scholarly journals The Weak Cat

2009 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 373-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter P. Nghiem ◽  
Simon R. Platt ◽  
Scott Schatzberg

Practical relevance Weakness is recognized somewhat infrequently in cats, but is an important manifestation of neurological disease. The clinician must perform a complete neurological examination to determine the neuroanatomic basis for the weakness. As for all species, the neuroanatomic diagnosis allows the clinician to generate an appropriate differential diagnosis, to design a diagnostic plan, to prognosticate, and ultimately to develop a treatment plan. Clinical challenges The cause(s) of neurological weakness in the cat may be difficult to determine without access to advanced imaging modalities, cerebrospinal fluid analysis or electrodiagnostics. However, an accurate neuroanatomic diagnosis allows the clinician to pursue preliminary anomalous (vertebral anomalies), metabolic (eg, diabetes mellitus, electrolyte abnormalities) and neoplastic differentials via blood work, vertebral column and thoracic radiography, and abdominal ultrasound. Subsequently, referral to a specialty veterinary hospital may be warranted to pursue advanced neurodiagnostics. Audience This review provides a framework for generating a neuroanatomic and differential diagnosis in the weak cat. It also discusses the pathogenesis and clinical signs associated with the most common neurological differentials for feline paresis. As such, it is aimed at both primary health care and specialty veterinarians. Patient group The neurological conditions discussed in this review cause weakness in cats of all age groups.

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 39-42
Author(s):  
Majda T. Elfseyie ◽  
◽  
Nagham M.A. Al-Jaf ◽  
Mohamed I. Abu Hassan ◽  
◽  
...  

Background: The buccally displaced canines (BDC) are more commonly encountered conditions in orthodontic clinics. It is a positional variation result of several factors such as retained deciduous canines, crowding, and lateral incisors anomalous. Aims: To determine the prevalence and gender differences of one-two-three-four buccally displaced canines in the area of Shah-Alam, Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 399 subjects; was consist of two age groups; 208 subjects of school children aged 12 years and 191 subjects of adults aged 18-23 years were examined clinically to determine the prevalence of BDC. Statistical analysis: The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 16; a Chi-square test was performed to assess the gender differences. Results: No gender differences were found in the school-children group while in the adults group a significant gender difference was found regarding one and four canine displacements (P < 0.05). The prevalence of one-two-three canine displacement was higher significantly between the two groups (P < 0.05). However, the frequency of one canine displacement was higher significantly in adult females and girls (P < 0.05). The frequency of three canines displacement was approximately equal in both genders. Conclusion: The frequency of one canine displacement was higher significantly in females. However, the frequency of four canines displacement was higher significantly in males. These features may help in providing additional clinical signs in diagnosis and interception of such clinical situation. It will be effective in treatment plan procedure if canine displacement is detected early, help clinicians on the prevention of impaction possibility.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 205511692110038
Author(s):  
Oliver Marsh ◽  
Alessandra Destri ◽  
Stefano Di Palma ◽  
Lorenzo Mari ◽  
Luisa De Risio ◽  
...  

Case summary An 8-year-old neutered female domestic longhair cat was presented for investigation of a 48 h history of lethargy and pelvic limb ataxia. MRI of the spinal cord and vertebral column (C1 to sacrum) and brain was unremarkable. Lumbar cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed pleocytosis and increased protein concentration. Thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound were unremarkable. Anti-inflammatory doses of prednisolone were administered. Clinical deterioration occurred over the following 2 days, with the development of lower motor neuron deficits in both thoracic limbs. On repetition of the MRI, bilateral enlargement, T2-weighted hyperintensity, and marked contrast enhancement of the C7, C8 and T1 nerve roots, spinal nerves and brachial plexuses were observed. Infectious disease testing was negative. An immune-mediated inflammatory process was suspected and immunosuppressive doses of prednisolone were commenced. The clinical signs improved transiently, but marked deterioration occurred after 2 weeks. The patient was euthanased and a post-mortem examination was performed. A lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate was detected in the C7, C8 and T1 nerve roots and dorsal root ganglia, and neoplastic plasma cells were identified in multiple organs. A diagnosis of non-cutaneous extramedullary plasmacytoma with multiorgan involvement and paraneoplastic ganglioradiculoneuritis was reached. Relevance and novel information Paraneoplastic ganglioradiculoneuritis in association with a plasma cell neoplasia has not been previously reported in the cat and should be considered as a differential diagnosis for cats with clinical or imaging evidence of an inflammatory process affecting the nerve roots, spinal nerves or brachial plexuses.


Author(s):  
Parthajit Das ◽  
Rachel Jeffery

Muscle diseases constitute a large group of hereditary and acquired disorders, collectively referred to as myopathy. Symptoms of myopathy are muscle pain, muscle cramps or spasms, stiff or rigid muscles, and muscle weakness. Muscle pain, or myalgia, is by far the most common presentation. Although most myalgia will be benign and self-limiting, it can be a reflection of underlying serious illnesses which may lead to significant morbidity. It is important to differentiate myalgia from myopathy (muscle disease) and myositis (inflammation of muscle). A muscle is said to be in spasm when it contracts involuntarily. When the spasm is forceful and sustained, it becomes a cramp. Muscle cramps commonly occur with dehydration, with electrolyte abnormalities, and in neurological conditions. This chapter discusses muscle pain, including definitions, approach to diagnosis (time course, distribution, associated muscle weakness or stiffness, and clinical signs of specific etiologies of myopathy), key diagnostic tests, and further investigations.


Author(s):  
Gautam Mehta ◽  
Bilal Iqbal

The new Station 5, Integrative Clinical Assessment involves two 10-minute encounters, each known as a ‘Brief Clinical Consultation’. Following an introductory referral, the candidate has 8 minutes to undertake a focused history and examination to solve a clinical problem, answer any questions the patient may have and explain their investigation and/or treatment plan to the patient. The remaining 2 minutes are spent with the examiners, to relate the relevant physical findings and differential diagnosis. Remember, you are not expected to take a complete history or conduct a complete and thorough examination, as you would in the other stations. Candidates should be prepared to encounter scenarios relating to: 1. Old Station 5 cases, i.e. skin, eye, locomotor, and endocrine systems. 2. Other stations of the examination (stations 1 and 3). 3. Medical problems encountered in everyday practice, i.e. chest pain, hypotension, jaundice, and deterioration in renal function. In principle, this station can include any possible inpatient and outpatient medical scenario, and therefore providing a comprehensive selection of cases will never be feasible. Some patients may not display a wealth of clinical signs, and this often occurs in everyday practice. The candidate should understand the key principles, and develop the art of integrative clinical assessment. This will ensure success in any clinical scenario provided. This integrated approach is a test of higher clinical reasoning and professionalism, rather than a simple test of clinical skills— this should be kept in mind when preparing for this station. The compilation of 20 cases in this section is designed to achieve this, and encourages the candidate to adopt a uniform style, and a thoughtful approach and strategy in tackling this station. • Explanatory referrals are provided in the 5 minute interval before the station. • Read these carefully, and identify the clinical problem(s). • Develop a differential diagnosis based on the limited information available, even before seeing the patient. • A preliminary differential diagnosis will initially help guide the focused history. • The history and examination should not be seen as separate components, where the history is followed by the examination. • Instead, both history and examination should be integrated.


2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
Thalita Priscila Peres Seabra Da Cruz ◽  
Samara Rosolem Lima ◽  
David Ronald Parra Travagin ◽  
Caroline Argenta Pescador ◽  
Roberto Lopes De Souza

Background: The uterine horn agenesis or aplasia is a rare anomaly consisting of absence or incomplete development of the paramesonephric ducts that origin the uterine horns. This change occurs during fetal formation and may occur concomitantly to agenesis of the ovary and/or ipsilateral kidney. The extra-uterine pregnancy consists of fetal growth outside the uterine cavity and can occur as a tubal or abdominal pregnancy. We report here the case of a 7-years-old mix breed dog, attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, with accidental diagnosis of agenesis of uterine horn and ovaries and ectopic fetal mummifcation.Case: A 7-years-old mix breed dog, not spayed, was attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso (HOVET-UFMT), complaining of mucous bloody vaginal discharge. The patient had regular estrus and was multiparous. There was no mating history in the last estrus neither trauma over the past months. In previous pregnancies the patientpresented eutocic labors. On physical examination the dog showed apathy although it was alert, pale mucous membranes, presence of perivulvar blackish secretion and discreet abdominal enlargement. As preoperative exams, a complete blood count, liver and renal function (serum creatinine and alanine aminotransferase) were performed. It has also performedthe abdominal ultrasound examination, which revealed the presence of uterus flled with hypoechoic luminal content and a thickened and irregular wall. The patient was referred to therapeutic ovariohysterectomy (OHE). After anesthesia and antisepsis, the access to the abdominal cavity was made, where there was a mummifed fetus with approximately 15.5 cmfrom neck to tail set, equivalent to 57 days of gestation. After removal of the papyraceus fetus, the uterus was found and then, when exposed, there was only the left uterine horn flled by content and ovarie, both were removed. After inspection, the synthesis of the abdominal cavity was carried out as the routine. During the postoperative period, the patient had no complications or other clinical signs similar to those observed in the initial presentation. Antibiotic (enrofloxacin 5 mg/kg every 12h), analgesic (dipyrone 20 mg/kg every 8 h) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (meloxicam 0.2 mg/kg every 24 h) were prescribed. The fetus and uterus were sent to the Veterinary Pathology UFMT Laboratory (PVL-HOVET).The fetus was covered by omentum and fat. After the initial incision, there was a hard fbrous capsule surrounding the mummifed fetus. There were no recent signs of rupture or scarring resulting from previous trauma in the uterus. Its size was 15x4.8x2.8 cm and it was flled out with mucus bloody brownish secretion (pyometra). Microscopically, had purulent inflammatory infltrate, diffuse and severe in mucosa and submucosa associated with cell debris and moderate hyperplasia glands containing microabscesses inside.Discussion: Reports of extra-uterine fetal mummifcation in dogs and cats are scarce. Even being reported infrequently in dogs if congenital uterine and ovarian abnormalities are found during surgery, a detailed inspection of the abdominal cavity should be performed in order to rule out the possible presence of the ipsilateral ovary. Even with the lack of specifc clinical signs, fetal ectopy can be diagnosed through a detailed clinical examination and image exams. Exploratory laparotomy can be used as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool, since the treatment is the excision of ectopic tissue and OHE in cases of uterine rupture.Keywords: aplasia, fetus, mummifcation, unicornuate uterus.


2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-241
Author(s):  
M. M. Hasan ◽  
M. S. Jalal ◽  
M. Bayzid ◽  
M. A. M. Sharif ◽  
M. Masuduzzaman

A comparative study on Canine Parvovirus (CPV) infection among the hospitalized dogs at Central Veterinary Hospital (CVH) in Bangladesh and Veterinary College and Research Institute-Madras Veterinary College (VCRI-MVC) in India was conducted during a period of January and July 2015. A total of 270 (80 at CVH and 190 at VCRI-MVC) hospitalized dogs of different breeds were clinically examined. The key clinical signs observed among the CPV infected dogs were bloody diarrhoea (90.4%), vomition (94.5%) and dehydration (severe 85.7%, moderate 10.0% and mild 7.6%). The overall prevalence of CPV infection was higher in VCRI-MVC (42.7%) than CVH (31.2%). The prevalence of CPV was varied significantly (P<0.05) among different age groups, vaccinated and non-vaccinated dogs. Highest prevalence was found 1-3 months (48.7%) old dogs, in compare with 4-6 months (17.2%) and over 6 months (8.3%) old dogs. Highest prevalence was also found in non-vaccinated than vaccinated dogs at CVH, Bangladesh. In VCRI-MVC, India  rate of infection also varied significantly (P<0.05) in different age groups (57.4%, 28.9%, 10.0% among 1-3 months, 4-6 months and> 6 months respectively) and 13.2% in vaccinated and 64.4% in non-vaccinated groups. Significant (P<0.05) variation in prevalence of CPV also observed in different breeds- indigenous (50.0%), Spitz (28.2%), Lhasa (18.1%), Doberman (40.0%) and German Shepherd (46.6%).


Coronaviruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 01 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Silvia De Feo ◽  
Viviana Frantellizzi ◽  
Giuseppe De Vincentis

Background: We present the case of a 55-year-old woman, admitted to the Infectious Disease Department of Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, in mid-March 2020, with suspicion of COVID-19 infection. Objective: The rRT-PCR was negative and the following CT scan, performed to exclude false-negative results and help diagnosis, was inconclusive. Methods: It was decided to submit the patient to 99mTc-HMPAO-labelled leukocyte scan. Results: This exam led to the diagnosis of infective endocarditis. Conclusion: In the present pandemic scenario, 99mTc-HMPAO-labelled leukocyte scan represents a reliable imaging technique for differential diagnosis with COVID-19 in patients with confusing clinical signs, possible false-negative rRT-PCR results and inconclusive CT scan.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Gong ◽  
Jianyuan Zhou

BACKGROUND Healthcare for older patients is a worldwide challenge for public health system. A new medical Internet system in healthcare which is a new model of telegeriatrics system has been established. The key innovation is the new telegeriatrics system was conducted jointly by general practitioners in the Community Health Service Center and specialists in university teaching hospital. Unlike the typical telemedicine that has been practiced in other countries, the new model provides a solution for the key issues in telemedicine where a doctor is unable to conduct a direct physical examination and the associated potential diagnostic error. OBJECTIVE This study is to introduce the operation mechanism of the new Telegeriatrics system and analyze healthcare demands of older patients in different age groups applying the new Telegeriatrics system. METHODS 472 older patients (aged≥60) were enrolled and divided into the young older group (aged 60 to 74), the old older group (aged 75 to 89) and the very old group (aged≥90) according to the age stratification of World Health Organization. Proportion of the top 10 diseases of older patients of different age groups was analyzed. RESULTS The process of older patients’ diagnosis and treatment made by specialist and general practitioners formed a closed loop. It ensures the timeliness and effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment of older patients. The treatment effect can be observed by general practitioners and specialist can adjust the treatment plan in time. In this study, it was found that older patients in different age groups have different healthcare demands. Coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus were found to be the main diseases of the older patients and the young older patients as well as the old older patients applying Telegeriatrics. CONCLUSIONS The new telegeriatrics system can provide convenient and efficient healthcare services for older patients and overcome the disadvantage of currently used models of telegeriatrics. Older patients in different age groups have different medical care demands. Cardiovascular diseases and metabolic diseases have become the main diseases of the elderly applying the new Telegeriatrics system. Healthcare policy makers should invest more medical resources to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic diseases in the elderly.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Ganz ◽  
Axel Wehrend

Abstract Background Clinical signs of heat in bitches that have been previously spayed are often associated with the presence of ovarian remnant syndrome. The inclusion of exogenous estrogens as a differential diagnosis in this regard is often ignored and may lead to misinterpretation of the case. Case presentation Herein, we report a case of exogenous estrogen exposure over several months to a 6.5-year-old spayed crossbred bitch, weighing 8.4 kg. The bitch presented in the clinic because of suspected ovarian remnant syndrome. Castration was performed within the first 6 months after birth. Important endocrine parameters measured at the first appointment were Anti-Müllerian hormone (< 0.01 ng/mL), progesterone (0.36 ng/mL), estradiol-17ß (20.7 pg/mL), and luteinizing hormone (< 0.1 ng/mL). After an extensive conversation with the owner, it was revealed that she was using an estrogen spray because of severe menopausal symptoms. After the owner stopped using this spray, the symptoms of the bitch disappeared. Conclusion Therefore, the uptake of estrogens should be a differential diagnosis for symptoms of the ovarian remnant syndrome. A detailed anamnesis is crucial to identify the source of estrogen in the environment of the affected bitch.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeed Mohammed AlZabali ◽  
Abdulkarim AlAnazi ◽  
Khawla A. Rahim ◽  
Hassan Y. Faqeehi

Abstract Background Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis is a rare but potentially lethal complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The occurrence of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis varies worldwide, but is increased in patients maintained on peritoneal dialysis for 5–8 years. The etiology of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis remains unidentified, and a high index of clinical suspicion is required for diagnosis. Case presentation We report a 5-year-old Saudi female with end-stage renal disease secondary to nephronophthisis type 2. She underwent peritoneal dialysis for 30 months, with four episodes of peritonitis. She presented with clinical signs of peritonitis. Three days later, she developed septic shock, which required pediatric intensive care unit admission. The peritoneal dialysis catheter was removed because of refractory peritonitis. Her course was complicated by small bowel perforation, and severe adhesions were revealed on abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography, consistent with a diagnosis of EPS. This finding was later confirmed by diagnostic laparotomy performed twice and complicated by recurrent abdominal wall fistula. She received total parenteral nutrition for 6 months and several courses of antibiotics. The patient received supportive treatment including nutritional optimization and treatment for infection. No other treatments, such as immunosuppression, were administered to avoid risk of infection. Following a complicated hospital course, the patient restarted oral intake after 6 months of total parenteral nutrition dependency. Her abdominal fistula resolved completely, and she was maintained on hemodialysis for few years before she received a kidney transplant. Conclusion When treating patients using peritoneal dialysis, it is important to consider encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis with refractory peritonitis, which is not always easy to identify, particularly if the patient has been maintained on peritoneal dialysis for less than 3 years. Early identification of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis and appropriate conservative treatment, including nutritional optimization and treatment of infections, are essential to achieve a better prognosis.


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