Nasopharyngeal Polyps in Cats

Anders, B. B., M. G. Hoelzler, et al. (2008). "Analysis of auditory and neurologic effects associated with ventral bulla osteotomy for removal of inflammatory polyps or nasopharyngeal masses in cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 233(4): 580-5.

Inflammatory polyps are non-cancerous masses that develop in the nasopharynx, auditory tube, or middle ear. They are typically visualized within the ear canal or the pharynx. Most common in young cats, they are part of the differential diagnosis for upper respiratory tract signs and otitis. Clinical signs include nasal or otic discharge, swallowing difficulties, head tilt, nystagmus, sneezing, and Horner's syndrome. Treatment options include traction avulsion, and either lateral or ventral bulla osteotomy (VBO). Many authorities consider VBO to be the treatment of choice. Reported complications include Horner's syndrome, nerve deficits, damage to vascular tissues, and auditory damage. To date, information on how these masses affect hearing in cats and whether VBO can affect hearing has not been published. In this prospective case series, 17 cats met full inclusion criteria, and long term follow was available for 15 cats. Using BAER, 6 cats had deafness prior to surgery. No cat experienced a change in presurgical auditory status. Cats with deafness prior to surgery did not regain auditory function. In the immediate post-operative period, 11 cats developed short term Horner's syndrome. Polyp regrowth occurred in 1 cat. The authors conclude that VBO is unlikely to affect hearing in cats, and long term adverse effects, including polyp regrowth, are uncommon.
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Related articles:
Kudnig, S. T. (2002). "Nasopharyngeal polyps in cats." Clin Tech Small Anim Pract 17(4): 174-7.
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Esterline, M., M. Radlinsky, et al. (2005). "Endoscopic removal of nasal polyps in a cat using a novel approach." J Fel Med Surg 7(2): 121-124.
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Feline Redirected Aggression

Amat, M., X. Manteca, et al. (2008). "Evaluation of inciting causes, alternative targets, and risk factors associated with redirected aggression in cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 233(4): 586-9.

Redirected aggression (displaced aggression) is one of the most common forms of feline aggression directed toward people. It is a dangerous form of aggression because it is unpredictable and severe. Redirected aggression is diagnosed when a cat displays aggression toward an irrelevant target when the primary inciting stimulus is not available. The attacks are difficult to stop, and the cat remains highly aroused long after the inciting event is over. Despite the fact that this type of aggression is common and serious, it has not been well investigated. In this case-control study, the medical records of 19 cats with redirected aggression and 64 cats without redirected aggression were examined. In 95% of the cases, loud noises or interactions with other cats were identified as the inciting event. Aggression was most likely to be directed toward the owner, or toward another cat living in the same household. Cats with redirected aggression were less likely to be outdoor cats, and more likely to be from small households. The researchers suggest that the underlying motivation for the aggression is fear. To reduce the risk of redirected aggression, veterinarians should encourage owners to socialize kittens and habituate them to novel objects and sounds.
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Related articles:
Curtis, T. M. (2008). "Human-directed aggression in the cat." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 38(5): 1131-43.
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Feline Anal Sac Secretions

Frankel, J. L., D. W. Scott, et al. (2008). "Gross and cytological characteristics of normal feline anal-sac secretions." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(4): 319-323.

Feline anal sac disorders are uncommon, and are classified as impaction, inflammation, infection, abscess, or neoplasia. Anal-sac secretion is composed of many elements, such as desquamated keratinocytes, material from sebaceous and apocrine glands, proteins, and lipids, as well as bacteria and yeasts. Cytological examination has been recommended for the diagnosis of anal sac disorders in cats, but the cytological findings from anal sacs in either normal cats or cats with anal sac diseases have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to examine the cytology of clinically normal feline anal sac secretions and to quantify the numbers of organisms and cells present, and to determine whether there is an association between age or gross color and/or consistency of a secretion and the number of cells and/or organisms. The researchers discovered that the normal feline anal sac secretion is highly variable in gross appearance and cytological composition among cats.
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Related articles:
Parry, N. M. (2006). "Anal sac gland carcinoma in a cat." Vet Pathol 43(6): 1008-9.
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Diagnosis of Fetal Loss in Cats

Schlafer, D. H. (2008). "Canine and feline abortion diagnostics." Theriogenology 70(3): 327-331.

Knowledge of the causes of pregnancy loss in the cat is limited and the success rate for making a definitive diagnosis is disappointingly low. However, there are opportunities to improve the diagnostic success rate. Causes of pregnancy failure are generally divided into infectious (bacterial, viral, etc.) and non-infectious causes (endocrine failure, endometrial disease, toxicities, genetic abnormalities, etc). This review articles describes how to conduct a thorough examination of aborted fetuses and placentas as well as microbiological techniques. Factors such as prompt submission of samples, use of special transport media, providing complete histories and full tissue sets can greatly improve feline abortion diagnostic rates.
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Related articles:
Pretzer, S. D. (2008). "Bacterial and protozoal causes of pregnancy loss in the bitch and queen." Theriogenology 70(3): 320-326.
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Flea Control for Cats: Frontline Plus versus Promeris

Franc, M. and F. Beugnet (2008). "A comparative evaluation of the speed of kill and duration of efficacy against weekly infestations with fleas on cats treated with fipronil-(S)-methoprene or metaflumizone." Vet Ther 9(2): 102-10.

The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, is found world-wide on many species of mammals including cats. Only the adult life stage of the flea resides on the cat while all other stages exist in the environment. On-animal flea control products may take different approaches, such as ensuring no fleas survive long enough to reproduce or disrupting the viability of flea eggs. Metaflumizone (Promeris, Fort Dodge Animal Health) was recently introduced for flea control use on cats as a topical spot-on. This study, funded by Merial, was designed to compare the speed of kill and duration of flea kill of commercially available formulations of Promeris and fipronil–(S)-methoprene (Frontline Plus, Merial) in cats in order to determine which active ingredient would be best suited to eliminate fleas before they produce eggs. Speed of kill efficacies were assessed against existing infestations and against infestations at day 7. Efficacy was also assessed 24 and 48 hours after weekly flea infestations through day 42. Cats treated with Frontline Plus had significantly fewer fleas than those treated with Promeris at 12 and 18 hours after treatment and on the day 7 infestations. Frontline Plus-treated cats also had significantly fewer fleas than Promeris-treated cats for all 24-hour counts from initial treatment on day 0 through infestation day 42.
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Related articles:
Holzmer, S., J. A. Hair, et al. (2007). "Efficacy of a novel formulation of metaflumizone for the control of fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) on cats." Vet Parasitol 150(3): 219-24.
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