Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the long-term clinical outcomes and quality of life of cats having undergone perineal urethrostomy (PU) or prepubic urethrostomy (PPU). Methods This clinical study followed 28 cats (PU, n = 22; PPU, n = 6) that underwent a urethrostomy, with a minimum of 1 year postoperative follow-up. Medical records, pet owner surveys and urologic laboratory tests were used for assessment. Urologic laboratory tests included serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), serum creatinine, urinalysis, urine specific gravity (USG), urine protein:creatinine (UPC) ratio and urine culture. Results The main indications for urethrostomy were multiple catheterizations and PU stricture. The overall complication rates of PU and PPU were 31.8% and 83.3%, respectively. Recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) and urine scald dermatitis was less frequent in PU than in PPU cats (UTI 22.7% vs 66.6%; dermatitis 4.5% vs 83.3%). Bacteriuria was present in 77.2% and 100% of PU and PPU cats, respectively. Owner satisfaction rates were excellent in 81.8% of PU and 33.3% of PPU cases. Conclusions and relevance A proportion of cats that underwent urethrostomy showed bacteriuria, recurrent UTIs and increased levels of SDMA. PPU is important as a salvage procedure; however, it should be limited to cases in which standard techniques for PU cannot be performed, owing to the potential for recurrent complications and lower owner satisfaction.

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity of acetate tape impression with skin squeezing and superficial skin scraping methods for the diagnosis of burrowing mites ( Notoedres cati) in cats. Methods Samples were collected from 50 cats showing signs of notoedric mange. The most affected region was selected for sampling using acetate tape impression with skin squeezing, and superficial skin scraping. Results No significant difference was observed in the number of mites found by both methods, regardless of the stage of development of the mite. The tests showed a high correlation to the total number of mites (r = 0.928). However, in two animals it was possible to confirm the presence of N cati only by the acetate tape impression test. Conclusions and relevance We conclude that the acetate tape impression test is a good method for confirming the presence of N cati in cats. In our experience, this technique is as sensitive as superficial skin scraping, even in animals presenting with a low infestation. Moreover, the technique is less traumatic and allows the collection of clinical specimens in more sensitive locations, such as the eyelids, lips and paws.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) are important etiologic agents of immunosuppressive diseases in felines. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of these retroviruses in domestic cats in Fortaleza, Ceará and the epidemiological factors associated with these infections. Between 2015 and 2016, 138 blood samples were collected and tested for FIV and FeLV by the enzyme immunoadsorption assay (ELISA). Parameters such as breed, gender, age, reproductive status, multi-cat environment, outdoor access and clinical manifestations were evaluated. The results showed that 12.32% were positive for FIV, 5.80% for FeLV and 1.45% for co-infection (FIV/FeLV). FIV+ animals were mostly mixed breed, neutered male adult cats, with indoor lifestyle and living in a multi-cat household. The most common clinical manifestation observed was disorders of the oral cavity. Factors found to increase the risk for FeLV seropositivity include mixed breed, young, spayed female cats, indoor lifestyle living in a multi-cat household were the most common epidemiological factors observed. The most common clinical manifestation was anorexia and apathy. The prevalence of these viruses were relatively high, compared with other region of Brazil. This study demonstrated that mixed breed, castrated, multi-cat environment and indoor lifestyle animals are of greater relevance for FIV and FeLV infection diseases. Factors related to cat demographics and health such as age, sex and type of household are important predictors for seropositive status to FeLV or FIV in Fortaleza. High prevalence of FeLV or FIV observed in our study is of concern, in view of the immunosuppressive potential of the two pathogens.

Background: Biliary tumors have low incidence in cats and are more common in elderly animals. Hepatobiliary tumors have different classifications and their etiology is difficult to interpret. In most cases, the diagnosis is only possible in advanced stages, which clouds the precursor factors. The late diagnosis is explained by the absence or specificity of clinical manifestations and laboratory changes. The majority of hepatobiliary neoplasms in cats are incidental findings in surgeries or necropsies. This study aimed to report clinical, laboratory, pathological and immunohistochemical results in a feline case of gall bladder adenocarcinoma.Case: A cat, male, neutered, mixed breed, 4 years, was admitted at a veterinary clinic with a history of polyuria / polydipsia, anorexia, apathy, jaundice and emesis for 60 days. The animal had been treated in another clinic with silymarin, famotidine and cyanocobalamin, and fed by esophageal tube based on the presumptive clinical diagnosis of cholangitis. The clinical examination revealed jaundice, abdominal pain, weight loss, enlargement of the liver and gallbladder and the presence of a structure in the epigastric region. Based on clinical signs, blood tests (complete blood count and liver enzymes), abdominal ultrasound and thoracic radiography were requested. In the exam results, eosinophilia, bilirubinemia and increased alkaline phosphatase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase and gamma glutamyl transferase were observed, in addition to the presence of icteric and hemolyzed serum. Ultrasound exam revealed thickened and dilated cystic and common ducts, large and thick gallbladder, bile with bile mud, hypoechogenic liver, thickening in the duodenal papilla and enlarged pancreatic and duodenal lymph nodes. There were no alterations in thoracic radiography. Based on the findings, the diagnosis of extrahepatic biliary obstruction was suggested. In celiotomy, dilated gallbladder with a thick blackened wall was observed. Bile puncture was performed for analysis, and total cholecystectomy and removal of obstructive content was performed. The patient suffered cardiorespiratory arrest after the procedure. A fragment of gallbladder and liver were sent to evaluation with histopathology and immunohistochemistry, and results were compatible with gallbladder adenocarcinoma.Discussion: Hepatobiliary neoplasms in cats are uncommon, apart from lymphoma. The incidence is higher in elderly cats and in males, which did not match the animal in this case. The clinical presentation of the condition is quite nonspecific, corroborating with other reports, in which changes are often only evident in advanced stages of the disease. Laboratory and imaging findings pointed to a biliary tree disorder, and cholangitis was suggested. However, the lack of clinical improvement and examination findings of exams lead to an exploratory laparotomy for better inspection of the organs and identification of possible causes. One of the differential diagnoses that should be considered in cats with extrahepatic biliary obstruction is gallbladder adenocarcinoma, especially in animals with an unsatisfactory response in clinical treatment. Tests such as histopathology and immunohistochemistry are essential for the definitive diagnosis of this neoplasm. Surgical resection is indicated in cases of malignant masses, providing longevity and better quality of life. Hypotension is a common complication in hepatobiliary surgeries, which can result in death.