Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the effectiveness of a new supraglottic airway device (SGAD) in cats undergoing anaesthesia using two types of mechanical ventilation: volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) and pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV). METHODS: A total of 13 healthy cats (five male, eight female; median age 2 years [range 1-3]) were randomly allocated to either VCV or PCV. Five tidal volumes (6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 ml/kg) and five peak inspiratory pressures (4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 cmH2 O) were randomly applied with a minute ventilation of 100 ml/kg/min...

OBJECTIVES: Angiosarcomas are rare malignant mesenchymal neoplasms of endothelial cell origin with a predilection to the ventral abdominal wall in cats. Larger case series describing this entity are lacking. METHODS: Two referral centre laboratory databases were searched for angiosarcoma of the ventral abdominal wall. Nine cases with a histological diagnosis were included. Immunohistochemistry (factor VIII and PROX-1 antibodies) was used to phenotype them as haemangiosarcoma or lymphangiosarcoma...

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In contrast to superficial fungal infections, such as dermatophytosis, invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are characterised by penetration of tissues by fungal elements. Disease can spread locally within a region or can disseminate haematogenously or via the lymphatics. The environment is the most common reservoir of infection. Since fungal spores are airborne, indoor cats are also susceptible to IFIs. Some environmental fungi are ubiquitous and present globally, while others are endemic or hyperendemic within specific geographic regions...

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) and oomycoses (hereafter termed invasive fungal-like infections [IFLIs]) are characterised by penetration of tissues by fungal elements. The environment is the most common reservoir of infection. IFIs and IFLIs can be frustrating to treat because long treatment times are usually required and, even after attaining clinical cure, there may be a risk of relapse. Owner compliance with medication administration and recheck examinations can also decline over time...

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to compare the circulating transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) of clinically normal age-matched and naturally occurring chronic kidney disease (CKD) cats and to determine the correlation between the TGF-β expression and histopathological changes in cats with CKD. METHODS: A total of 11 clinically normal age-matched and 27 cats with naturally occurring CKD were included in this study. Circulating TGF-β was quantified by immunoassays...

AIM: This is the first part of a two-part series on spectrum of care that encourages practitioners to embrace a non-binary approach to healthcare delivery. When care is not framed as all-or-none, either/or or best versus lesser, the provider and client can agree to diagnostic and/or treatment plans that individualize the practice of veterinary medicine. Care is tailored to the patient along a continuum of acceptable options. Care may also be intentionally incremental, with plans to reassess the patient and revise case management as needed...

SERIES OUTLINE: This is the second part of a two-part series on spectrum of care that encourages practitioners to tailor case management to the patient along a continuum of acceptable options. Part I defined the spectrum of care and broadened its approach beyond initial cost-of-care considerations. This second article introduces strategies for initiating conversations with clients about their needs, wants and expectations specific to healthcare options and case management decisions. It will explore how open inquiry, reflective listening, transparency and unconditional positive regard facilitate dialogue between providers and their clients as they collaborate on decision-making along a spectrum of care...

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) to describe the AMC to the Rescue (AMCTTR) funding criteria and the application process; (2) to describe the distribution of species cared for through the program, the medical conditions treated in cats compared with those treated in dogs and the cost of that care; and (3) to define the successes and challenges of the program. METHODS: The AMCTTR database was reviewed for applications submitted between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2022...

OBJECTIVES: Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) and urethral obstruction (UO) are commonly linked to increased stress. The influence of human movement restrictions on their incidence remains undetermined. FIC with or without UO is associated with environmental stress factors. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) pandemic restricted human movement and working behaviours. It is unknown if these restrictions increased the risk of FIC or UO in cats. METHODS: Total cat emergency accessions and transfers between 8 February 2019 and 8 February 2021 at two private hospitals were retrospectively reviewed...

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the construct validity, responsiveness and reliability of the Feline Grimace Scale (FGS) in kittens. METHODS: A total of 36 healthy female kittens (aged 10 weeks to 6 months) were included in a prospective, randomized, blinded study. Video recordings of all kittens were made before and 1 and 2 h after ovariohysterectomy using an opioid-free injectable anesthetic protocol with or without multimodal analgesia...

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the abdominal ultrasonographic findings in cats with confirmed or presumed feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). METHODS: This was a retrospective study performed in an academic veterinary hospital. The diagnosis of FIP was reached on review of history, signalment, clinical presentation, complete blood count, biochemistry panel, peritoneal fluid analysis, cytology and/or histopathology results from abnormal organs, and/or molecular testing (immunohistochemical or FIP coronavirus [FCoV] RT-PCR)...

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to investigate the c.1024G>T SNP in the TRPV4 gene in Scottish Straight and Fold cats, and to evaluate the pattern of skeletal phenotype and the evolution of radiological signs of Scottish Fold osteochondrodysplasia (SFOCD) over time in heterozygous subjects. METHODS: DNA was obtained from blood samples of 17 cats (Scottish Fold: n = 12; Scottish Straight: n = 5) and subsequently genotyped by sequencing in a 249 bp region of the TRPV4 gene (exon 6), including the known c...

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression profile of sex steroid receptors and redox mediators in the uterus of domestic cats with pyometra. METHODS: Twelve cats were used and divided into groups: (1) non-gestational healthy diestrus (n = 7) and (2) pyometra (n = 5). The plasma profiles of estradiol and progesterone (P4 ) as well as uterine expression levels of estradiol alpha (ERα), progesterone (PR) and androgen (AR) receptors, of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), and of the oxidative damage marker 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were evaluated...

OBJECTIVES: Annual health screening is recommended in elderly cats to allow the early detection of conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hyperthyroidism. Nevertheless, age-specific reference intervals (RIs) for renal and thyroid parameters in this population are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine age-specific RIs for selected serum and urine biomarkers related to CKD and hyperthyroidism, namely serum creatinine (sCr), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), phosphate (P), total calcium (tCa), total thyroxine (TT4), urinary protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) and urine specific gravity (USG)...

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to characterise the clinical management of feline chronic kidney disease (CKD) by veterinary practitioners in Portugal. METHODS: A questionnaire-based study was designed to be completed by all veterinarians who had diagnosed and treated at least one case of feline CKD in the previous year. RESULTS: A total of 409 veterinary practitioners responded to the questionnaire, with approximately half of them diagnosing 2-5 cases of feline CKD per month (n = 219, 53...

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to identify factors associated with house-soiling in Italian cats. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey collected information on respondents' and cats' details and litter management, and whether the cat showed house-soiling. Univariable and multivariable regression models were performed using house-soiling (present/absent) and the type of house-soiling (ie, urinary, faecal, concurrent urinary and faecal) as dummy variables...

CASE SERIES SUMMARY: This case series describes five cats with cutaneous adverse events after subcutaneous administration of frunevetmab, a felinised anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody, including histopathological findings in one case. All cats displayed moderate to severe pruritus resulting in self-trauma to the neck and/or head, causing lesions ranging from superficial dermatitis to alopecia and ulcerations. There were no reactions at the injection sites. In one cat, clinical signs developed after the second frunevetmab dose the cat received, with no reaction noted after the first dose...

OBJECTIVES: Cat Friendly Practices (CFPs) were compared with non-CFP control practices to determine whether CFPs had an increased proportion of clinical visits, number of visits per cat per year and inclusion of diagnostic testing. To measure diagnostic testing behavior, the numbers and types of tests analyzed and clinically relevant findings were compared. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis comparing CFPs and non-CFPs, clinic financial data and associated diagnostic tests from a commercial laboratory for 2018 and 2021 were analyzed...

PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: Diseases of the hepatobiliary system are not uncommon in first-opinion practice. The anatomy of the feline hepatobiliary tract differs from that of dogs and may predispose cats to inflammatory hepatobiliary disease. Case management can be challenging, and the prognosis is variable and dependent on the underlying disease process. CLINICAL CHALLENGES: Biliary tract disease in the cat has non-specific clinical signs that overlap with those of diseases of other body systems...

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether an association existed between cephalometric measurements, maxillomandibular dental arch distances and the occurrence of traumatic malocclusions in the mandibular soft tissues of cats. METHODS: Cats that had presented for dental consultations and that underwent cone-beam CT during diagnostic assessment were included in the study and categorised as cases and controls in a 1:2 ratio. Cases were designated as cats with a clinical diagnosis of malocclusion causing trauma to the buccal mandibular soft tissues or pyogenic granuloma secondary to the trauma, and controls were designated as cats with the absence of such diagnoses and without a history of other musculoskeletal anomalies in the head...