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Perego R, Proverbio D, Bagnagatti De Giorgi G, Della Pepa A, Spada E. Prevalence of otitis externa in stray cats in northern Italy. J Feline Med Surg 2014; 16:483-90. [PMID: 24226755 PMCID: PMC11112181 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x13512119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Feline otitis externa is a dermatological disorder that has not been evaluated much in stray cats. One hundred and eighty-seven stray cats were randomly selected during a trap-neuter-release programme to investigate the prevalence of otitis externa in stray cat colonies in northern Italy. Swabs for cytological examination were obtained from the external ear canal of each cat. A direct otoscopic assessment of the external ear canal was made in 86/187 cats. Cytological evidence of otitis externa was present in 55.1% of cats. The influence on otitis of age, gender, habitat and season of sampling was tested, but no risk factors were found. Otodectes cynotis (as a sole agent or in combination) was the primary cause of otitis in 53.3% of cats. Cocci and rods, either alone or in combination with other agents, were perpetuating factors in 71.8% and 29.1% of cats, respectively. Pregnancy status was a risk factor for otitis caused by coccal infections. Malassezia species, alone or in combination, was the perpetuating factor in 50.5% of cats with otitis. Urban habitat and winter season were risk factors for otitis associated with Malassezia species. Demodex cati was identified as an incidental finding in two cats. There was good agreement between otoscopy and cytology with regard to the diagnosis of otitis externa. The results of this study show a high prevalence of otitis externa in stray colony cats and provide information on causal factors for feline otitis externa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Perego
- Department of Veterinary Sciences for Health, Animal Production and Food Safety, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Proverbio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences for Health, Animal Production and Food Safety, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Giada Bagnagatti De Giorgi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences for Health, Animal Production and Food Safety, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Della Pepa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences for Health, Animal Production and Food Safety, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Eva Spada
- Department of Veterinary Sciences for Health, Animal Production and Food Safety, University of Milan, Italy
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Komori S, Nakamura S, Takahashi K, Tagawa M. Use of lomustine to treat cutaneous nonepitheliotropic lymphoma in a cat. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2005; 226:237-9, 219. [PMID: 15706974 DOI: 10.2460/javma.2005.226.237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A 17-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was referred for evaluation of severe skin lesions, including ulceration, nodule formation, erythema, and alopecia. Cutaneous nonepitheliotropic lymphoma was diagnosed histologically. There was no evidence of visceral organ involvement, but renal function was decreased. The cat was treated with lomustine (45.5 mg/m2, PO, q 21 d), and skin lesions resolved after administration of the third dose. No severe toxicoses were identified. Results suggest that lomustine may be useful for treatment of cutaneous nonepitheliotropic lymphoma in cats; however, optimal dosage, efficacy, and potential adverse effects must be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinobu Komori
- Nippon Veterinary and Animal Science University, 1-7-1 Kyounan-cho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo, 180-8602, Japan
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Abstract
This article briefly reviews the concepts of immunodeficiency and immunomodulation as they relate to selected skin diseases in the dog and cat. Immunodeficiency states are uncommon and may be associated with a subnormal or down-regulated immune system, including humoral deficiencies, such as IgA, and abnormal lymphocyte or neutrophil function. Establishing a causal relationship between a skin disease and presumed immunodeficient state has been difficult due to the rarity of such conditions, and the limited nature of the techniques used to characterise the immune system response. Severe combined immunodeficiency in dogs is a well characterised primary immunodeficiency state involving lymphocytes; retrovirus infection in cats may lead to an acquired immunodeficient state with some association with certain dermatological conditions although it remains unclear that infection is causally linked with disease. Immunomodulation usually implies stimulating the immune system along a beneficial pathway. Such a therapeutic approach may involve a wide variety of agents, for example intravenous immunoglobulin. There are few randomised controlled trials with veterinary patients that unequivocally demonstrate beneficial responses to immunomodulatory agents. Interferons are cytokines of major interest in human and veterinary medicine for their antiviral, anti-tumour and immunomodulatory effects. The advent of veterinary-licensed products containing recombinant interferon may enable demonstration of the efficacy of interferons for conditions such as canine papillomatosis and feline eosinophilic granuloma complex. Canine pyoderma has been treated with a number of presumed immunomodulatory agents with limited success. With more detailed knowledge of the pathogenesis of pyoderma it may be possible to develop efficacious immunomodulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiden P Foster
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, UK.
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Akucewich LH, Philman K, Clark A, Gillespie J, Kunkle G, Nicklin CF, Greiner EC. Prevalence of ectoparasites in a population of feral cats from north central Florida during the summer. Vet Parasitol 2002; 109:129-39. [PMID: 12383632 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(02)00205-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ectoparasites are a common and important cause of skin disorders in cats. Ectoparasites are capable of disease transmission and can cause life-threatening anemia in young or debilitated animals. The objective of this study was to determine the potential feline ectoparasites in domestic cats by using a cohort of feral cats from north central Florida that have not received veterinary care and have no known exposure to insecticide application. A total of 200 feral cats were randomly selected for this study. Four monthly sessions were scheduled for feral cat ectoparasite examination and sample collection. Five minutes flea combing revealed that 185/200 (92.5%) of the cats were infested with fleas. The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis was the most common flea infesting 92.5% feral cats (mean = 13.6; standard deviation +/- 16.4 fleas per cat). Pulex simulans was identified on 9/200 (4.5%) (mean = 1 +/- 0.50 fleas per cat). Echidnophaga gallinacea was found on 11/200 (5.5%) of cats (mean = 14.8 +/- 9.63 fleas per cat). There was a significant difference (P = 0.0005) in the average number of C. felis counted per cat between months. Mean counts in June (18.3 +/- 2.4) and July (16.6 +/- 2.1) were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than in August (8.4 +/- 2.5) and September (7.7 +/- 2.0). Only 15/200 cats had skin disease. Flea infestation may potentially be the underlying cause in 10/15. Otoscopic examination of both ears revealed mite movement and black ceruminous exudate typically indicative of the presence of Otodectes cynotis in 45/200 (22.5%) cats. Examination of a swab specimen from both ear canals of all cats revealed O. cynotis in 74/200 (37%) cats. Of 74 cats positive on ear swab, 8 (10.8%) showed a normal ear canal appearance (no or mild ceruminous exudate) in both ears upon otoscopic examination. A total of nine ticks were recovered from five cats. The number and species of ticks recovered were: one adult female Rhipicephalus sanguineus; one adult female Amblyomma americanum; one adult male A. americanum; five adult female Dermacentor variabilis; and one adult female Ixodes scapularis. All superficial skin scrapes were negative. Hair clippings from the abdomen of all cats revealed 2/200 (1%) of the cats were infested with Felicola subrostratus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa H Akucewich
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100126, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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Sotiraki ST, Koutinas AF, Leontides LS, Adamama-Moraitou KK, Himonas CA. Factors affecting the frequency of ear canal and face infestation by Otodectes cynotis in the cat. Vet Parasitol 2001; 96:309-15. [PMID: 11267757 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(01)00383-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Otodectes cynotis is responsible for at least 50% of canker cases diagnosed in cats world-wide. The role of Demodex cati in the pathogenesis of otitis and acne is still obscure. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of O. cynoyis and D. cati infestations in clinically normal cats in northern Greece, to determine the factors that are associated with the probability and severity of infestation in the cat, and to examine the importance of these mites in the pathogenesis of feline acne. Samples from 161 cats were examined by flushing the ear canals and by taking skin scrapings of the chin and lip area. The results were combined with various factors (sex, age, living style, hair coat type and presence of pruritus, of ear discharge, of acne-like lesions) in order to carry out a risk analysis. Two separate logistic regression analyses were performed. One, on the infestation/non-infestation potential with O. cynotis and the other, on the degree of such infestation as mild-to-moderate (< or =5 mites/field) or severe (>5 mites/field). D. cati was not detected in any of the 161 cats. The prevalence of O. cynotis was estimated at 25.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 19-32). The rate of mite infestation was higher with the presence of ear discharge (odds ratio 9, 95% CI 3.3-24.5), periaural pruritus (odds ratio 3.6, 95% CI 1.8-8) and acne-like lesions (odds ratio 3.3, 95% CI 1.2-9). Cats with mild-to-moderate degree of infestation had 18 times higher chance of exhibiting an ear discharge than those with a severe infestation. The log-odds of mild-to-moderate parasitism were linearly related to the age.
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Affiliation(s)
- S T Sotiraki
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Aristotle University, GR 54006, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Abstract
In 1987, Pedersen et al. (1987) reported the isolation of a T-lymphotropic virus possessing the characteristics of a lentivirus from pet cats in Davis, California. From the first report onwards, it was evident that in causing an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in cats, the virus was of substantial veterinary importance. It shares many physical and biochemical properties with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and was therefore named feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). This article reviews recent knowledge of the aetiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment options of FIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Hartmann
- I. Medizinische Tierklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
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Goodchild LM, Dart AJ, Collins MB, Dart CM, Hodgson JL, Hodgson DR. Cryptococcal meningitis in an alpaca. Aust Vet J 1996; 74:428-30. [PMID: 9006855 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1996.tb07559.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- L M Goodchild
- Rural Veterinary Centre, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales
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Abstract
Many causes exist for ulcerative disease of the skin and mucous membranes of cats. History, physical examination, cytology, skin biopsy, a hemogram, serum biochemical evaluation, and FeLV and feline immunodeficiency virus testing are a standard diagnostic protocol for such cases. Therapy is dependent on the underlying cause. Symptomatic therapy consisting of cleansing soaks (chlorhexidine) and systemic antibiotics (trimethoprim-sulfadiazine or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid) may be helpful to control secondary bacterial infections. If ulceration is widespread, serum leakage may result in a decreased total protein and more systemic signs. When oral ulcers are present, food and water consumption may be affected. Enteral nutrition may be helpful to sustain the cat during the diagnostic workup or until results of treatment are evident.
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Affiliation(s)
- D W Angarano
- Department of Small Animal Surgery and Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama, USA
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Abstract
This article discusses disorders of the head and face, including feline acne, solar dermatoses, pruritus of the head and neck, and nodular or ulcerative dermatoses of the head. Disorders of the pinna, otitis externa, and nasal diseases are highlighted. In addition, a discussion of pododermatitis and diseases of the claws and ungual fold is presented. Miscellaneous regional dermatoses include midline ulcerative dermatitis, stud tail, and vaccine-induced lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Foil
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- H S Freiman
- Apple Valley Veterinarians, Plantsville, Connecticut 06030
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What was your diagnosis? J Small Anim Pract 1993. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.1993.tb03526.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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