Testicular cytology by fine needle aspiration in domestic cats.

In cases where semen collection in tom-cats is not possible, FNA of testes is the alternative to evaluate sperm production. Although this technique for the diagnosis of fertility problems has been well discussed in other mammals (men, dogs, stallions), data for domestic cats are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify the reliability of FNA using needles of small diameters (22G and 29G) in testes of domestic cats of different ages to assess the spermatogenesis status and to present description of germ cells and Sertoli cells for cytological examinations. Thirty-four mixed breed cats aged between four months and two years presented for neutering to a Veterinary Hospital were used in this study. Under general anesthesia, testicular measures and FNA were followed by orchiectomy and imprints of the parenchyma of testes and epididymides. Cats were assigned into 3 groups: (G1) 10 cats aged less than 6 months, (G2) 14 cats aged between 6 months and one year and (G3) 10 cats aged more than one year. Cats weighted between 1.5 and 6.0 kg. The mean testicular volume (TV cm3) was 0.55 (G1), 1.18 (G2) and 2.66 (G3). Hemorrhages in the needle path were observed in more than 70% of testes. Few samples (4/68) were excluded due to blood contamination. All germ cells and Sertoli cells were identified and quantified in imprint and FNA smears. Incomplete spermatogenesis was observed in cats aged less than 6 months using both techniques (FNA and imprint); therefore, testicular FNA should not be recommended for cats at this age. Complete spermatogenesis was found in 64% of cats aged from 6 months up to one year and in all cats aged more than one year. There were no differences of Sertoli cell Index (SEI) and Spermatic Index (SI) between FNA and imprints of cats older than 6 months. In conclusion, FNA using needles of small diameter in the testes of domestic cats is viable, reliable and can be used as a tool for the analysis of the spermatogenesis status of cats older than 6 months, mainly in cases in which semen collection is not possible.

Neural tube defects and omphalocele in trisomy 18.

A trisomy 18 fetus with severe congenital anomalies including craniorachischisis, large omphalocele, and bilateral cleft lip and palate is reported. The occurrence of neural tube defects and/or omphalocele in reported cases of trisomy 18 is discussed and the frequency of these anomalies in 85 trisomy 18 patients evaluated at Indiana University School of Medicine from 1963 to 1986 is reviewed. In this series of patients the frequency of neural tube defects was 7.0% and the frequency of omphaloceles was 5.9%. The percentage of these findings in our cases supports the premise that neural tube defects and omphaloceles are part of the trisomy 18 phenotype. Since fetuses with trisomy 18 are subject to early fetal loss or premature birth, the more subtle physical features of this condition may not be apparent. Thus, karyotyping of fetuses and premature infants with either neural tube defect or omphalocele should be considered.