Antonella Volta

Disseminated histoplasmosis in a cat in Europe

A cat was presented with a history of vomiting, decreased appetite and weight loss. Abnormal findings were poor body condition, pale mucous membranes, dehydration and a palpable abdominal mass. Abdominal ultrasound showed lymph node enlargement, a mass of uncertain origin, thickening of the muscularis layer of the small bowel, focal thickening of the ileum with loss of layering and free peritoneal fluid. Cytology revealed a piogranulomatous infiltrate and numerous macrophages containing oval or round yeast‐like cells 2 to 5 µm diameter with a central, spherical, lightly basophilic body surrounded by a clear halo, compatible with Histoplasma capsulatum, within the cytoplasm. Post‐mortem examination revealed cavity effusions, granulomatous nodules in lungs, intestine and omentum, thickened intestinal walls and intestinal perforation. Staining with Grocott and immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed numerous organisms within the granulomatous reaction. H. capsulatum has a worldwide distribution in temperate and subtropical climates. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first report of feline histoplasmosis in Europe.

Prevalence of the polycystic kidney disease and renal and urinary bladder ultrasonographic abnormalities in Persian and Exotic Shorthair cats in Italy

The ultrasonographic findings of kidneys, liver and urinary bladder of 288 Persian and 44 Exotic Shorthair clinically normal cats that underwent screening for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) between July 2003 and December 2005 were reviewed. Cats were divided into two groups, one including cats aged <9 months (group 1) and one cats aged ≥9 months (group 2). Cats were classified as PKD-positive when at least one renal cyst was found. One hundred and thirty-six cats (41.0%) had more than one cyst in at least one kidney. The prevalence of PKD was similar in both groups. Eight PKD-positive cats had cystic livers (5.9%). Other renal abnormalities included a pelvic calculus and a medullary rim sign (MRS). The difference in prevalence of an MRS in group 2 compared to group 1 and the difference between PKD-positive and -negative cats in group 2 were not significant. There was no difference in mean kidney length between PKD-positive and -negative cats in group 2. Urinary bladder anomalies were principally represented by urinary sediment, with prevalence significantly higher in group 2. No difference was detected in group 2 between PKD-positive and -negative cats. In conclusion feline PKD is common in Italy. The ultrasonographic findings of MRS and urinary bladder sediment did not correlate with feline PKD. Urinary bladder sediment is common in Persians and Exotic Shorthairs and more likely in adults.

Comparison between ultrasound and genetic testing for the early diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease in Persian and Exotic Shorthair cats

Autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (AD-PKD) is common in Persians and Persians-related breeds. The aims of this study were to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of early ultrasound examination and to compare ultrasound and genetic testing for early diagnosis. Sixty-three Persians and seven Exotic Shorthairs were considered. All underwent ultrasonographic and genetic testing (polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR/RFLP) assay) between 2.5 and 3.5 months of age (10–14 weeks). With ultrasound, 41.4% showed renal cysts, while 37.1% were PKD positive by genetic testing and DNA sequencing. Six cats with at least one renal cyst were negative by genetic testing, while only one cat negative at ultrasound resulted positive at genetic test. DNA sequencing of three polycystic cats, negative by genetic test, revealed they were heterozygous for the mutation. Agreement was described by Cohens kappa that resulted 0.85, considering genetic test and DNA sequencing. Sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound were 96.2% and 91%, respectively. Sensitivity was higher and specificity lower than reported previously. The higher sensitivity could be due to improved technical capabilities of ultrasound machines and transducers. Other causes of PKD could explain the lower specificity. In conclusion, ultrasound resulted in a reliable diagnostic method for feline AD-PKD1 at early age and it should always be used with genetic testing, in order to reach a complete screening programme and eventually to identify other genetic mutations.

Use of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in chronic pathologic canine testes

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound with sulphur hexafluoride microbubbles was performed in seven healthy dogs without a history of reproductive pathology and with histologically confirmed normal testes and in 42 dogs with chronic scrotal anomalies. All dogs underwent orchiectomy and histological examination. Enhancement patterns and perfusion parameters (peak intensity and regional blood flow) of testes of healthy dogs and testes with chronic lesions were compared. Fourteen non-pathologic and 60 pathologic testes were considered. Forty testes were neoplastic (24 interstitial cell tumours, 9 seminomas, 7 Sertoli cell tumours), 20 were non-neoplastic (16 testicular degenerations, 2 chronic orchitis, 1 testicular atrophy, 1 interstitial cell hyperplasia). In healthy dogs, the contrast medium flow had a rapid homogeneous wash-in and wash-out, with a short peak phase. With contrast ultrasound, testes that were inhomogeneous with a hyperenhancing pattern were associated with neoplasia (sensitivity: 87.5%, specificity: 100%). Lesions with persistent inner vessels and a hypo-to-isoechoic background were significantly associated with seminomas (sensitivity: 77.8%, specificity: 100%). Testes with non-neoplastic lesions were characterized by a scant/moderate homogeneous enhancement. Perfusion parameters were higher in neoplastic lesions. Contrast ultrasound was a feasible diagnostic tool in the assessment of testicular lesions, with hyperenhancement being an important feature in the diagnosis of malignancy.

Radiographic features of pelvis and hip joint development of English Bulldogs.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate distinctive features of pelvis and hip joint development of English Bulldogs throughout the first year of life. METHODS The pelves of 20 English Bulldogs were radiographed at three different ages (<4, 6-8, and 12-14 months). At each time point, the dogs were clinically evaluated and the abnormal hip joints were classified as mild, moderate, or severely deformed. The pelves were compared to a phantom study in which external rotation of a normal hemipelvis around its long axis was artificially created at different degrees, with different pelvic inclinations, and classified as either normal and without deformity, or as mild, moderate, or severely deformed. Hip joints and pelvic scores were statistically compared. RESULTS Although none of the dogs were considered lame at the end of the study, none of the hips showed normal development; 77.5% were moderately to severely deformed at 12-14 months of age. At this age, 75% of the hemipelves had moderate to severe torsional deformity (>5.2 degrees of external rotation), with retroversion of the acetabulum confirmed by the presence of the crossover sign. An external rotation of the hemipelvis on its long axis >5 degrees was likely associated with a moderate to severely altered hip joint conformation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Abnormal hip conformation was common in this series of English Bulldogs. Torsional deformity of the pelves with acetabular retroversion was a common and distinctive feature, which has not yet been thoroughly studied in dogs. These findings need further evaluation in English Bulldogs as well as in other breeds.

Diagnostic sensitivity of ultrasound, radiography and computed tomography for gender determination in four species of lizards.

Gender determination is frequently requested by reptile breeders, especially for species with poor or absent sexual dimorphism. The aims of the current study were to describe techniques and diagnostic sensitivities of ultrasound, radiography, and computed tomography for gender determination (identification of hemipenes) in four species of lizards. Nineteen lizards of known sex, belonging to four different species (Pogona vitticeps, Uromastyx aegyptia, Tiliqua scincoides, Gerrhosaurus major) were prospectively enrolled. With informed owner consent, ultrasound, noncontrast CT, contrast radiography, and contrast CT (with contrast medium administered into the cloaca) were performed in conscious animals. Imaging studies were reviewed by three different operators, each unaware of the gender of the animals and of the results of the other techniques. The lizard was classified as a male when hemipenes were identified. Nineteen lizards were included in the study, 10 females and nine males. The hemipenes were seen on ultrasound in only two male lizards, and appeared as oval hypoechoic structures. Radiographically, hemipenes filled with contrast medium appeared as spindle-shaped opacities. Noncontrast CT identified hemipenes in only two lizards, and these appeared as spindle-shaped kinked structures with hyperattenuating content consistent with smegma. Hemipenes were correctly identified in all nine males using contrast CT (accuracy of 100%). Accuracy of contrast radiography was excellent (94.7%). Accuracy of ultrasound and of noncontrast CT was poor (64.3% and 63.1%, respectively). Findings from the current study supported the use of contrast CT or contrast radiography for gender determination in lizards.

Effect of pelvic inclination and torsional deformity on canine acetabular morphology with computed tomography. A phantom study.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate how the inclination and torsional deformity of the hemipelvis using extra-rotation as a model affect acetabular angle (AA) and dorsal acetabular rim angle (DARA) assessment with computed tomography (CT). METHODS A normal canine hemipelvis positioned in dorsal recumbency was scanned with a 16-slice multidetector CT scanner, with different degrees of torsional deformity, using extra-rotation around the long axis (0-5-10-15°) of the hemipelvis. Each degree of extra-rotation was acquired at 0°, +20° and -20° of gantry tilt, to mimic different pelvic inclinations on its transverse axis. Cranial and central individual acetabular angles (IAA) and central DARA were calculated and correlated with inclination and torsional deformity. RESULTS A very strong negative correlation was found between cranial and central IAA, pelvic inclination, and torsional deformity. A very strong positive correlation was found between DARA, pelvic inclination, and torsional deformity. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Pelvic inclination and torsional deformity affect acetabular angles assessment with CT. The greater the inclination (ilia far from the tabletop in dorsal recumbency) and torsional deformity of the pelvis, the worse the acetabulum appeared. A standardized scanning protocol for acetabular morphology assessment is needed and it should consider pelvic inclination. The actual relevance of pelvic torsional deformity is not well known and it should be investigated more thoroughly.

Radiological investigation of an over 2000-year-old Egyptian mummy of a cat:

A radiographical study of a cat mummy from the Egyptian collection of the National Archeological Museum in Parma, Italy was carried out in order to evaluate the content and to describe how cats were wrapped and mummified. The mummy contained the complete skeleton of a 4–5-month-old cat. Radiology revealed the position of the cat’s body; it was wrapped to occupy the smallest space possible. In order to better position the cat, the ribs of the thorax were compressed cranio-caudally and the fore limbs were then positioned very close to the thorax. The hind limbs were flexed close to the lumbar spine and the tibio-tarsal joints were subluxated to allow the repositioning of the tarsal, metatarsal and phalanx bones cranio-caudally near the tibiae. A coccygeal vertebra was fractured in order to reposition the tail as close as possible to the body. Atlanto-occipital subluxation and a fracture/hole was present in the occipital region of the skull: whether this was made for draining skull contents as a mummification process and/or to euthanase the cat remains open for discussion.

Polycystic kidney disease in a Chartreux cat.

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is one of the most common genetic diseases in cats. It has been widely described in Persians and Persian-related cats and sporadically in other breeds. The purpose of the present paper is to describe the first reported case of PKD in a 12-year-old female Chartreux cat. The cat was referred with polyuria and polydipsia and enlarged and irregular kidneys at palpation. Multiple renal cysts and a single liver cyst were identified by ultrasound and the inherited pattern was confirmed by genetic test (polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR/RFLP) assay). Chartreux cats should be included in the screening programme of PKD, and PKD should be always considered as a possible cause of chronic renal failure in this breed.

Clinical assessment of post-adulticide complications in Dirofilaria immitis-naturally infected dogs treated with doxycycline and ivermectin.

This study shows that a combination of doxycycline (10mg/kg/sid for 30 days) and ivermectin (6 μg/kg/every 15 days for 6 months) is well tolerated for the treatment of canine heartworm disease (HWD). Monthly echocardiography showed that 84% of treated dogs either progressively improved parameters indicative of pulmonary hypertension or, following slight worsening, resolved all signs. Thoracic radiography showed the persistence of interstitial inflammation, even though also in this case, approximately 70% of the dogs steadily improved or worsened but then improved by the end of the study.