Fungi belonging to the Cryptococcus neoformans/C. gattii species complex (CNGSC) are pathogens causing severe infections in humans and animals, that for humans may result in a mortality rate ranging up to 70%. The CNGSC is divided into eight major molecular types, that may differ in their virulence and susceptibility. In order to fully understand the epidemiology of cryptococcosis, it is important to study the world distribution and population structure of these pathogens. The present study is the first presenting a population of strains isolated in Poland and one of the few using a multi-species animal group as a source of the specimen. The pathogen was present in 2.375% of the tested animals. The URA5-RFLP and MALDI-TOF MS analyses have revealed that the population consisted exclusively of C. neoformans strains, with a predominance of major molecular type VNIV (C. neoformans var. neoformans). The MALDI-TOF MS was used to perform the CNGSC strains identification on both the species and sub-species level. Despite the fact that the animals providing the specimens were not treated with 5-fluorocytosine, around 10% of the tested population presented MIC values exceeding 64 mg/L, indicating the existence of the 5-fluorocytosine-resistant strains in the environment.

Amyloidosis is a disease caused by the deposition of amorphous extracellular protein, leading to impaired kidney function. Canine and feline amyloidosis is associated with the deposition of AA protein. The disease is hereditary and is related to breed but not sex. Predisposed breeds include the Shar Pei dog and Abyssinian cat. Proteinuria resulting in hypoalbuminemia due to changes in renal glomeruli is the first clinical sign. In addition, a decreased appetite, anorexia, vomiting, lethargy, polyuria and polydipsia may be observed. In order to diagnose the disease, serum amyloid A levels may be measured. However, a definitive diagnosis is made on the basis of an intravital renal biopsy and the presence of amyloid in the histopathological examination. The main goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and proteinuria. If nephrotic syndrome occurs, the prognosis is guarded to poor, and the majority of patients do not survive one year. The definitive diagnosis is based on the post-mortem examination, in which the presence of amyloid deposits is confirmed in the kidney tissue. We present the case of a 7-year-old female Shar Pei diagnosed with kidney amyloidosis, on the basis of which we have developed a prevention scheme for clinical practice..

A 6‐months‐old male intact Maine Coon cat presented for investigation of urinary incontinence and a palpable mass in the right cranial abdomen. Abdominal ultrasonography (US) revealed marked right hydronephrosis and hydroureter and raised a suspicion of ureteral ectopia, but the exact location of the ureterovesical junction was not visualised. Abdominal CT was performed and provided excellent information about opening of the ureter and confirmed the diagnosis of right extramural ureteral ectopia. The patient underwent ureteronephrectomy and recovered without complications. No urinary incontinence was detected after surgery. The patient continues to do well and remains free from clinical signs up to date. This is the first case report describing the use of CT and US in diagnosis of a rare anomaly of ureteral ectopia in a cat. It also highlights the important role of diagnostic imaging modalities in investigating and treatment planning of ectopic ureters in feline patients.