The J wave has never been documented in the electrocardiogram (ECG) of cats presenting with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The present study aimed to
describe the presence, morphology, amplitude, and duration of J waves in cats with HCM. It included 20 apparently healthy cats and 45 cats diagnosed with HCM
based on clinical, echocardiographic, ECG, and radiographic examination. The cats were of different breeds (Persian: 40, domestic short hair: 21, Siamese: 4),
ages (6.01 ± 4.34 years), sexes (male: 33, female: 32), and weights (3.30 ± 1.51 kg). The J wave was absent in the ECGs of the healthy population, but was
detected in 29 out of 45 cats with HCM (63%). The J waves were observed at the QRS-ST junction in more than one limb lead of the ECG. Only positive deflections
with an amplitude ≥0.05 mV were included, as measured by an ECG ruler in three consecutive heart cycles. The J waves were mainly present in leads II (n=20) and
III (n=16), with amplitudes of 0.06 ± 0.02 and 0.08 ± 0.03 mV; their mean (± SD) duration was 0.16 ± 0.05 msec in lead II and 0.18 ± 0.05 msec in lead III. They
occurred in both notched and slurred morphologies, with the latter being more common. In conclusion, J waves were a common finding in the ECGs of cats with
HCM.
Nephrocutaneous fistula (NCF) is a very serious rare renal disorder that had not been recorded in cats. This case report describes - for the first time - the features and treatment of a nephrocutaneous fistula in a 3-year-old female intact Persian cat. The cat was referred with a history of lethargy, anorexia, vomiting and recurrent abscess discharging purulent material at the right flank region. Moreover, the cat had a history of cystitis, urethritis and urethral obstruction since 12 months. Physical, laboratory, radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations were performed. The cat was treated with simple nephrectomy and excision of the fistulous tract. The animal showed dehydration, fever, painful abdominal palpation, right nephromegaly, anaemia, neutrophilic leukocytosis and moderate azotaemia. Abdominal radiographs revealed a large radiodense mass at the mid abdomen displacing the intestine caudally. Ultrasonography revealed a renal abscess with marked enlargement of the right kidney, hyperechoic purulent content and loss of parenchymal details of the right kidney. Complete recovery of the cat without any complications was seen after surgical treatment. In conclusion, nephrocutaneous fistula should be listed as one of renal diseases in cats. Nephrectomy as well as excision of the fistulous tract appear to be successful in the treatment of this disorder in cats.
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