered. One year later, gonadotropin treatment/AI were repeated on the same pair. At approximately 30 h post-LH treatment, preovulatory follicles were present, but fewer than the previous treatment (5–6 total). Two fresh ovulation sites were seen on the left ovary. Pregnancy was not established. A reason for the failure was not apparent, unless it was age related.

A Biometric Study of Some Reproductive Components of the Male Domestic Local Breed Cat ( Felis catus domestica ) in Northwest Nigeria

A biometrical study was conducted on some aspects of the reproductive system of 16 local breed Tom cats ( Felis catus domestica ) collected within Sokoto metropolis at different ages. The age of the cats was estimated from teeth eruption and wearing and grouped into groups A to E as A (3- 6 months), B(6 months - 1 year), C(1- 1½ year), D(1½ -2 years) and E(2-4 years) respectively. Age difference was the major consideration factor during this study. The mean live weight of the tom cats were 0.78 ± 0.02kg, 1.25 ± 0.0 7kg, 1.63 ± 0.06, 2.1± 0.06kg and 2.3 ± 0.08kg respectively. The percentage of the mean genitalia weight compared to the mean body weight in relation to their age showed a range of 0.5-1%. The mean weight, length and width of the testes were recorded with no significant difference between the right and left testis. The mean weight of the genitalia at an age of 3-6 months was 8.4±0.02g. The age at puberty of tom cats was about 6months and the weight of the genitalia drastically increased with advancement in age from 8.88±0.07g at 6months-1year to 11.71±0.05g at above 4 years of age. The mean length and width of the penis were also recorded; the weights of the prostate gland were recorded with special consideration of their ages. The bulbourethral glands were present but hardly distinguishable grossly from the urethra both in length, width and in weight. It was concluded that the age of puberty of our domestic tom cat in this area is 6months of age. It was recommended that a thorough investigation on the age related factor governing the development of anatomical features of the male reproductive tract of our domestic cat. The findings were discussed in the paper. Keywords : Age, Male, Biometry, Domestic Tom Cat, Reproduction, North-western Nigeria

Gliomatosis of the spinal cord in a cat: a case report

Gliomatosis cerebri situated in the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral segments of the spinal cord was diagnosed in a Persian 10.5-year old tom cat. Clinical manifestation consisted of rump ataxy, weakened posture in the hind limbs, paraparesis, weakened spinal reflexes, no spinal hyperaesthesia or pain, and hypotonia of the urinary bladder. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a diffuse hyperintense signal in the thoracolumbar junction and in lumbosacral segments (L6–S1) of the spinal cord. Normal size, form and colour of the spinal cord were apparent at autopsy; however, changes in grey matter shape were recorded on some transversal sections of the spinal cord. Dense, diffuse infiltration of the grey matter and surrounding white matter by glia-like neoplastic cells was histologically demonstrated. Immunohistochemical examination did not enable specification of the origin of the neoplastic cells but their neuroectodermal histogenesis can be assumed. On the basis of MRI, histological and immunohistochemical examinations gliomatosis of the spinal cord was diagnosed.    

The "Pleasure" Response of Users Toward the Virtual Pet ‘Talking Tom Cat' of Relational App.

The "Pleasure" Response of Users Toward the Virtual Pet ‘Talking Tom Cat' of Relational App.

Basal testosterone concentrations after the application of a slow-release GnRH agonist implant are associated with a loss of response to buserelin, a short-term GnRH agonist, in the tom cat

Slow-release GnRH agonist implants are considered an effective, reversible alternative to surgical castration in male tom cats. Individual differences exist regarding the onset of efficacy and might be delayed in some animals. Single measurements of testosterone (T) might result in basal concentrations also in intact male cats. Consequently, GnRH stimulation tests are performed to measure T increase in intact animals and to differentiate castrated from intact male cats. In this study, five tom cats were treated with a 4.7-mg deslorelin implant and GnRH stimulation tests using buserelin were performed before treatment and at 4-week intervals afterward until Week 20. After the last test in Week 20 all animals were castrated. Four of five animals had basal T after 4 weeks and—in contrast to pretreatment—application of buserelin did not result in any further T increase. In one animal, T was low after implant insertion, but not basal; however, a GnRH stimulation test induced a slight increase of T in Week 8 and 16 only and no response in Weeks 4, 12, and 20. Testicular volume was significantly decreased and penile spines disappeared in all cats. Testicular histology showed mixed atrophy, but also fully elongated spermatids in three of five male cats making infertility questionable. Because of the loss of the stimulatory effect of short-term GnRH application (buserelin), it can be assumed that long-term GnRH agonists also act by some mechanisms of downregulation of pituitary GnRH receptors in the tom cat.