Listeriosis is a severe foodborne infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, an important foodborne pathogen of animals and humans. Listeriosis is an extremely rare disease in cats and the published cases are mainly associated with systemic infections, cutaneous wounds, encephalomyelitis and lymphadenitis. This case report is the first description of the clinical, diagnostic imaging, histological and microbiological features of Listeria monocytogenes-associated mesenteric lymphadenitis in a cat in Germany. It is intended to raise veterinary awareness about this rare disease, which may have implications for health and food safety in animals and humans.
A seven-year-old female Weimaraner was presented at the veterinary clinic 48 hours post-operatively with weeping skin lesions in the shoulder area. The lesion spread rapidly, resulting in necrosis over large areas of the back. Treatment included intensive wound management with repeated debridement, systemic medication, and local treatment with PHOVIA. The case highlights the potential risks of perioperative heat therapy using heating mats and emphasizes the need for careful monitoring.
The ingestion of xylitol-a sugar substitute commonly found in sugar-free chewing gum, dental care products, and baked goods-has dose-dependent toxic effects in dogs. Xylitol toxicity in dogs can lead to marked hypoglycemia dueto massive insulin release, acute liver failure from structural and functional hepatocyte damage, and acquired coagulopathy. Data on xylitol toxicity in cats is limited, but cats appear less susceptible than dogs. As xylitol is generally considered safe for human consumption and presents an ingredient in many products for humans, pet owners are often unaware of its toxic potential in dogs. This article provides an overview of xylitol toxicity in dogs (and cats) and summarizes clinical data from a case series including 32 dogs with xylitol toxicity. Clinical relevance Laboratory diagnostics in cases of xylitol toxicity should focus on evaluating and monitoring serum glucose, liver enzyme activities, and other indirect liver function parameters (e.g., albumin, bilirubin), as well as the coagulation panel (coagulation times, fibrinogen, antithrombin, and fibrinogen degradation products and/or D-dimers). In clinically stable animals, decontamination (induction of emesis with apomorphine or ropinirole) should be initiated. There is no specific antidote for xylitol. Hence, symptomatic therapy comprised of intravenous fluids (with supplemental dextrose if needed), antiemetics, gastroprotective medication, hepatoprotectants, antioxidants, and dietary support is the mainstay of treatment. Dogs developing coagulopathy should receive blood products and vitamin K(1 )supplementation. Evidence of hepatic encephalopathy requires the administration of lactulose and other drugs, such as l-ornithine-aspartate or, in severe cases, mannitol. The prognosis for cases of xylitol toxicity ranges from favorable to poor. Individual outcomes critically depend on the amount of xylitol ingested and adequate patient management, including the early detection of possible complications or progressive disease course.
Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the bacteriological findings from urinary bladderwall swabs and the composition of uroliths in cats undergoing cystotomy for urolithiasis. Materials: A total of 179 client-owned cats diagnosed with urolithiasis and undergoing cystotomy between January 2011 and November2022 were included. Data collected included age, sex, breed, bacterial species, urolith types, antibiotic pretreatment, and prior catheterisation. Cystotomy was performed under general anesthesia, and bacteriological samples were obtained from the bladder wall via swap. Results: Bacterial cultures of the urinary bladder wall swabs were positive in 41.3% of cases. Age, sex and breed had no significant impact on the outcome of the cultures. Bladderwall swabs from cats with struvite stones were significantly more common culture-positive (60.3%) than swabs from cats with calcium oxalate stones (28.3%) (p = 0.001). The most common bacteria found were Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus species, and Escherichia coli, with a higher prevalence of urease-producing bacteria in struvite cases (p = 0.002). No significant differences were observed between previously catheterised and non-catheterised cats or between cats with and without prior antibiotic treatment. Conclusions and Relevance: Our results suggest that bacterial involvement in cats with urolithiasis, particularlystruvite stones, might be more common than previously assumed. However, the clinical relevance as well as a causal relationship between positive bladderwall swab cultures and the formation ofstruvite stones in cats remain unclear. Furtherstudies comparing bladderwall swabs, urine cultures, and urolith cultures are required to further elucidate the role of bacteria in feline urolithiasis.
This case report describes an acute oral TNT intoxication in a one-year-old male Malinois following ingestion from a training dummy. 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene, commonly known by its acronym TNT, is a compound belongingto the class of nitroaromatics. TNT remains one of the most commonly used explosives worldwide, with both military and civilian applications. Despite the global use of this explosive, there are no documented cases of TNT intoxication in dogs outside of controlled animal studies. The clinical course of acute TNT intoxication resembles the symptomatology of acute poisonings with other explosives more closely than that of chronic TNT intoxication. The acute neurological symptoms included an elevated level of excitation with aggression, hyperesthesia, whole body tremors, and cerebellarataxia. During inpatient treatment, the dog's clinical condition improved significantlywithin 24 hours. However, cerebellarataxia persisted for several weeks. The presentation of the clinical findings, diagnostic approach, and therapeutic measures in this case may provide useful reference points forthe management of future suspected cases.
Imaging diagnostics play an important role in the identification and differentiation of endocrine diseases in dogs and cats. This article provides a practical overview of the use and diagnostic value of X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI for assessing the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, and pancreas. Typical findings, such as adrenal size measurement or tumor visualization, are discussed. The limitations of each imaging modality, such as the restricted ability of ultrasound to distinguish between benign and malignant changes, are also critically examined. Ultimately, imaging findings must always be interpreted in the context of clinical symptoms as well as laboratory and pathological results for a definitive diagnosis.
A corn (paw pad keratoma) is a circumscribed, painful area of hyperkeratosis of one or more digital paw pads leading to a varying degree of chronic lameness in greyhounds. This case report describes a successful surgical treatment of a corn by tenotomy of the superficial flexor tendon in a Whippet. This surgical method alters the weight bearing position of the affected toe by reducing pressure on the pad. It is also characterized by a short post-operative recovery phase and a rapid and long term reduction in lameness.
The breeding of animals with torture breeding characteristics is increasingly criticized by society. There is a rapid increase in scientific knowledge about such defect traits including their genetics. In addition, there are changes to animal welfare law both nationally and in the EU i. a. to facilitate enforcement to ban torture breeding. Despite this dynamic, torture breeded animals will further represent patients in small animal practice. On the one hand, treatment of breeding-related symptoms or illnesses is necessary. and on the other hand, they are still popular. Questions about breeding, exhibition or advertising bans require a clear positioning of the small animal practitioner. This is necessary not only from professional and ethical aspects, but also to exclude involvement in violations of the ban on torture breeding. This work presents a practical method for recognizing many tortureion breeding traits. The most important element is the mental reset, which means the image of the species normal type replaces familiar racial images. A lop-eared rabbit, a Bengal cat and a mixed-breed dog with redesigned vibrissae serve as examples to test whether the ban on torture breeding is involved. To promote the breeding of healthy animals, the synergies of intra- and interdisciplinary cooperation should be used.
In radiography, the term osteopenia describes a reduction in bone density. This can occur locally, e.g. affecting a limb, or generalized. A generalized reduction in bone density often results in deformities and pathological fractures with acute lameness. Affected animals often show non-specific and chronic symptoms such as apathy, inappetence or polyuria and polydipsia. Especially in juvenile animals, congenital and acquired metabolic diseases should be considered as a cause. Radiographs of several body regions usually provide information about a present generalized bone disease. In this case, a 9-month-old male Maine Coon showed intermittent, sometimes acute, lameness and reluctance to move. Generalized osteopenia was already suspected after the first radiograph. The suspicion was quickly confirmed with the help of additional radiographs. Signalement, anamnesis and the radiological examination provided decisive indications for further diagnostics and confirmed the suspicion of alimentary secondary hyperparathyroidism.
A 5-year-old female intact French Bulldog was presented with a history of apathy, weakness, coughing during excitement, and abdominal distension. The echocardiographic examination revealed severe pulmonary hypertension resulting in right heart failure and ascites. Coproscopic examination (Baermann's technique) was positive for larvae of Angiostrongylusvasorum. After the lung-worms were treated with anthelminthics (Moxidectin/Imidacloprid) and initial diuresis, pulmonary hypertension was almost completely regressive. The dog's symptoms resolved and diuretic treatment was discontinued. Therefore, it can be assumed that the pulmonary hypertension was caused by Angiostrongylusvasorum.
This case report discusses the detection of suid herpesvirus 1 infection in a German wirehaired pointer via polymerase chain reaction. A four-year-old male entire gun dog presented with severe pruritus following a suspected encounter with a wild boar eight days prior. On initial presentation, small skin wounds on the abdomen and limbs were evident which had been surgically treated already. One day prior to presentation the pruritus started on the flanks and progressed significantly overnight. Based on the medical history and clinical presentation, the presumptive diagnosis of Aujeszky's disease was made. According to present literature, virus detection is only possible via postmortem histopathology. This case shows the possibility of simpler sampling and detection methods to allow a quick diagnosis by using cerebrospinal fluid or throat swab. After two days of hospitalization the patient passed away. Due to lack of knowledge regarding suitable sampling materials, postmortem samples were obtained immediately following the patients death. Whilst this cases prognosis remains unaffected, it is questionable for future cases if the viral load was elevated enough for virus detection two days earlier whilst the patient was still alive. This certainly requires further research. For the general practicioner, a quick diagnosis is essential for animal welfare to avoid unnecessary harm to the patient, as the prognosis is infaust and infected dogs die within one to five days.
Myelolipomas in the canine spleen do not only occur in the "typical" form of small, hyperechogenic, frequently vessel-as-sociated incidental findings, but can reach voluminous proportions and may rupture once large enough. Consequently, they can remain clinically asymptomatic or lead to non-specific mass effects or life-threatening rupture episodes. Based on the results of the presented study, it does not seem advisable to categorise (suspected) incidental myelolipomas as harmless in principle. Since available data are too limited to define absolute parameters for the decision on elective splenectomy, the subjective assessment of risk factors such as capsular contact, ab- solute size, observed growth or formation of cavernous lesions can be used instead. If any of these parameters appear worrisome, elec- tive splenectomy should be considered. Ultrasound examination cannot provide diagnostic proof, but due to the often-characteristic appearance of myelolipomas, it is well suited for making a tentative diagnosis and assessing the above-mentioned risk factors.
An at least three-year-old, male, intact European hedgehog from the wild showed sudden vocalizations when defecating 14 days after the end of hibernation, refusal to eat accompanied by weight loss and progressive loss of balance with disability to walk and stand. Because of the progressive course of the symptoms, the animal was euthanized and sent for pathological examination. Necropsy revealed a nodular and the base of the brain invading proliferation of the pituitary gland. Histological and immunohistological findings resulted in an invasive, pituitary adenoma originating from alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH)-synthesizing cells, which has not been described in Euro-pean hedgehogs to the best of the authors knowledge. Therefore, in hedgehogs with neurological abnormalities, the presence ofa pituitarytumorshould be considered as a differential diagnosis.
European shorthaired cat, ten years of age, presented with recurrent episodes of fever over a period of almost three years. In the initial radiographic examination, a thoracic effusion was suspected. Laboratory values remained unremarkable. Treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs initially resulted in a satisfactory clinical improvement. However, three years after the patient first became noticeable, a recurrence of fever accompanied by symptoms of a disease of the pleural space became obvious. A subsequent CT scan revealed an abscess in the right cranial lung lobe, which was removed through thoracotomy. The patient made a full recovery with the help of antibiotic therapy.
The leopard gecko, Eublepharis macularius, is probably the most commonly kept lizard worldwide. Characteristic for this species is that an enormous number of colour forms are bred, so-called (colour) "morphs". Since breeding means a high proportion of inbreeding, it is not surprising that hereditary diseases arise and spread, such as Enigma syndrome (ES) or Iridophoromas. The Enigma form appeared in 2006 and to date there is no scientific assessment of it. This means that all questions about the development, symptoms or treatment remain unanswered. It seems to be a characteristic of ES that the onset of the first symptoms, the severity of the course, the frequency of the acute seizures are mostly very individual. The chronic and acute ES symptoms are described. The transition between the two forms can be fluid, as the individual symptoms appear gradually. In terms of assessing well-being, the key feature of the chronic form is the inability to eat independently. It follows that the animals are not capable of surviving on their own, as healthy leopard geckos are, what must be assessed as severe impairment. Concerning the acute form, it can be stated that all behaviours do not fulfil a biological goal and are more reactive than active. It appears that the animal can only exercise restricted control over the behavioural processes. For these reasons, the symptoms are considered severe, too. Furthermore, it should be remembered that there is no known method to alleviate or treat the symptoms. In Switzerland, the Enigma form has been banned since 2015 because it has characteristics, which are judged as "torture breeding". In all other countries, Enigma leopard geckos can still be bred. This should be seen as particularly critical and ethically problematic, as potential carriers of ES are produced and marketed against better knowledge.
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) involves transferring fecal material from healthy donors to diseased recipients in order to positively influence the microbiome and metabolome and restore its balance. The microbiome comprises the entirety of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract. These play an important role in physiological processes and form a symbiotic relationship with the host. An imbalance in the microbiome (dysbiosis) is associated with various diseases, including acute and chronic gastrointestinal disorders. The exact mechanism of action of FMT is not fully elucidated. It is assumed that several effects play a role. For example, FMT can increase the occurrence of secondary bile acids, which in turn results in an antiinflammatory effect. The fecal donor must fulfill certain criteria: it must be older than oneyear and < than 75 % of its expected life span and it must not show any signs of chronic gastrointestinal disease, behavioral changes, allergies, autoimmune or neoplastic diseases. A detailed medical history and confirmation of the donor's health status are of importance to ensure the safety and effectiveness of FMT. While FMT is already being used successfully in human medicine for various diseases, research into its use in animals is still in its infancy. However, due to the similarity between the canine and human microbiome, the evaluation of FMT in animals is an important part of translational research. This article presents the current knowledge about mechanisms, indications, and implementation of FMT in veterinary medicine.
A four-year-old neutered German shepherd dog was presented at a Veterinary Clinic due to vestibular symptoms and reduced general condition. The neurological examination revealed moderate vestibular ataxia with drifting and head tilt to the right, a missing postural reaction on the forelimb on the right side and right positional ventrolateral strabismus. The dog also showed severe apathy and neck bending pain. Due to the clinical signs described, a central vestibular syndrome was suspected. In addition, during intubation there was signs of a lockjaw and severe swelling in the area of the left angle of the jaw . For this reason, a CT scan of the head and neck was performed. The CT scan revealed a retropharyngeal and hypaxial abscess with suspected foreign material and signs of secondary meningitis, spondylitis and myelitis. The abscess was treated surgically and the suspected diagnosis of meningitis was confirmed by a cerebrospinal fluid examination. Despite a very cautious prognosis, a combination of a surgical and antibiotic therapy was successful. The following case report documents a rarely described bacterial meningitis, spondylitis and myelitis secondary to an initial chronic stick injury in a dog. Thus, secondary involvement of the central nervous system should always be considered in the case of a confirmed stick injury in combination with central neurological deficits.
Canine sinonasal aspergillosis (SNA) is an important differential diagnosis for chronic nasal discharge in dogs. Typical clinical signs include sneezing, epistaxis, facial bone deformities and ulcerative lesions at the level of the nasal planum (Imholt et al. 2014). In most cases, the disease is caused by infection of the nasal cavity and/or paranasal sinuses bythe fungusAspergillus fumigatus (Sharp und Harvey 1991, Talbot et al. 2014). This case report describes the treatment of three patients with sinonasal aspergillosis. Over a period of 17 months, a three-year-old Dachshund, a ten-year-old Tibetan Terrier, and a nine-year-old German Shepherd Dog presented with sneezing, unilateral nasal discharge, and epistaxis. Diagnosis was based on computed tomography (CT) of the head, endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity and frontal sinus, as well as mycological and histopathological evaluations. Previously, invasive and complex treatment protocols have been used, but these are increasingly being replaced by minimally invasive therapeutic approaches. Our treatment protocol consisted of thorough endoscopically-assisted debridement offungal plaques, followed by the instillation of a 1 % clotrimazole cream. The cream was administered under direct visualization via a catheter into the frontal sinus and nasal cavity. All three patients showed marked clinical improvement following treatment and were free offungal infection on subsequent endoscopic examinations and sampling.
