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.
