phenylephrine-hydrochloride and Cat-Diseases

Facial dermatitis in cats can be caused by a broad range of infectious, allergic, immune-mediated and neoplastic disorders with very different treatments and prognoses. Baseline dermatologic diagnostics (skin scrapings for mites, cytology for infection and to characterize inflammatory infiltrate, and dermatophyte culture) are required, as well as possible further diagnostics, including therapeutic trials for parasites and feeding a hypoallergenic diet, bacterial culture, and skin biopsies for histopathology in order to achieve a diagnosis. Clinical presentations of diseases affecting different parts of the feline face are presented and discussed.

Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dermatitis; Ear; Face; Nose

Clefts of the primary palate in the dog are uncommon, and their repair can be challenging. The aims of this article are to provide information regarding pathogenesis and convey practical information for the repair of these defects.

Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Cleft Lip; Cleft Palate; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Nose; Plastic Surgery Procedures

Infections of the skin or subcutis of the naso-ocular region develop through two mechanisms. Cases with lesions but without concomitant signs of nasal disease probably result from cat scratch injuries. Under certain circumstances, such lacerations result in the introduction of saprophytic microorganisms in such large numbers that host defence mechanisms are overwhelmed. This results in localised, variably invasive, disease in an otherwise immunocompetent host. An unpredictable range of organisms can give rise to such infections including a variety of fungal and bacterial genera. Causal organisms will likely vary from one geography to another as a result of differences in soil type and related environmental factors. Accordingly, procurement of appropriate tissue specimens for culture and susceptibility testing is essential to guide therapy, as these cases require medical and sometimes surgical intervention in order to effect a favourable outcome. In contrast, patients with naso-ocular lesions and concurrent signs of nasal disease have a different pathogenesis. Primary infection of the sinonasal region likely results from the inhalation of infectious propagules, with the infection subsequently penetrating overlying bones to invade the subcutaneous space. These lesions are typically the result of cryptococcosis or aspergillosis and must be distinguished from invasive nasal malignancies. An approach to the investigation and treatment of these patients is presented together with photographs of representative cases.

Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Eye; Nose; Risk Factors; Skin Diseases, Bacterial

A case of feline cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to Cladophyalophora bantiana is described. The cat was presented with breathing difficulty and a swollen, ulcerated nodule on the dorsal nose and left nostril. Histological examination of the nodule revealed a cystic granulomatous dermatitis characterised by neutrophils, macrophages and giant cells. Pigmented, yeast-like fungus cells and hyphal elements were easily identified in haematoxylin-eosin stained tissue sections. Cladophyalophora bantiana was isolated from a tissue specimen. This organism, primarily known to cause cerebral infection in humans and cats, only rarely causes cutaneous infection. Despite anti-fungal chemotherapy two relapses occurred. The cat was feline immunodeficiency virus- and feline leukemia virus-negative and even if the owner was unaware of trauma, the hypothesis of wound contamination is the most likely.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Antifungal Agents; Cat Diseases; Cats; Cladosporium; Dermatomycoses; Diagnosis, Differential; Fluconazole; Male; Nose

Feline herpesvirus-associated dermatitis has rarely been reported. Recently we documented a unique ulcerative and often persistent facial dermatitis or stomatitis syndrome associated with feline herpesvirus 1. We believe this syndrome is relatively common, with the 10 cases in our series diagnosed between 1996 and 1997. The syndrome is associated with epithelial cell necrosis, eosinophilic inflammation, and intraepithelial herpesvirus inclusion bodies. The prevalence of eosinophilic inflammation and low number of inclusion bodies may lead to the misdiagnosis of allergic dermatitis or a lesion within the eosinophilic granuloma complex group of disorders. Feline herpesvirus 1 can be identified in lesional tissue by PCR methodology. Most of our cases developed under circumstances suggesting reactivation of latent herpesvirus infection, and previous glucocorticoid therapy or stress from overcrowding may have played a role in lesion development. Cats with ulcerative dermatitis, especially of the face and nose, and cats with stomatitis should be evaluated for the presence of feline herpesvirus. Treatment options include surgical excision, topical or systemic antibiotic therapy to treat secondary bacterial infection, and oral alpha interferon.

Topics: Alphaherpesvirinae; Animals; Animals, Domestic; Cat Diseases; Cats; Diagnosis, Differential; Facial Dermatoses; Herpesviridae Infections; Nose; Stomatitis

Topics: Animals; Antigen-Antibody Reactions; Canada; Carrier State; Cat Diseases; Cats; Complement Fixation Tests; Culture Techniques; Europe; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Hemagglutination Inhibition Tests; Herpesviridae; Herpesviridae Infections; Neutralization Tests; Nose; United States; Viral Vaccines; Virulence

A 6-mo-old, intact male, domestic shorthair cat was referred with a history of poor growth, reluctance to move, and deformation of the nasal profile. The kitten had been fed a diet composed almost exclusively of a complementary pet food and tuna, which was similar to an all-meat diet. We detected osteopenia and hypocalcemia associated with severe parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitriol increases; we measured PTH concentrations with an immunoenzymatic method that has been validated in cats. Dietary correction, consisting of a complete and balanced wet pet food formulated for growth, resulted in normalization of calcium and PTH concentrations within 2 mo.

Topics: Animals; Calcium; Cat Diseases; Cats; Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary; Male; Meat; Nose; Parathyroid Hormone

Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum are rare complications associated with orbital blowout pathological fracture.. A 7-year old, castrated male Abbysinian cat presented with anorexia, lethargy, nausea, eyelid swelling, nasal discharge, and sneezing. Based on the clinical and diagnostic work-up, the cat was diagnosed with T cell high-grade nasal lymphoma associated with orbital pathological fracture due to the tumour invasion. After chemotherapy, the cat showed massive subcutaneous emphysema from frontal region to abdomen and pneumomediastinum due to orbital blowout pathological fracture. As the nasal mass decreased in volume; the air had moved from the maxillary sinus to the subcutaneous region and the mediastinum through fascial planes in the head and neck region.. This is a first case report of a massive subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum due to an orbital blowout pathological fracture following chemotherapy in feline nasal lymphoma in veterinary medicine.

Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Fractures, Spontaneous; Lymphoma, T-Cell; Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral; Male; Mediastinal Emphysema; Nose; Subcutaneous Emphysema

Published studies describing outcomes for cats with nasal lymphoma (NLSA) receiving first-line palliative radiation (PRT) versus PRT after chemotherapy failure are currently lacking. The aims of this retrospective observational study were to compare outcomes for cats with NLSA that were treated with these two methods. A total of 48 cats were included in analyses; 32 receiving PRT alone and 16 receiving PRT after chemotherapy failure. The treatment response, progression-free survival (PFS), disease-specific survival (DSS), overall survival (OS), and incidence rate of systemic disease were compared between the two groups. The overall response rate (ORR) was calculated from the same target lesions between pre-RT (within a week before starting PRT) and post-RT (on date of PRT completion) by computed tomography (CT) imaging. The ORR was 94% in cats that received PRT alone, 13 had a complete response (CR) and 17 had a partial response (PR). The ORR was 88% in cats that received PRT after chemotherapy failure, with five having CR and nine with PR. There were no significant differences in the ORR between the two groups. The PFS, DSS, and OS significantly increased in the cats that received PRT alone compared to the cats that received PRT after chemotherapy failure (median PFS: 336 vs 228 days, P = 0.0012, median DSS: 360 vs 242 days, P = 0.0025, median OS: 346 vs 242 days, P = 0.0036, respectively). The incidence rate of systemic disease significantly increased in 75% (12/16) of cats receiving PRT after chemotherapy failure compared to 41% (13/32) of cats receiving PRT alone. The results suggested that clinical outcomes may improve in cats with NLSA with first-line PRT compared to PRT after chemotherapy failure.

Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Lymphoma; Nose; Nose Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies

Natural or experimental infection of domestic cats and virus transmission from humans to captive predatory cats suggest that felids are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, it is unclear which cells and compartments of the respiratory tract are infected. To address this question, primary cell cultures derived from the nose, trachea, and lungs of cat and lion were inoculated with SARS-CoV-2. Strong viral replication was observed for nasal mucosa explants and tracheal air-liquid interface cultures, whereas replication in lung slices was less efficient. Infection was mainly restricted to epithelial cells and did not cause major pathological changes. Detection of high ACE2 levels in the nose and trachea but not lung further suggests that susceptibility of feline tissues to SARS-CoV-2 correlates with ACE2 expression. Collectively, this study demonstrates that SARS-CoV-2 can efficiently replicate in the feline upper respiratory tract ex vivo and thus highlights the risk of SARS-CoV-2 spillover from humans to felids.

Topics: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Cells, Cultured; COVID-19; Disease Susceptibility; Humans; Lions; Lung; Nose; SARS-CoV-2; Trachea

Feline lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis (FLPCR) is a rare disease with an unclear pathogenesis characterized by lymphoplasmacytic (LPC) inflammation and progressive tissue destruction. Aims were to evaluate specific FLPCR clinical and pathological features to gain insights into disease pathogenesis. Signalment, clinical signs, serology and 47 pin. h biopsies were retrospectively collected from 33 FLPCR and 3 normal cats. Microscopical lesions and immunohistochemistry results utilizing anti-CD3, anti-CD20, anti-FOXP3, anti-feline-IgA, IgG, IgE and anti-FeLV (p27 and gp70), FIV, FCV and, FHV were scored and most were analyzed statistically. The majority of cats were domestic short haired (26/31) with median age of 11 years and a 0.35 F/M ratio. Serology evidenced 3/22 FIV and 1/22 FeLV positive cats. Immunohistochemistry evidenced 1/33 FeLV-p27 positive cats. Common clinical signs were sneezing (19/24 [79 %]), mucous discharge (13/24 [54 %]) and stertor (10/24 [42 %]). In normal tissues, IgAs were expressed in mucin, apical and lateral cell membrane of columnar cells and in periglandular plasma cells. IgGs were expressed in 20-30 % of columnar cells. Number of clinical signs was statistically significantly higher in female cats (p < 0.0001) and was significantly correlated with chronicity (p = 0.004), and IgG scores (p = 0.01). LPC severity scores correlated positively with infiltration of neutrophils (p = 0.015), gland destruction (p = 0.019) and angiogenesis (p = 0.016) and negatively with fibrosis (p < 0.0001). LPC severity scores were also significantly associated to female sex (p = 0.01) and to IgA (p = 0.03), with higher IgA scores associated to lower LPC scores. FLPCR associated to disruption of mucosal defense mechanisms generating cycles of tissue inflammation, tissue damage and repair with progressive loss of function independent from viral infections.

Topics: Animals; Biopsy; Cat Diseases; Cats; Female; Gene Expression; Immunity, Mucosal; Immunoglobulin A; Immunohistochemistry; Inflammation; Male; Mucous Membrane; Nose; Retrospective Studies; Rhinitis; Severity of Illness Index

To evaluate outcomes associated with the use of an angularis oris axial pattern flap (AOAPF) for rostral facial reconstruction in cats.. Nine adult client-owned cats.. Short case series.. Ten AOAPF were performed in nine cats after resection of a tumor. Wounds were located at the nose, infraorbital, supraorbital, frontal, eye, and ear canal region. Orbital exenteration (n = 3), pinnectomy (n = 2), nasal planum resection, total ear canal ablation (n = 2), and partial eyelid reconstruction (n = 3) were performed.. Short-term postoperative complications included flap edema (n = 10), suture dehiscence (n = 3), and distal tip necrosis (n = 3). All wounds resulting from minor complications healed by second intention in 5-15 days. Long-term complications included epiphora (n = 2), frequent grooming around the eyes (n = 2), and enucleation due to corneal ulcer secondary to impaired postoperative eyelid function (n = 1). Tumor recurrence occurred in 3 cases.. The AOAPF was a versatile and reliable option for rostral facial reconstruction in cats with acceptable long-term outcomes.

Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Necrosis; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Nose; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Postoperative Complications; Surgical Flaps

Macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pyogenes is an emerging problem with a great public health concern throughout the world. The current study was carried out in order to investigate the possible role of pet animals in the epidemiology of such pathogen. For this purpose, nasal or oral swabs were collected from 115 pets (40 dogs and 75 cats) with respiratory illness. The collected swabs were cultured for isolation and identification of S. pyogenes. Macrolide-resistant S. pyogenes strains were initially identified after antibiotic susceptibility testing of the all obtained S. pyogenes isolates, then the phenotypic and molecular identification were done using the double-disk test and the detection of macrolide resistance genes, respectively. Of the 115 examined pet animals, S. pyogenes was recovered from 11 (9.6 %), from which, the isolation rates among dogs and cats were 15 % and 6.7 %, respectively. Macrolide-resistant S. pyogenes was isolated from dogs and cats in the following rates 10 % and 5.3 %, respectively. All macrolide-resistant S. pyogenes strains were assigned to cMLS resistance phenotype while all of them carried ermB gene only, except one strain from a cat possessed both ermB and ermTR genes. The phylogenetic analysis of 4 ermB gene sequences showed high genetic relatedness with those carried by bacteria isolated from human cases to underline the public health impact of such strains. Seriously, all macrolide-resistant S. pyogenes strains were resistant to penicillin. The emergence of penicillin-macrolide resistant S. pyogenes among pet animals underscores not only an emerging veterinary pathogen, but also an ongoing public health threat.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; Genotype; Humans; Macrolides; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Mouth; Nose; Penicillins; Pets; Phenotype; Public Health; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus pyogenes

The diagnosis and treatment of nasal foreign bodies usually includes a combination of rhinoscopy and imaging techniques, such as CT. The purpose of this retrospective, multicenter study was to describe the CT characteristics of nasal foreign bodies in dogs and cats and to determine if different nasal CT features exist between acute and chronic cases. Twenty dogs and six cats met the inclusion criteria. Eleven nasal foreign bodies (42%) were detected confidently with CT. The foreign body had a linear shape in 81% of cases and displayed a "tubular-like appearance" in 54% of cases. In five cases (19%), a foreign body was suspected but not clearly visible. Additional CT changes were present in the nasal passages in 96% of the cases. The presence of turbinate destruction (P = .021) and mucosal thickening (P = .014) on CT were associated with the presence of a chronic nasal foreign body. In this sample, the nature of the foreign body did not influence its visibility and was not associated with specific CT characteristics. Computed tomography may be useful in the investigation of nasal foreign bodies, however, a negative CT examination does not exclude their presence.

Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Foreign Bodies; Male; Nasal Cavity; Nose; Nose Diseases; Retrospective Studies; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Feline leishmaniasis (FeL) is an emerging infectious disease of cats caused by Leishmania infantum with global distribution. This study investigated the cause of chronic progressive cutaneous lesions in two cats from Central-west Brazil by using cytological, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses. Clinically, both cats had ulcerative cutaneous lesions at the nasal planum and ear resulting in a tentative diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Moreover, both cats had varying degrees of onychogryphosis. However, cytology revealed chronic inflammatory reactions associated with intralesional amastigotes; histopathology confirmed chronic ulcerative dermatitis associated with intralesional and intracytoplasmic parasitic organisms consistent with amastigotes of Leishmania spp. within histiocytes. The IHC assay demonstrated that the intralesional parasitic structures identified by cytology and histopathology were immunoreactive to antigens of Leishmania spp., confirming the participation of this infectious disease agent in the development of the cutaneous lesions of these cats. The observation of onychogryphosis must be highlighted, since this lesion is frequently observed in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis but is underreported in FeL. Collectively, the pathologic and IHC findings of the chronic cutaneous disease confirmed active infections due to Leishmania spp. in these cats. Additionally, FeL with associated lesions to the ear and nasal planum must be considered as differential diagnosis for SCC in cats.

Topics: Animals; Biopsy, Fine-Needle; Brazil; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cat Diseases; Cats; Cities; Diagnosis, Differential; Ear, External; Female; Forelimb; Hindlimb; Immunohistochemistry; Leishmania infantum; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous; Nose; Skin Neoplasms

Traditionally, changes in the microbial population of the nose have been assessed using conventional culture techniques. Sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes demonstrated that the human nose is inhabited by a rich and diverse bacterial microbiome that cannot be detected using culture-based methods. The goal of this study was to describe the nasal microbiome of healthy cats, cats with nasal neoplasia, and cats with feline upper respiratory tract disease (FURTD).. DNA was extracted from nasal swabs of healthy cats (n = 28), cats with nasal neoplasia (n = 16), and cats with FURTD (n = 15), and 16S rRNA genes were sequenced. High species richness was observed in all samples. Rarefaction analysis revealed that healthy cats living indoors had greater species richness (observed species p = 0.042) and Shannon diversity (p = 0.003) compared with healthy cats living outdoors. Higher species richness (observed species p = 0.001) and Shannon diversity (p<0.001) were found in middle-aged cats in comparison to healthy cats in different age groups. Principal coordinate analysis revealed separate clustering based on similarities in bacterial molecular phylogenetic trees of 16S rRNA genes for indoor and outdoor cats. In all groups examined, the most abundant phyla identified were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes. At the genus level, 375 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified. In healthy cats and cats with FURTD, Moraxella spp. was the most common genus, while it was unclassified Bradyrhizobiaceae in cats with nasal neoplasia. High individual variability was observed.. This study demonstrates that the nose of cats is inhabited by much more variable and diverse microbial communities than previously shown. Future research in this field might help to develop new diagnostic tools to easily identify nasal microbial changes, relate them to certain disease processes, and help clinicians in the decision process of antibiotic selection for individual patients.

Topics: Animals; Case-Control Studies; Cat Diseases; Cats; Microbiota; Nose; Nose Diseases; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S

This study aimed to investigate the spread of methicillin-resistant coagulase-positive staphylococci (MRCoPS) among veterinary staff, hand-touch sites and surgical tissue during cystotomy operations on cats and dogs that were patients, and to analyze the genetic relatedness and antimicrobial resistance profiles of the isolates. Human and environmental samples were obtained from the nasal passageways of 12 surgeons and veterinary assistants and from 29 hand-touch sites of instruments in operative units and subjected to bacterial isolation and enumeration. Swab samples were collected in triplicate from 29 dogs and three cats at the site of incision, from the incision area, from the peritoneum during surgery and from the peritoneum before suture. MRCoPS were identified by mecA gene detection and characterized by their antibiogram profile, SCCmec type and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Twenty-four staphylococci were isolated, derived from one veterinary assistant, 12 operating room floor areas and hand-touch sites, three dogs and one cat. Methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) was found on an electric clipper and rebreathing circuits in the operating room. Three dogs were positive for MRSP during surgery, and one methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was detected in a cat. All MRCoPS were resistant to doxycycline, erythromycin, clindamycin and enrofloxacin, but no patients developed surgical site infections. According to their genotypic patterns, the clones obtained from the environment and human sources differed from the animal clones. Despite intensive hygienic management, a variety of MRCoPS clones were present within the surgical unit and during surgery.

Topics: Animal Technicians; Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Coagulase; Cross Infection; Cystotomy; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Equipment Contamination; Hand; Hospitals, Animal; Hospitals, Teaching; Humans; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Nose; Surgery Department, Hospital; Surgical Wound Infection; Thailand; Veterinarians

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has emerged to be a pathogen of public health burden causing infections with significant concern. This study was conducted to investigate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in pet dogs and cats as an emerging zoonosis that could be disseminated in the community. A total of 184 (nasal, oral, ear and wound) swabs were collected from 70 pet dogs and 48 pet cats, whereas 50 nasal and oral swabs were collected from 28 apparently healthy companion persons in intimate contact with pets and without history of hospitalization. All samples were cultured for the isolation and identification of Staphylococcus aureus using selective media, biochemical and serological tests, while isolates were identified as MRSA after antimicrobial susceptibility testing and determination of the MIC. PCR was applied using specific primers to confirm MRSA. Three MRSA isolates have been recovered from two dogs of 70 (2.9%) and one isolate from 28 examined persons (3.6%), while none of the examined cats yielded MRSA. Furthermore, we found that two MRSA isolates recovered from one diseased dog seemed to be hospital-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (HA-MRSA), whereas the other dog isolate as well as the human isolate were considered as community-acquired (CA-MRSA). The occurrence of MRSA in apparently healthy and/or diseased pet dogs makes it an emerging veterinary pathogen which could be considered a public health burden if it is disseminated in our community outside hospitals.

Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Egypt; Humans; Methicillin Resistance; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Nose; Public Health; Staphylococcal Infections; Zoonoses

In this retrospective study of 41 cats with chronic nasal disease diagnoses included nasal neoplasia (n = 19), idiopathic chronic rhinosinusitis (ICRS) (n = 12), nasopharyngeal polyps (n = 3), foreign bodies (n = 2), nasopharyngeal stenosis (n = 1) and nasal aspergillosis (n = 1). In 3 cats diagnosis could not be established despite thorough work-up. Gender, indoor or outdoor housing, quality or quantity of nasal discharge, bacteriological findings of nasal flushes, radiology and CT findings did not differ significantly between cats with neoplasia and cats with ICRS. Cats with neoplasia were older (3 - 15, median 11 years) and showed clinical signs for a shorter period of time (1 - 8, median 2 months) than cats with ICRS (age 1 - 13, median 7.5 years; signs: 1 - 36, median 5 months). In all cats with neoplasia a mass was detected rhinoscopically, while this was only seen in 30 % of cats with ICRS. The exact diagnosis has to be established by examination of biopsy samples. A combination of physical examination, imaging studies and rhinoscopy with cytological and histopathological examination of samples enhances the likelihood for a correct diagnosis.

Topics: Age Factors; Animals; Aspergillosis; Biopsy; Cat Diseases; Cats; Chronic Disease; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Foreign Bodies; Male; Nasal Polyps; Nose; Nose Diseases; Nose Neoplasms; Paranasal Sinus Diseases; Retrospective Studies; Rhinitis; Sinusitis

Although vaccination against feline calicivirus (FCV) infection is widespread in Japan, FCV-associated diseases are still a significant problem in cats. Thus, we developed a new trivalent inactivated vaccine, Kyoto Biken Feline-CPR, consisting of three FCV strains; one was the production strain of our previous vaccine, and the others were screened from 60 field isolates obtained between 1998 and 2000 based on cross-neutralization tests. In this report, the three FCV strains used for development of the new vaccine were antigenically and genetically characterized. The three strains were antigenically quite different, as revealed by cross-neutralization tests. Alignment of deduced amino acid sequences of capsid regions A to E revealed that there were marked differences between the strains in both the N- and C ends of region E. Antisera against the three vaccine strains, our new vaccine and 2 commercial vaccines were then evaluated for neutralization with 58 field isolates collected between 2003 and 2006. Rat antisera against the three vaccine strains and a mixture of the 3 strains neutralized 49, 37, 42 and 55 isolates, respectively. Cat antiserum against the new vaccine neutralized 50 (86.2%) isolates, whereas the numbers neutralized by cat antisera against 2 commercial vaccines were 37 (63.8%) and 25 (43.1%). In conclusion, the immunological and genetic properties of the 3 vaccine strains investigated varied widely, and the Kyoto Biken Feline-CPR vaccine may have more potential to meet the antigenic diversity of FCVs spreading throughout Japan.

Topics: Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Caliciviridae Infections; Calicivirus, Feline; Capsid; Cat Diseases; Cats; Genetic Variation; Immune Sera; Kidney; Mouth; Neutralization Tests; Nose; Phylogeny; Rats; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Vaccines, Inactivated; Viral Vaccines

Selective breeding for exaggerated features caused in many brachycephalic dog and cat breeds virtually a loss of the nose, with serious anatomical and functional consequences. In addition to respiratory and olfactory tasks, in dogs the nose is of vital importance for thermoregulation. As obligatory nose breathers, dogs suffer far more than humans when their nasal ventilation is restricted. An open discussion in the broad public has to motivate authorities and kennel clubs to recognize extreme brachycephalic breeding as seriously affecting animal health and welfare.

Topics: Airway Obstruction; Animal Welfare; Animals; Body Temperature Regulation; Breeding; Cat Diseases; Cats; Craniosynostoses; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Humans; Nose; Paranasal Sinuses; Selection, Genetic; Smell; Species Specificity; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

An 8-year-old desexed male Burmese cat, which lived on a sheep-grazing property in central New South Wales, Australia, was presented following the sudden onset of dyspnoea, moist coughing and violent sneezing. The respiratory distress started several hours after the cat had made an outdoor excursion. Anterior rhinoscopy demonstrated small, white objects moving across oedematous and moderately inflamed nasal mucosa. These were retrieved via a series of vigorous nasal flushes and subsequently identified as larvae of the nasal bot fly, Oestrus ovis. The cat was treated with ivermectin followed by selamectin 7 days later. It went on to make a complete recovery over 2-3 weeks.

Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Diptera; Insecticides; Ivermectin; Larva; Male; Myiasis; Nose; Treatment Outcome

In order to describe the isolation rates of potential pathogens and to compare anatomic sampling site suitability, nasal and pharyngeal swabs were taken from cats with acute clinical upper respiratory disease in a humane society. DNA of feline herpesvirus-1 was amplified from 51 of 52 cats sampled, Mycoplasma species were cultured or detected by PCR in samples from 34 of 42 cats sampled for both culture and PCR, and Bordetella bronchiseptica was isolated from three of 59 cats sampled for aerobic culture. A single swab was positive for calicivirus and no swabs were positive for Chlamydophila felis. Mycoplasma, Pasteurella and Moraxella species were all isolated from at least one cat in which no primary pathogen was identified. With the exception of B. bronchiseptica, which was detected in nasal swabs only, recovery rates for all suspect primary pathogens were comparable between sampling sites.

Topics: Animals; Bordetella bronchiseptica; Bordetella Infections; Caliciviridae Infections; Calicivirus, Feline; Cat Diseases; Cats; Female; Herpesviridae; Herpesviridae Infections; Male; Mycoplasma; Mycoplasma Infections; Nose; Pharynx; Prevalence; Respiratory Tract Infections

Recently, Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) was successfully applied to treat experimental squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the hamster cheek pouch mucosa, with no damage to normal tissue. It was also shown that treating spontaneous nasal planum SCC in terminal feline patients with low dose BNCT is safe and feasible. In an extension of this work, the present study aimed at evaluation of the response of tumor and dose-limiting normal tissues to potentially therapeutic BNCT doses. Biodistribution studies with (10)B-boronophenylalanine (BPA enriched in (10)B) as a (10)B carrier were performed on three felines that showed advanced nasal planum SCC without any standard therapeutic option. Following the biodistribution studies, BNCT mediated by (10)BPA was done using the thermalized epithermal neutron beam at the RA-6 Nuclear Reactor. Follow-up included clinical evaluation, assessment of macroscopic tumor and normal tissue response and biopsies for histopathological analysis. The treated animals did not show any apparent radiation-induced toxicity. All three animals exhibited partial tumor control and an improvement in clinical condition. Enhanced therapeutic efficacy was associated with a high (10)B content of the tumor and a small tumor size. BNCT is therefore believed to be potentially effective in the treatment of spontaneous SCC. However, improvement in targeting (10)B into all tumor cells and delivering a sufficient dose at a greater depth are still required for the treatment of deep-seated, large tumors. Future studies are needed to evaluate the potential efficacy of the dual mode cellular (e.g. BPA-BNCT) and vascular (e.g. GB-10-BNCT) targeting protocol in a preclinical scenario, employing combinations of (10)B compounds with different properties and complementary uptake mechanisms.

Topics: Animals; Boron; Boron Neutron Capture Therapy; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Female; Isotopes; Male; Neoplasm Staging; Neutrons; Nose; Nose Neoplasms; Phenylalanine; Treatment Outcome

A case of leishmaniasis in a domestic cat (Felis domesticus) is described. The animal showed a single, nodular lesion on the nose and many nodules of different size on the ears and digital regions of all the paws. Diagnosis was made by microscopic detection of amastigotes in Giemsa-stained smears from the lesions. By monoclonal antibodies the aetiological agent was identified as Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, one of the seven species implicated in human leishmaniasis in Brazil. The clinical signs in feline leishmaniasis are unspecific and similar to those observed in other diseases such as cryptococcosis and in sporotrichosis, commonly found in cats. Leishmaniasis should therefore, be added to the differential diagnosis by feline veterinary practitioners and adequate investigations should carried out for dermal leishmaniasis in the area where the feline infection is detected.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Brazil; Cat Diseases; Cats; Ear; Fatal Outcome; Female; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; Foot; Leishmania; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous; Nose

A case of a feline Merkel cell tumour is described. An 8-year-old, female cat developed a round, alopecic, reddish mass on the nose. Wide excisional surgery was performed with cartilage resection. Histologically the mass was composed of solid islands of mostly basophilic densely packed cells with a scant cytoplasm, which was suggestive of a neuroendocrine origin. Results of immunohistochemical studies using antibodies against neurone-specific enolase, chromogranin, synaptophysin and pan-cytokeratin allowed classification of the lesion as a Merkel cell tumour. Ultrastructurally, dense core granules were identified in the cytoplasm. In a 2-year follow-up no relapses or metastases were observed. The clinical course recorded is in contrast with the malignant nature of a Merkel cell tumour recently described in a cat and of the human Merkel cell tumour, but is similar to the course of the canine Merkel cell tumour which is often benign. Early diagnosis along with the use of wide surgical excision might be considered an important factor in preventing relapse of this tumour.

Topics: Animals; Carcinoma, Merkel Cell; Cat Diseases; Cats; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Immunohistochemistry; Nose; Skin Neoplasms

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Diagnosis, Differential; Ear, External; Foot; Lameness, Animal; Male; Nose; Pemphigus; Prednisolone; Pruritus

The duration of immunity provided by a feline leukemia virus (FeLV) vaccine, Leukocell 2, was determined. Kittens were vaccinated when 9 and 12 weeks of age and were challenged 12 months later with FeLV-A/Glasgow-1. An oronasal challenge protocol without corticosteroid enhancement was developed in order to induce a persistent viraemia in a high proportion of adult cats. Fourteen of 18 (80%) of the vaccinated cats challenged in this way remained non-viraemic while 9/15 (60%) of age-matched controls became persistently infected, a preventable fraction of 63%. This difference was statistically significant (P=0.038). For comparison, 10 of 12 (83%) 15-17-week-old kittens challenged in the same way became persistently infected, confirming the relative resistance of adult animals to FeLV. Tests for virus neutralising and anti-feline oncornavirus-associated cell membrane antigen (FOCMA) antibodies suggested that the former were more important than the latter in protection. Thus, Leukocell 2 protected a significant proportion of cats from FeLV challenge 1 year after primary vaccination as kittens.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Viral; Antigens, Viral; Cat Diseases; Cats; Female; Gene Products, gag; Leukemia Virus, Feline; Male; Mouth; Neutralization Tests; Nose; Retroviridae Infections; Retroviridae Proteins; Retroviridae Proteins, Oncogenic; Time Factors; Tumor Virus Infections; Viral Vaccines; Viremia; Virulence

A study was undertaken to investigate the treatment of superficial squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal planum, pinna and eyelid in cats by photodynamic therapy, using topical 5-aminolaevulinic acid cream, with subsequent exposure to red light of wavelength 635 nm, supplied by a light-emitting diode source. A total of 13 squamous cell carcinomas were treated, including 10 nasal planum lesions, two pinnal lesions and one eyelid lesion. After a single treatment, complete responses were seen in nine out of 10 nasal planum lesions, one out of two pinnal lesions and the eyelid lesion. The overall complete response rate for lesions managed with a single photodynamic therapy treatment was 85 per cent. Seven of the 11 lesions (63.6 per cent) showing a complete response subsequently recurred; the time to recurrence ranged from 19 to 56 weeks (median 21 weeks, mean 26.7 weeks).

Topics: Administration, Topical; Aminolevulinic Acid; Animals; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cat Diseases; Cats; Ear, External; Eyelid Neoplasms; Light; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Nose; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents; Skin Neoplasms; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

The first report of a case of feline phaeohyphomycosis due to Fonsecaea pedrosoi is presented. Fonsecaea pedrosoi is an aetiologic agent of both human phaeohyphomycosis and chromoblastomycosis. In our cat, the lesion was confined to the skin and appeared as a firm swelling on the bridge of the nose. Diagnosis was based on histological examination of a cutaneous biopsy and fungal culture of a tissue sample on Sabouraud's dextrose agar. Further diagnostic tests failed to reveal an underlying immunosuppression. Two treatment cycles with itraconazole, at the oral dose of 5 mg kg-1 given twice daily, induced complete clinical remission, but relapses occurred.

Topics: Animals; Antifungal Agents; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dermatomycoses; Diagnosis, Differential; Drug Administration Schedule; Itraconazole; Male; Mitosporic Fungi; Nose

Non-ocular melanoma is considered to be a rare neoplasm in cats; however, more than 150 cases have been reported in the literature since 1961. The objective of this study was to characterise this tumour better by evaluating case outcome and survival data for cats with melanoma and to compare clinical and histopathological findings with those of previous reports. Twenty-three feline non-ocular melanomas were identified, the most common locations being the nose, digit and pinna. Cats with digital melanomas had survival rates similar to their canine counterparts. Histological assignation of benignity, malignancy or junctional activity was not found to be an accurate predictor of clinical behaviour. Melanoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis for cats presenting with pigmented or non-pigmented masses and histopathology is essential for definitive diagnosis, as other tumours may clinically appear quite similar. Regular follow-up examinations are recommended indefinitely for benign or malignant feline melanomas.

Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Diagnosis, Differential; Ear; Female; Male; Melanoma; Nose; Records; Retrospective Studies; Skin Neoplasms; Toes

Two SPF kittens were experimentally infected via the intranasal route with a strain of calicivirus originally isolated from sick lion suffering from vesicular disease. Fever, 40.3 degrees C and 40.7 degrees C, and vesicular formation in tongue and snout were reproduced in both kittens. The infected virus was recovered from nasal, oral and rectal swabs. A longer duration of virus recovery was proved with oral swab samples taken from 1 to 10 and 12 days post infection. This suggests that tongue and oral tissues are the main tissues for virus multiplication.

Topics: Administration, Intranasal; Age Factors; Animals; Antibodies, Viral; Antibody Specificity; Caliciviridae; Caliciviridae Infections; Cat Diseases; Cats; Fever; Lions; Nose; Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms; Time Factors; Tongue

A 9-year-old domestic shorthair cat was referred for removal of a rostrally located fibrosarcoma on the face, which had previously recurred twice following excision. A wide excision was performed, using a neodymium:yttrium-aluminumgarnet (Nd:YAG) laser, resulting in a facial defect that could not be closed by primary suture. An interpolation skin flap was elevated, using skin from the side of the cat's face, and sutured in place over the defect. Recurrence of the tumor at the medial canthus of the left eye, which was observed 4 months after surgery, was treated by laser excision and cryotherapy. Other recurrences of the fibrosarcoma were not noticed for 2.5 years after referral, at which time the cat was euthanatized for other reasons. Necropsy revealed that the fibrosarcoma had not recurred. In this cat, an interpolation skin flap was useful in repairing a large rostral facial defect. Care should be taken when elevating this flap to preserve the palpebral nerve.

Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Facial Neoplasms; Female; Fibrosarcoma; Laser Therapy; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Nose; Postoperative Complications; Surgical Flaps

The medical records of 58 patients that had undergone ventral rhinotomies were reviewed to determine the long-term outcome and sequelae of this procedure. The signalment, history, and postoperative survival of these patients were found to be similar to other reports in the literature. The deaths of 2 cats immediately postoperatively were attributed to the use of carotid artery tourniquets. Postoperative complications included 1 oronasal fistula, and a persistent mucopurulent or serous discharge in 76% of the patients that had a primary rhinitis before surgery. Ventral rhinotomy was useful as a diagnostic modality for the removal of foreign material and the curettage of focal lesions, and it may be useful in the palliation of nasal tumors in cats.

Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Incidence; Male; Nose; Nose Neoplasms; Postoperative Complications; Retrospective Studies; Rhinitis; Surgery, Veterinary; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Endoscopy; Nose; Nose Diseases; Retrospective Studies

This article discusses the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic diseases of the nasal cavity and sinuses. Also discussed are the anatomy of the upper respiratory tract, guidelines for obtaining a thorough history and performing a complete physical examination, and various diagnostic procedures, such as rhinoscopy, culture, and serology.

Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Cryptococcosis; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Foreign Bodies; Mycoses; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Nose; Nose Diseases; Nose Neoplasms; Paranasal Sinus Diseases; Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms; Polyps; Rhinitis; Sinusitis

Indirect immunofluorescence testing for pemphigus-like antibodies was performed on 75 cats: 25 cats with various nonpemphigus dermatologic diseases, 25 cats with various nondermatologic diseases, and 25 normal cats. Pemphigus-like antibodies were not detected. It was concluded that neither true pemphigus antibodies, nor pemphigus-like antibodies are commonly detected by indirect immunofluorescence testing in the cat. Direct immunofluorescence testing for IgG, IgA, IgM, and C3 was performed on the nose and lip of 15 normal dogs. Granular deposition of IgM at the basement membrane zone of the nose was demonstrated in 11 of the 15 dogs. Lip was consistently negative. It was concluded that direct immunofluorescence testing of canine nose by only polyvalent immunoglobulin antisera or anti-IgM antisera may lead to misinterpretation and misdiagnosis in up to 73% of all dogs tested.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Lip; Nose; Pemphigus; Skin Diseases

The philtrum point VG 26 (Jen Chung) was needled in 69 cases of respiratory depression or apnoea in dogs and cats during induction or maintenance of general anaesthesia. Respiration was restored to normal or near normal rates within 10 to 30 seconds of insertion of the needle in all the cases. In seven cases of anaesthetic apnoea with concurrent cardiac arrest and absence of vital signs, the revival rate was 43 per cent. Those which recovered required four to 10 minutes of acupuncture stimulation. In eight cases of collapse due to other causes, the revival rate was 25 per cent. The cases included five sheep in shock following liver biopsy, two cases of haemorrhagic shock (dog, cat) and one terminal collapse in chronic congestive heart failure (dog).

Topics: Acupuncture Therapy; Anesthesia, General; Animals; Apnea; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Heart Arrest; Nose; Respiratory Insufficiency; Sheep; Sheep Diseases

Conjunctivorhinostomy, a surgical technique for the control of epiphora, was developed for use in the dog and cat. The method was performed 32 times in 21 animals, with varying degrees of success. It was concluded that the technique has potential as an effective procedure.

Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Conjunctiva; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Intubation; Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases; Methods; Nasal Cavity; Nose; Orbit; Postoperative Care; Postoperative Complications; Tears

Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Nose; Nose Neoplasms

Topics: Acholeplasma laidlawii; Animals; Antibodies, Bacterial; Cat Diseases; Cats; Complement Fixation Tests; Eye; Hemagglutination Inhibition Tests; Immune Sera; Immunodiffusion; Lung; Mycoplasma; Nose; Pharynx; Trachea; Urogenital System

Topics: Ampicillin; Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Frontal Sinus; Nose; Oxytetracycline; Pasteurella; Rhinitis; Sinusitis; Staphylococcus; Streptococcus; Therapeutic Irrigation; Trephining

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Atrophy; Bone Marrow Diseases; Cat Diseases; Cats; Germ-Free Life; Leukemia; Lymph Nodes; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Microscopy, Electron; Nose; Retroviridae; Thymus Gland

Topics: Animals; Antibody Formation; Australia; Cat Diseases; Cats; Conjunctiva; Cytopathogenic Effect, Viral; Kidney; Lung; Microscopy, Electron; Mouth; Nose; Palatine Tonsil; Picornaviridae; Respiratory Tract Infections; Spleen; Staining and Labeling; Virulence; Virus Cultivation; Virus Diseases

Topics: Animals; Antibodies; Antigens; Cat Diseases; Cats; Cell Line; Complement Fixation Tests; Herpesviridae; Herpesviridae Infections; Inclusion Bodies, Viral; Kidney; Microscopy, Electron; Neutralization Tests; Nose; Pharynx; Picornaviridae; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Respiratory Tract Infections; Staining and Labeling

Topics: Aerosols; Animals; Bronchopneumonia; Cat Diseases; Cats; Conjunctiva; Conjunctivitis; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Histological Techniques; Lung; Nose; Pharynx; Picornaviridae; Rectum; Rhinitis; Spleen; Ulcer; Virus Diseases

Topics: Animals; Antibody Formation; Arginine; Cat Diseases; Cats; Glucose; Mycoplasma; Nose; Respiratory Tract Infections

Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Culture Techniques; Eye; Female; Herpesviridae; Immune Sera; Kidney; Mass Screening; Neutralization Tests; Nose; Pharynx; Picornaviridae; Rectum; Vagina; Virus Cultivation; Virus Diseases