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Thursday, May 7, 2009

Portal Vein Thrombosis in Cats

Rogers, C. L., T. E. O'Toole, et al. (2008). "Portal vein thrombosis in cats: 6 cases (2001-2006)." J Vet Intern Med 22(2): 282-7.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) refers to development of thrombi within the hepatic portal venous system. All 6 cats in this case series diagnosed with PVT also had concurrent liver disease. Three of the six cats had evidence of congenital portosystemic shunt. Such local disease conditions as neoplasia and inflammation of the liver and pancreas are also risk factors. Presenting clinical signs included lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, ptyalism, dyspnea, abdominal distension, and acute collapse. The major physical examination finding was abdominal pain. Ultrasonographic examination found an abnormal echogenic structure presumed to be thrombus within the portal vein in 5 cats. Five cats received anticoagulation therapy with the majority treated with low molecular weight heparin (dalteparin). With low numbers treated and inconsistent response, continued studies would be needed to determine the efficacy of low molecular weight heparin in treating feline PVT. In conclusion, PVT is a recognized clinical entity in cats and appears to be associated with concurrent hepatic disease. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Lamb, C. R. (1998). "Ultrasonography of portosystemic shunts in dogs and cats." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 28(4): 725-53.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Rogers, C. L., T. E. O'Toole, et al. (2008). "Portal vein thrombosis in cats: 6 cases (2001-2006)." J Vet Intern Med 22(2): 282-7.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) refers to development of thrombi within the hepatic portal venous system. All 6 cats in this case series diagnosed with PVT also had concurrent liver disease. Three of the six cats had evidence of congenital portosystemic shunt. Such local disease conditions as neoplasia and inflammation of the liver and pancreas are also risk factors. Presenting clinical signs included lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, ptyalism, dyspnea, abdominal distension, and acute collapse. The major physical examination finding was abdominal pain. Ultrasonographic examination found an abnormal echogenic structure presumed to be thrombus within the portal vein in 5 cats. Five cats received anticoagulation therapy with the majority treated with low molecular weight heparin (dalteparin). With low numbers treated and inconsistent response, continued studies would be needed to determine the efficacy of low molecular weight heparin in treating feline PVT. In conclusion, PVT is a recognized clinical entity in cats and appears to be associated with concurrent hepatic disease. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Lamb, C. R. (1998). "Ultrasonography of portosystemic shunts in dogs and cats." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 28(4): 725-53.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Monday, May 4, 2009

Thyroid Carcinoma in Cats

Hibbert, A., T. Gruffydd-Jones, et al. (2009). "Feline thyroid carcinoma: diagnosis and response to high-dose radioactive iodine treatment." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 11(2): 116-124.

Thyroid carcinoma is considered to be the cause of hyperthyroidism in 1 to 3% of hyperthyroid cats. Eight cats were included in the study based on pre-mortem histopathologic diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma, scintigraphic evaluation, and sole treatment with high-dose radioiodine. Scintigraphic findings were variable and could not distinguish whether the thyroid tissue was malignant. In all cases, histopathology confirmed malignancy, and the authors recommend histopathology should be done in every case of thyroid surgery. Successful treatment of carcinomas with radioiodine requires ablative doses three- to 10-fold higher than those used for thyroid adenoma. High-dose radioiodine was well tolerated in this group of cats and none of the cats developed clinical hypothyroidism after treatment. The study indicated that the prognosis for cats with thyroid carcinoma and treated with high-dose radioiodine is good, and extended survival times are common. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Barber, L. G. (2007). "Thyroid tumors in dogs and cats." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 37(4): 755-73, vii.
>> PubMed Abstract

Peterson, M. E. (2006). "Radioiodine treatment of hyperthyroidism." Clin Tech Small Anim Pract 21(1): 34-9.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Hibbert, A., T. Gruffydd-Jones, et al. (2009). "Feline thyroid carcinoma: diagnosis and response to high-dose radioactive iodine treatment." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 11(2): 116-124.

Thyroid carcinoma is considered to be the cause of hyperthyroidism in 1 to 3% of hyperthyroid cats. Eight cats were included in the study based on pre-mortem histopathologic diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma, scintigraphic evaluation, and sole treatment with high-dose radioiodine. Scintigraphic findings were variable and could not distinguish whether the thyroid tissue was malignant. In all cases, histopathology confirmed malignancy, and the authors recommend histopathology should be done in every case of thyroid surgery. Successful treatment of carcinomas with radioiodine requires ablative doses three- to 10-fold higher than those used for thyroid adenoma. High-dose radioiodine was well tolerated in this group of cats and none of the cats developed clinical hypothyroidism after treatment. The study indicated that the prognosis for cats with thyroid carcinoma and treated with high-dose radioiodine is good, and extended survival times are common. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Barber, L. G. (2007). "Thyroid tumors in dogs and cats." Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 37(4): 755-73, vii.
>> PubMed Abstract

Peterson, M. E. (2006). "Radioiodine treatment of hyperthyroidism." Clin Tech Small Anim Pract 21(1): 34-9.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Read More