Clinical outcomes of 28 cats 12-24 months after urethrostomy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the long-term clinical outcomes and quality of life of cats having undergone perineal urethrostomy (PU) or prepubic urethrostomy (PPU). METHODS: This clinical study followed 28 cats (PU, n = 22; PPU, n = 6) that underwent a urethrostomy, with a minimum of 1 year postoperative follow-up. Medical records, pet owner surveys and urologic laboratory tests were used for assessment. Urologic laboratory tests included serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), serum creatinine, urinalysis, urine specific gravity (USG), urine protein:creatinine (UPC) ratio and urine culture. RESULTS: The main indications for urethrostomy were multiple catheterizations and PU stricture. The overall complication rates of PU and PPU were 31.8% and 83.3%, respectively. Recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) and urine scald dermatitis were less frequent in PU than in PPU cats (UTI 22.7% vs 66.6%; dermatitis 4.5% vs 83.3%). Bacteriuria was present in 77.2% and 100% of PU and PPU cats, respectively. Owner satisfaction rates were excellent in 81.8% of PU and 33.3% of PPU cases. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: A proportion of cats that underwent urethrostomy showed bacteriuria, recurrent UTIs and increased levels of SDMA. PPU is important as a salvage procedure; however, it should be limited to cases in which standard techniques for PU cannot be performed, owing to the potential for recurrent complications and lower owner satisfaction.

Acetate tape impression test for diagnosis of notoedric mange in cats.

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity of acetate tape impression with skin squeezing and superficial skin scraping methods for the diagnosis of burrowing mites ( Notoedres cati) in cats. Methods Samples were collected from 50 cats showing signs of notoedric mange. The most affected region was selected for sampling using acetate tape impression with skin squeezing, and superficial skin scraping. Results No significant difference was observed in the number of mites found by both methods, regardless of the stage of development of the mite. The tests showed a high correlation to the total number of mites (r = 0.928). However, in two animals it was possible to confirm the presence of N cati only by the acetate tape impression test. Conclusions and relevance We conclude that the acetate tape impression test is a good method for confirming the presence of N cati in cats. In our experience, this technique is as sensitive as superficial skin scraping, even in animals presenting with a low infestation. Moreover, the technique is less traumatic and allows the collection of clinical specimens in more sensitive locations, such as the eyelids, lips and paws.