Dental, oral and maxillofacial diseases are the most common conditions seen in small animal veterinary practice. They may not only create significant pain but also infection. As such, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association believes that un- and undertreated oral and dental diseases pose a significant animal welfare concern. Dentistry is an area of veterinary medicine, which is still undertaught and thus is subject to many myths and misconceptions. Effective teaching of veterinary dentistry in the veterinary curriculum is the key to progression of the discipline. This will greatly improve the health and welfare for all our patients globally. The guidelines were created to provide veterinarians with the necessary foundations to provide gold standard therapy as well as define realistic minimum standards of care. Using the three-tiered continuing education system of World Small Animal Veterinary Association (based on the World Bank), the guidelines make global equipment and therapeutic recommendations and highlight the anaesthetic and welfare requirements for small animal patients worldwide. This document contains information on common oral and dental disease as well as basic diagnostic procedures and treatments. Sections on anaesthesia and pain management for dental procedures, home dental care, nutritional information and recommendations on the role of the universities in improving veterinary dentistry are also included. A discussion of the deleterious effects of anaesthesia-free dentistry is included, as this procedure is ineffective at best and damaging at worst. Finally, the negative effects of undiagnosed/not treated dental disease are discussed under the scope of animal welfare issue. The guidelines from 2019 have been revised to reflect the advances in diagnosis and treatment. New sections in this revision include sections on trauma, the nurses' role in veterinary dentistry, juvenile pathology, ergonomics and an extended section on radiographic interpretation.
OBJECTIVES:To describe the clinical findings and outcomes of juvenile-onset chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS:This retrospective study included 36 client-owned dogs under 3 years of age with chronic kidney disease. In the observational cohort study, the signalment and clinicopathology findings in the dogs (n = 36) were described. A longitudinal analysis (n = 28) was performed to investigate the time to chronic kidney disease progression and death. The risk of chronic kidney disease progression defined as increased >25% of serum creatinine concentration was calculated using the Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS:The most common breeds were Labrador retrievers and Shetland sheepdogs (n = 5, respectively). Seven dogs were classified as chronic kidney disease stage 1, 17 as stage 2, eight as stage 3 and four as stage 4 according to International Renal Interest Society guidelines. The prevalence of proteinuria (urine protein:creatinine ratio ≥ 0.5) was 35%. None of the dogs had an indirect systolic blood pressure ≥ 160 mmHg. Serum total calcium concentration at presentation was positively associated with the risk for chronic kidney disease progression (hazard ratio, 2.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.11 to 4.53; P = .03). All dogs with chronic kidney disease stage 3 experienced progression to stage 4. Overall, the median survival time (95% confidence interval) was 1461 days (530 to 2620 days). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:Juvenile-onset chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology was diagnosed in the various breeds of dogs. The prevalence of hypertension was lower than reported in previous studies. Serum total calcium concentration at presentation was associated with the risk of chronic kidney disease progression. Our study provides useful information on the characteristics and outcomes of canine juvenile-onset chronic kidney disease.
We describe two cats with diabetes mellitus and Cushing's syndrome. Diabetes mellitus was initially managed with insulin glargine (Lantus; Sanofi-Aventis, Paris, France), nutritional therapy and continuous glucose monitoring. Hypercortisolism was suspected based on severe hypertension (Case 1), and insulin resistance in combination with typical clinical features of Cushing's syndrome (Case 2). Endocrine testing revealed non-suppressible cortisol concentrations on low-dose-dexamethasone suppression test, elevated endogenous adenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) concentration and pituitary enlargement on computed tomography. Cabergoline (Holiday®, Holliday-Scott S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina) was initiated at a dose of 10 μg/kg po every 48 hours targeting both the pituitary tumour and hypercortisolism. In Case 2, the cabergoline dosage was gradually increased to a final dose of 10 μg/kg po every 12 hours. Both cats achieved diabetic remission within 1 and 6 months of treatment, respectively. Serial monitoring demonstrated a decrease in endogenous ACTH concentrations and a reduction in pituitary volume of 29% of baseline (Case 1) and of 52% of baseline (Case 2) after 8 months of treatment. These findings suggest that cabergoline may be a potential medical treatment option in cats with pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism.
OBJECTIVES:To characterise immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in the faeces and saliva of dogs with canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) and healthy breed matched controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Dogs with canine atopic dermatitis were recruited based on history, clinical examination and diagnostic testing where appropriate. Control dogs were over 4 years of age with no history of skin disease. Saliva samples were obtained using chewable synthetic swabs with saliva extracted by centrifugation. Faecal samples were collected from the ground before homogenisation in phosphate buffered saline and centrifugation to extract faecal supernatant. Total immunoglobulin A in saliva and faecal supernatants was measured using a commercial dog immunoglobulin A ELISA kit. Immunoglobulin A concentration was interpolated from a six-point standard curve. Mann-Whitney tests were performed to compare immunoglobulin A concentrations between cases and controls. RESULTS:Mean ranked faecal immunoglobulin A was significantly lower in dogs with canine atopic dermatitis than controls (difference between medians 0.803 g/L, 95% CI 0.064 to 1.721). There was no significant difference in mean ranked salivary immunoglobulin A between the groups (difference between medians 0.108 g/L). Faecal immunoglobulin A and salivary immunoglobulin A were not correlated. There were no dogs in either group with both low faecal and low salivary immunoglobulin A suggestive of selective immunoglobulin A deficiency. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:This study builds on existing evidence that low immunoglobulin A is associated with canine atopic dermatitis. Further work is required to determine the significance of low faecal immunoglobulin A in the development of tolerance or hypersensitivity to food and environmental allergens which may inform strategies for interventions in high-risk breeds.
OBJECTIVES:Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptophan), implicated in a number of canine diseases, has a very short half-life in the serum. Urine concentration of its breakdown product 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid after an 8 hour fast is a more reliable measure of circulating serotonin in humans. This study aimed to validate a commercially available ELISA assay to measure 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid concentrations in canine urine by comparing the analytical performance with the gold standard of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. METHODS:Urine was collected from 26 dogs undergoing routine diagnostic investigations at one referral centre and rapidly processed and stored prior to testing for 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid using the two methods. Deming regression and Bland-Altman analyses were used to compare the results between the two methods. RESULTS:The ELISA demonstrated acceptable precision and repeatability (coefficient of variation <20%). There was good agreement between the two methods (bias 0.92 μmol/L; 95% limits of agreement -6.44 to 8.29 μmol/L), although the ELISA was not tested at values close to the upper-end of the claimed analytical measurement range limit. The ELISA was likely to be very reliable at low concentrations but may exceed acceptable error limits at high concentrations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:A commercially available ELISA was validated to measure urine 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid. This is a less invasive method than blood sampling for serotonin and should give a more reliable indication of long-term serum serotonin concentrations. More studies of normal and diseased dogs are needed to confirm these findings before applying them in a clinical setting.
OBJECTIVES:Pulmonary carcinoma in dogs is commonly managed with surgical resection; however, the role of adjuvant chemotherapy for grade II and III carcinomas remains unclear. This retrospective multicentre study investigated the outcomes in dogs treated with vinorelbine-based adjuvant treatment (as monotherapy or combined chemotherapy) following surgical resection, compared to surgical resection alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Fifty-six dogs with histologically confirmed grade II and III pulmonary carcinoma were evaluated in this study. Thirty-six dogs received vinorelbine-based adjuvant treatment post-surgery based on owner decision following consultation with a veterinary oncologist. Twenty dogs underwent surgical resection alone. The progression-free survival and overall survival were assessed using Cox proportional hazards analysis. RESULTS:The median progression-free survival was longer in dogs treated with vinorelbine-based adjuvant treatment (232 days, 95% CI 137 to 385 days) compared to dogs treated with surgical resection only (124 days, 95% CI 36 to 220 days) (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.70, P = .003). The median overall survival was longer in dogs treated with vinorelbine-based adjuvant treatment (316 days, 95% CI 180 to 457 days) compared to dogs treated with surgical resection only (124 days, 95% CI 43 to 256 days) (HR 0.31, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.58, P < .001). The use of vinorelbine-based adjuvant treatment and tumour grade were independent predictors of progression-free survival and survival (P < .001). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:These findings suggest that vinorelbine-based adjuvant treatment is associated with longer progression-free survival and overall survival in dogs with grade II and III pulmonary carcinoma following surgical resection in this cohort. However, the variability in treatment protocols used in this study limits our ability to draw definitive conclusions regarding treatment efficacy.
OBJECTIVES:To describe current clinical practices in the management of cervical Hansen type I intervertebral disc herniation among American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine/European College of Veterinary Neurology neurologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS:An anonymous web-based survey was distributed via professional listservs between October and November 2025. Survey items addressed diagnostic imaging, indications and urgency for surgery, surgical technique and fenestration, foraminal injections, analgesia, medical management, activity restriction and perceived prognostic factors. Responses were summarised descriptively and compared between North American and European veterinary neurologists. RESULTS:Of 233 responses, 198 met inclusion criteria. Magnetic resonance imaging was the most commonly used diagnostic modality. Surgery was infrequently recommended for first-presentation cervical pain without neurological deficits, but was commonly recommended for recurrent or refractory pain, ambulatory tetraparesis and non-ambulatory tetraparesis or tetraplegia, with increasing urgency reported for more severe neurological dysfunction and the presence of hypoventilation. Ventral slot decompression was the predominant surgical approach. Fenestration practices varied, with prophylactic fenestration reported more frequently by American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine neurologists. Compared with European College of Veterinary Neurology neurologists, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine neurologists reported more frequent use of corticosteroids and strict crate confinement, whereas European College of Veterinary Neurology neurologists more commonly reported use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioid-based local or bolus analgesic techniques. Additionally, European College of Veterinary Neurology neurologists reported more frequent use of foraminal injections. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:Management of cervical Hansen type I intervertebral disc herniation shows strong agreement regarding diagnostic imaging and surgical decompression, but notable variation in analgesic strategies, medical management and activity restriction. These findings identify areas where further evidence and consensus guidelines may help standardise clinical decision-making.
An 8‐year‐old spayed female Chihuahua (1.9 kg) was referred for a 7‐month history of dyspnoea, stertor and right‐sided nasal discharge. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography identified a 6.3 × 4.1 × 3.6 mm irregular mineral‐attenuating structure within the right nasal cavity and mild bilateral intranasal fluid, supporting rhinolithiasis. Endoscopic retrieval was attempted but was unsuccessful because the calculus was large relative to the nasal lumen and firmly adhered to the turbinates. Surgical removal was therefore performed via a transalveolar approach following extraction of the right maxillary canine tooth. Postoperative and follow‐up computed tomography at 3 and 11 months confirmed complete removal and no recurrence, with resolution of clinical signs. Histopathology demonstrated basophilic mineralised deposits without an exogenous nidus, supporting an endogenous rhinolith. This case highlights the value of computed tomography for diagnosis and procedural planning and suggests that a transalveolar approach can be a useful salvage option when endoscopic extraction is unsuccessful.
OBJECTIVES:This study evaluated pet owners' perspectives on the use of FreeStyle Libre® - continuous glucose monitoring system for monitoring their diabetic pet, focusing on the sensor's advantages and disadvantages. It sought to assess owner satisfaction with the sensor's usability, as well as owners' perceived impact on their pet's quality of life and diabetes mellitus control. MATERIALS AND METHODS:An anonymous online survey was retrospectively distributed to 65 diabetic pet owners, with 35 responses received (18 cat and 17 dog owners), resulting in a 53% response rate. RESULTS:In owners' opinion, enhanced diabetes control was observed in 77% of patients, with 57% indicating improved pet's quality of life (compared with quality of life at the time of diagnosis). Ninety-one percent would use the sensor again, and 94% would recommend it to other owners. In 63% of the pets, the sensor remained attached for 11 to 14 days. One pet actively removed the sensor, while in 28% of cases, it detached spontaneously. Owners reported a moderate stress level for themselves (mean 4.57 ± 3.58, 0 to 10 scale; 10 = highest stress) when using the sensor. Although the sensor cost was rated as moderately high (mean 7.37 ± 2.157, 0 to 10 scale; 10 = expensive), overall owner satisfaction was high as well (median 8, IQR = 2, 0 to 10 scale; 10 = very satisfied). Thirty-one per cent of owners were often concerned about the glucose readings. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:Continuous glucose monitoring system FreeStyle Libre® is a user-friendly tool associated with high owner satisfaction and good performance with the potential to enhance both pet's and owner's quality of life.
OBJECTIVES:To compare the effects of topical prilocaine and lidocaine, relative to topical 0.9% sodium chloride, on laryngeal reactivity in anaesthetised cats prior to endotracheal intubation. MATERIALS AND METHODS:In this prospective, randomised, controlled, double-blind study, 24 healthy adult cats were enrolled and allocated to topical prilocaine, topical lidocaine or topical 0.9% sodium chloride (n = 8/group) following anaesthesia with a standardised medetomidine-propofol protocol. The calculated volume of each local anaesthetic corresponding to 2 mg/kg, prepared from 2% stock solutions, was diluted with 0.9% sodium chloride to a standardised final volume of 0.5 mL and atomised onto the arytenoid and vocal fold regions. RESULTS:Relative to sodium chloride, prilocaine was associated with lower laryngeal reactivity at earlier time points (15 to 45 seconds), whereas lidocaine showed a later onset (from 60 seconds onward). Between 60 and 90 seconds, both prilocaine and lidocaine resulted in lower reactivity scores than sodium chloride, and no difference was observed between prilocaine and lidocaine at any assessed time point. No clinically evident adverse events were recorded during clinical monitoring of SpO2, heart rate, respiratory pattern, mucous membrane colour and clinical signs such as local irritation, hypersalivation, vomiting, marked gagging, apnoea, desaturation, bradycardia or arrhythmia. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:Topical prilocaine and lidocaine reduced laryngeal reactivity compared with topical 0.9% sodium chloride under the conditions of this study. The observed reductions occurred within the assessed 15 to 60 seconds interval; however, intubation conditions were not evaluated as comparative outcomes, and the clinical implications should therefore be interpreted in relation to laryngeal reactivity rather than direct measures of intubation performance.
OBJECTIVES:To describe current opinions and clinical preferences of veterinary anaesthesiologists regarding anaesthetic management of dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). MATERIALS AND METHODS:This cross-sectional questionnaire survey presented American board-certified veterinary anaesthesiologists with seven standardised clinical scenarios involving nervous and potentially aggressive dogs with MMVD, of increasing severity (stage B1, B2 and C) and medication status. Respondents rated their level of agreement (5-point Likert scale) with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification, pre-anaesthetic medication choices, use of ketamine, intraoperative fluid therapy rates and likelihood of using dobutamine. Responses were summarised as percentages of agreement (strongly agree and agree), neutrality or disagreement (strongly disagree and disagree). RESULTS:As MMVD severity increased, 21 respondents demonstrated a progressive shift towards higher ASA classifications and increased likelihood of cardiovascular support. Opioid-based premedication strategies were generally favoured, while combinations including acepromazine or ɑ-2 agonists were increasingly avoided in advanced disease stages. Ketamine use was more commonly supported in earlier disease stages and less frequently endorsed in stage C cases. Lower intraoperative fluid rates (2 to 3 mL/kg/hour) were preferred across scenarios, particularly in advanced MMVD. The likelihood of dobutamine use increased with disease severity. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:This survey highlights substantive consensus among veterinary anaesthesiologists regarding cautious anaesthetic management of dogs with advanced MMVD. Disease stage strongly influencing drug selection, fluid therapy and cardiovascular support strategies. Understanding prevailing expert opinion may assist clinicians in decision-making for anaesthetic management of dogs with MMVD, particularly in the absence of definitive clinical guidelines.
This report describes two canine cases involving fracture of a small-bore wire-guided thoracostomy drain during pericardiocentesis and thoracocentesis. Clinical records were reviewed to extract relevant signalment, presentation details, diagnostic findings, procedural notes, interventions and outcomes.
OBJECTIVES:The objective of the study was to describe the use of sodium bicarbonate in dogs and cats. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Retrospective descriptive study of animals administered sodium bicarbonate from 2019 to 2023 in a university teaching hospital. Data collected included clinical use, dose and infusion duration, pre- and post- sodium bicarbonate venous blood gas values and perfusion parameters and outcome. RESULTS:Twenty-five dogs and 28 cats were identified. Kidney disease was the most common indication for sodium bicarbonate administration in dogs and cats. The median dose of sodium bicarbonate administered in dogs and cats was 2.12 mEq/kg (range: 0.68 to 6.48 mEq/kg) and 2.49 mEq/kg (range: 1 to 6.48 mEq/kg), respectively. The most common dilution of sodium bicarbonate administered was 1 mL sodium bicarbonate diluted with 6 mL of sterile water, and the median infusion time was 6 hours (range <1 to 24 hours). The overall mean pH was significantly higher following sodium bicarbonate administration (N = 46; pH 7.020 vs. 7.128). Ionised hypocalcaemia following sodium bicarbonate was identified in 33% (15/46) of animals. Hypernatraemia was rare (N = 2). There was no correlation between sodium bicarbonate dose with change in pH, HCO3, ionised calcium, sodium or potassium. There was no significant association with sodium bicarbonate dose and survival (OR: 0.724, 95% CI 0.410 to 1.277) or pH change and survival (OR: 0.676, 95% CI 0.323 to 1.410). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:This study provides a description of current indications, dosing and electrolyte changes that may occur in animals administered sodium bicarbonate.
OBJECTIVES:To retrospectively review the outcome of a 360-degree conjunctival graft in 12 dogs and cats with severe keratomalacia. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Ten dogs and two cats with keratomalacia involving more than 50% of the corneal surface were included. Four patients presented with concurrent corneal perforation, two with an associated iris prolapse. A 360-degree conjunctival graft and a temporary tarsorrhaphy were carried out in all patients and removed after a median time of 20 days. The final outcome was categorised into three groups (visual, blind, loss of the globe). The corneal transparency of visual eyes was further categorised according to a grading scheme into minimal (1), moderate (2) or severe (3) corneal opacity. RESULTS:Globe preservation was achieved in 10/12 (83.3%) of eyes, with 7/10 (70%) maintaining visual function. Corneal clarity scores among visual eyes were minimal in 57.1%, moderate in 28.6% and severe in 14.3%. Three out of four perforated eyes were successfully salvaged, with two retaining vision. Short-term complications included graft and/or tarsorrhaphy dehiscence (5/12), granulation tissue formation (3/12), panuveitis (1/12) and persistence of keratomalacia (2/12), resulting in enucleation of the latter two cases. Long-term complications of the remaining eyes included corneal fibrosis (9/10), pigmentation (8/10) and neovascularisation (6/10). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:The 360-degree conjunctival graft is a useful and accessible treatment option for the management of severe keratomalacia in dogs and cats, offering high rates of globe preservation and visual function even in perforated eyes. Corneal opacity was minimal in the majority of cases at the last follow-up examination.
OBJECTIVES:Ventricular-arterial coupling is the interaction between the ventricle and the arterial system, reflecting overall cardiovascular performance. It is estimated by the ratio of effective arterial elastance (Ea) to left ventricular end-systolic elastance (Ees). Inappropriate ventricular-arterial coupling has been associated with greater disease severity and poorer prognosis. However, no studies have evaluated ventricular-arterial coupling in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the echocardiographically estimated ventricular-arterial coupling in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS:This retrospective study included data from 36 healthy cats and 69 cats diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The hypertrophic cardiomyopathy group was further subdivided into stages B1, B2 and C. Echocardiographic parameters were used to estimate Ea and Ees, for the calculation of ventricular-arterial coupling. RESULTS:The results showed that the ventricular-arterial coupling value in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy stage B1 was significantly lower than that of both the healthy control group and the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy stage C group. Ventricular-arterial coupling had a strong negative correlation with fractional shortening (P < .001, r = -0.808) and a fair positive correlation with left ventricular internal diameter (P < .001, r = 0.496). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:With further study, ventricular-arterial coupling estimated by echocardiography has the potential to become a valuable parameter for early detection and evaluation of cardiac function in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the prognostic utility of the canine-derived Veterinary Committee on Trauma score in cats suffering from high-rise syndrome and to compare it with the Animal Trauma Triage Score. To date, no trauma score has been developed exclusively from feline-derived data, and existing systems are adaptations or validations of scores originally created for other or mixed species. METHODS:Retrospective observational study of 60 cats with high-rise syndrome. Recorded variables on admission were age, breed, sex, weight, body condition score, height of fall, clinicopathological variables, Animal Trauma Triage Score and Veterinary Committee on Trauma score. Mortality and length of hospital stay were also recorded. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses as well as receiver operating characteristic curves were used to compare the different variables. RESULTS:Sixty cats were included. Eight cats (13%) did not survive to discharge. The receiver operating characteristic curves showed that the Animal Trauma Triage Score predicted mortality significantly better (AUC = 0.85, P < .001, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.95) than the Veterinary Committee on Trauma score (AUC = 0.709, P = .038, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.91). Requirement for vasopressor therapy (P = .008, OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.56), higher height of fall (P < .005, OR 3.69, 95% CI 1.49 to 9.10), serum lactate (P = .013, OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.25) and the Animal Trauma Triage Score (P = .006, OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.20 to 3.00) were associated with a worse outcome. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:In cats with high-rise syndrome, the Animal Trauma Triage Score demonstrates significantly superior prognostic performance compared with the canine-derived Veterinary Committee on Trauma score. Species-specific physiological differences may influence the applicability of trauma scoring systems in cats, supporting the need for further feline-specific validation of trauma scoring systems.
OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the utility of preoperative feline renal parenchymal volume derived from computed tomography in predicting the serum creatinine concentration during the long-term postoperative period. MATERIALS AND METHODS:In this retrospective clinical study, we included 13 client-owned cats with normal kidneys and 24 cats with hydronephrosis (16 with chronic kidney disease and 8 without chronic kidney disease). The renal parenchymal volume was derived from CT images and normalised to the body weight. The reference intervals for renal parenchymal volume/body weight and total renal parenchymal volume/body weight were calculated from the control group. We performed between-group comparisons of the preoperative hydronephrotic renal parenchymal volume, contralateral renal parenchymal volume and total renal parenchymal volume/body weight; additionally, we analysed the relationships among hydronephrotic renal parenchymal volume/body weight, contralateral renal parenchymal volume/body weight, total renal parenchymal volume /body weight and serum creatinine concentration during the preoperative and long-term postoperative periods (>3 months). The long-term postoperative chronic kidney disease stages were classified based on the International Renal Interest Society guidelines. RESULTS:The non-chronic kidney disease subgroup had a significantly greater hydronephrotic renal parenchymal volume/body weight than the control group. The non-chronic kidney disease subgroup had a significantly greater contralateral renal parenchymal volume/body weight than the control group and the chronic kidney disease subgroup. In the non-chronic kidney disease subgroup, contralateral renal parenchymal volume/body weight showed a strong negative relationship with postoperative serum creatinine concentration (r = -0.79). In the hydronephrosis group, total renal parenchymal volume /body weight showed a moderate negative correlation with postoperative serum creatinine concentration (r = -0.46). In the non-chronic kidney disease subgroup, contralateral renal parenchymal volume/body weight was significantly greater in International Renal Interest Society stages I-II than in International Renal Interest Society stages III-IV. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:The preoperative contralateral renal parenchymal volume/body weight in non-chronic kidney disease cats with hydronephrosis is associated with the long-term postoperative serum creatinine concentration. CT-based quantification of renal parenchymal volume may be useful for predicting postoperative chronic kidney disease staging based on serum creatinine concentration in cats with hydronephrosis.
OBJECTIVES:To evaluate Maine Coon predisposition to intestinal intussusception and compare clinical and biochemical features with non-Maine Coon cats. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Cross-sectional study (2004 to 2023) comparing Maine Coons with age-, sex- and weight-matched sick non-Maine Coon controls. Moreover, Maine Coons and unmatched non-Maine Coons with intestinal intussusception presented during the same period were also compared. RESULTS:A total of 371 sick Maine Coons were included. Age and sex were similar to matched controls, but Maine Coons were heavier (median difference 0.7 kg; 95% CI, 0.2 to 0.8), with lower body condition score (median difference 0; 95% CI, -1 to -1), lower serum cholesterol (median difference -11 mg/dL; 95% CI, -18 to -4) and higher simplified Feline Chronic Enteropathy Activity Index score (median difference 1; 95% CI, 0 to 1). Gastrointestinal diseases were more frequent in Maine Coons (25.2% vs. 11.1%; prevalence ratio 2.27; 95% CI, 2.2 to 3.17). Intussusception occurred in 18 Maine Coons, versus none of the controls (prevalence ratio 37; 95% CI, 2.24 to 611.74). During the same period, 12 non-Maine Coons also presented with intestinal intussusception. Compared with them, intussuscepted Maine Coons were younger (median difference -89 months; 95% CI, -130 to 9), heavier (median difference 2.3 kg; 95% CI 0.8 to 3.9) and had lower serum cholesterol (median difference -44 mg/dL; 95% CI, -80 to -4). Maine Coons more often had idiopathic intussusception (33% vs. 0%; Cramér's V 0.57) and lower hospital mortality (6% vs. 42%; prevalence ratio 0.14; 95% CI, 0.02 to 1.00). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:Maine Coon shows a higher prevalence of intestinal intussusception, younger age, milder intestinal disease and lower short-term mortality.
