Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery最新文献

{"title":"EXPRESS: Assessment of caregiver burden in feline chronic kidney disease.","authors":"Lina Lim, Jessica M Quimby, Sarah Caney","doi":"10.1177/1098612X261497639","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X261497639","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate caregiver burden associated with management of cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD).MethodsCaregivers who had experience managing a cat with CKD were recruited through social media to anonymously participate in an online Qualtrics survey. The modified Zarit Burden Interview (mZBI) was incorporated into the survey to objectively assess caregiver burden. An mZBI score of ≥ 18 represents clinically significant burden.ResultsA total of 339 surveys were completed. 46% of caregivers reported an mZBI score of ≥ 18. Caregivers of cats with IRIS stages 3/4 had significantly higher mZBI scores (median 20.0, range 3 - 50) than caregivers of cats with IRIS stages 1/2 (median 14.5, range 0 - 58; P = 0.0007). Caregivers who reported never to rarely sharing care responsibilities had significantly higher mZBI scores (median 20.0; range 0 - 50) than those who reported sometimes to always sharing care responsibilities (median 15.0; range 2 - 58) (P = 0.0007). Caregivers who reported the need to coax their cat to eat on a daily basis had higher mZBI scores (median 22.8, range 2 - 50) than those who never coaxed their cat to eat (median 14.5, range 0-49) or coaxed their cat 1-2 days/week (median 19.2, range 3 - 42) (both P < 0.001). Caregivers who always felt supported by the veterinary care team had lower mZBI scores (median 13; range 0-58) than those that only felt supported sometimes to never (median 23; range 5-45) (P < 0.001).Conclusions and clinical importanceSignificant caregiver burden is present in feline CKD, emphasizing the need to for clinicians to provide empathetic advice and practical support.</p>","PeriodicalId":15851,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"1098612X261497639"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149127704","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"EXPRESS: Metagenomic Oxford Nanopore sequencing of feline aural inflammatory polyps for pathogen discovery.","authors":"Erica Noland, Kayla Conner, Bailey Brame, Annette Petersen, Tuddow Thaiwong-Nebelung","doi":"10.1177/1098612X261497556","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X261497556","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesFeline aural inflammatory polyps (FIAP) have been proposed to be induced by chronic viral or bacterial infections; however, the cause is still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate potential etiologies of these polyps using metagenomic sequencing.MethodsPolyp tissue was collected from 13 cats following routine traction and avulsion procedures. Total nucleic acid was extracted and subjected to a host (feline) nucleic acid depletion protocol. Additionally, the Sequence-Independent Single-Primer Amplification (SISPA) method was used to enrich for low-abundance RNA viral genomes. Sequencing was conducted on the Oxford Nanopore MinION sequencing platform. Non-feline sequencing reads were taxonomically classified against custom bacterial/viral databases to calculate relative genus-level abundances.ResultsTaxonomic classification of sequencing reads identified various bacteria across samples and, in some samples, rare viruses. However, no common microbial sequences were associated with polyps to suggest a specific infectious etiology. Bacterial communities were dominated by Pseudomonadota, Actinomycetota, and Bacillota phyla, with Pseudomonadota and Actinomycetota being more frequently dominant. Lasallevirus was detected in few samples with unknown clinical relevance. Culture and sequencing showed partial concordance in identifying bacteria in some cases.Conclusions and relevanceNo common microbial-associated sequences found to be associated with polyp samples; therefore, no suspect causative agent was identified. 16S and ITS metagenomic sequencing on FIAP may help further elucidate if microbial population shifts have a role in polyp development and recurrence and/or persistence of inflammation leading to polyp development.</p>","PeriodicalId":15851,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"1098612X261497556"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149127716","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"EXPRESS: Evaluation of Left Atrial Reservoir Strain by Two-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography in Cats with Stage B1 Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.","authors":"Didem Algan, Tuğba Varlik, Maiken Bayer Thode Bach, Caroline Høberg Gleerup, Zeki Yilmaz, Jørgen Koch","doi":"10.1177/1098612X261497177","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X261497177","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Left atrial reservoir strain (LA S_R), assessed by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE), reflects left atrial (LA) function and may reveal subtle alterations in LA mechanics in cats with American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) stage B1 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) compared with healthy cats. This study aimed to determine whether LA S_R differs between cats with HCM (stage B1) and healthy cats using 2D-STE.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Sixty-one client-owned cats were retrospectively identified and included from medical databases. These cats were classified as healthy controls (Stage A; n=30) or preclinical HCM (Stage B1; n=31) according to ACVIM consensus guidelines. All cats underwent a comprehensive conventional echocardiographic examination, including two-dimensional, M-mode, color Doppler, pulsed-wave Doppler, and tissue Doppler imaging, as part of clinical care or screening protocols. Conventional two-dimensional assessment of LA size and function included the LA/Ao ratio, LA diameter, LA area, LA fractional shortening (LA FS), and LA ejection fraction (LA EF). LA S_R was subsequently measured offline using automated function imaging software. Reproducibility was assessed via intra- and inter-observer intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to compare the discriminatory performance of LA S_R and the evaluated LA variables between the predefined study groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Cats with ACVIM stage B1 HCM had significantly lower LA S_R than healthy controls (19.0% [IQR, 14.5-22.0%] vs 38.0% [IQR, 30.25-42.50%], respectively; P < 0.001). LA S_R reproducibility was high with an intra-observer ICC of 0.974 and an inter-observer ICC of 0.894.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and relevance: </strong>Assessment of LA S_R was feasible in cats with stage B1 HCM. LA S_R values differed between affected cats and healthy controls, with lower values observed in the affected group and good reproducibility. These findings suggest that LA S_R may provide complementary information on LA function in cats with this stage of disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":15851,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"1098612X261497177"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149110901","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Flow cytometry-based direct antiglobulin test for suspected feline immune-mediated thrombocytopenia: Assay development and demographic factors associated with direct antiglobulin test positivity.","authors":"Teerawut Nedumpun, Ousakorn Kamenkit, Sinittha Thongwandi, Thitima Tripipat, Suwarath Wadeerat, Supanat Boonyapisitsopa, Napawan Bunpapong","doi":"10.1177/1098612X261478821","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1098612X261478821","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to develop and evaluate an in-house flow cytometry-based direct antiglobulin test (DAT) for detecting IgG-bound platelets in cats and to investigate the prevalence of DAT positivity and associated risk factors among thrombocytopenic cats.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Platelets were identified by CD41/61 expression, and platelet-bound IgG was assessed using flow cytometry. A diagnostic cutoff for the percentage of IgG-positive platelets was established using 100 healthy cats and preliminarily evaluated in 50 cats with severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count <20,000/µl) before being applied to the remaining 411 thrombocytopenic cats (platelet count <200,000/µl) to determine the prevalence of DAT positivity and its associations with platelet count, breed, age, and sex.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Healthy cats showed 0-10% IgG-positive platelets, and a cutoff of >10% was established. Using this cutoff, 105/461 (22.8%) thrombocytopenic cats were classified as DAT positive. DAT-positive cats had significantly lower platelet counts than DAT-negative cats (median 4000/µl; mean 12,562/µl vs 34,000/µl; mean 47,956/µl; <i>P</i> <0.05), and the percentage of IgG-bound platelets was inversely correlated with platelet count (<i>r</i> = -0.38; <i>P</i> = 0.048). No breed association was identified. Cats aged 5 years were more likely to be DAT positive, whereas castrated male cats were less likely to be DAT positive.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and relevance: </strong>Flow cytometry-based DAT is a useful adjunctive diagnostic tool for assessing suspected immune-mediated platelet destruction in thrombocytopenic cats. Younger cats may be at increased risk, whereas castrated male cats may be at lower risk. However, the interpretation of a DAT-positive test result should be made alongside assessment of clinical findings and investigations for underlying causes of thrombocytopenia.</p>","PeriodicalId":15851,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"1098612X261478821"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148701482","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The hormonal effects of owner-cat interactions on pet cats of different potential attachment styles.","authors":"Xuanzhen He, Huiwen Huang, Hao Chang, Weijie Xu, Chuchen Gui, Jie Pan, Huan Yan, Yan Guo, Edgar Avilas-Rosa, Betty Yang, BaiChuan Deng, Lingna Zhang","doi":"10.1177/1098612X261478281","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1098612X261478281","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of the present study was to investigate how different owner-cat interaction types influence stress and owner-bonding in pet cats with different potential attachment styles, using salivary cortisol and oxytocin as physiological indicators.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty pet cats were classified into potential secure, insecure-anxious or insecure-avoidant attachment styles using the Secure Base Test. Owners engaged in four types of interactions with their cats at home on separate days. Saliva samples were collected before and after each interaction and analysed for cortisol and oxytocin concentrations. The effects of attachment style, interaction type and time on hormonal changes were examined.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant interactive effects of potential attachment style and time, as well as interaction type and time, were observed for both cortisol and oxytocin. Passive interactions were associated with increased oxytocin and decreased cortisol, whereas forced interactions showed an opposite pattern. Secure cats exhibited more positive hormonal responses to human interactions compared with insecure cats, who showed increased cortisol or limited hormonal changes. Insecure cats also showed higher basal oxytocin levels than secure cats.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and relevance: </strong>Human-cat interactions trigger changes in cortisol and oxytocin levels, depending on the interaction type and cat's attachment style. These findings highlight the importance of considering individual cat attachment differences when promoting appropriate interaction strategies to improve cat welfare and human-cat relationships.</p>","PeriodicalId":15851,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"1098612X261478281"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148678963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clotting and Coagulation Disorders in Cats: A clinical review of causes, diagnosis and management.","authors":"Joseph Evans, Ronald H L Li","doi":"10.1177/1098612X261477546","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X261477546","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Practical relevance: </strong>Hemostatic disorders in cats, while uncommon, can be life-threatening. In general, they can be diagnosed by utilizing a combination of history, physical examination findings, point-of-care assays and a basic understanding of hemostasis. This review aims to provide a general overview of hemostasis physiology, discuss common hemostatic disorders, diagnosis and interpretation of hemostatic testing, and summarize treatments of hemostatic disorders.</p><p><strong>Clinical challenges: </strong>The underlying cause of hemostatic disorders can often be diagnosed by a combination of history, physical examination and directed testing. Based on the information obtained during the work-up, a management plan can be constructed tailored to the individual patient.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This article aims to review the literature surrounding the pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of hemostatic disorders in cats. By the end of this article, readers should be able to: understand the basic physiology of hemostasis; understand common primary and secondary hemostatic disorders in cats and their pathophysiologies in relation to clinical signs and diagnostic findings; compare and contrast common diagnostic tests to assess hemostasis and apply those that are appropriate; and list the appropriate therapeutic and management strategies for common primary and secondary hemostatic disorders in cats.</p>","PeriodicalId":15851,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery","volume":"28 10","pages":"1098612X261477546"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149110890","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of the clinical course of immune-mediated polyneuropathy in cats after treatment with human intravenous immunoglobulins.","authors":"Annika Katharina Schmitz, Alexander Paul Sablotni Aguilera, Gesine Buhmann, Jana van Renen, Birgit Parzefall, Kaspar Matiasek, Lara Alexa Matiasek, Andrea Fischer","doi":"10.1177/1098612X261478277","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1098612X261478277","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Immune-mediated polyneuropathy (IMPN) manifests with generalised lower motor neuron (LMN) weakness and a remittent or relapsing clinical course. Evidence-based treatment recommendations for severely or chronically affected cats are limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical course and outcome of cats with IMPN after treatment with human intravenous immunoglobulins (hIVIg).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Medical records from two veterinary referral hospitals were reviewed (2018-2025) for cats with IMPN treated with hIVIg. Cats were treated with 1-2 g/kg hIVIg divided over 2-4 days (0.5 g/kg/day). Clinical information, diagnostic findings, treatment details, and short- and long-term follow-up were evaluated retrospectively. Follow-up information was obtained from medical records and owner communication. Minimum follow-up duration was 8 months (range 8-51; median 17). Clinical course (partial and complete recovery, relapses) was compared between cats with acute/recent onset (four cats) or chronic presentation (five cats).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of nine cats, eight exhibited clinical improvement after hIVIg administration, achieving ambulatory status (walking >5 steps) within a median of 4 days (range 2-8). One cat failed to respond to hIVIg but improved after subsequent prednisolone therapy. For the overall cohort, the median time to complete recovery was 20 days, while the median time to partial recovery was 14 days. Relapses occurred in four cats, but weakness was less severe, and all cats recovered again. The remaining five cats remained relapse-free.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and relevance: </strong>Human IVIg was well tolerated in this small cohort, and rapid clinical improvement was observed in most treated cats. These findings suggest that hIVIg may be considered as a treatment option in selected cats with IMPN, including those with acute and chronic presentations. Larger prospective studies, including comparison with no treatment or corticosteroids, are warranted to further assess its efficacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":15851,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"1098612X261478277"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148663711","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"EXPRESS: Echocardiographic prevalence and attachment-site patterns of left ventricular bands in cats.","authors":"Gregory Van den Noortgate, Yury Zablotski, Gerhard Wess","doi":"10.1177/1098612X261495725","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X261495725","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesTo determine the echocardiographic prevalence and attachment-site patterns of left ventricular bands (LVBs) in cats and assess whether LVB counts differed by sex, sedation status, or echocardiographic group.MethodsIn this prospective observational study, 200 cats undergoing complete transthoracic echocardiographic examination were evaluated for the presence, number, and attachment-site patterns of LVBs. LVBs were defined as discrete intracavitary linear structures connecting two myocardial structures within the left ventricle without insertion into the mitral valve leaflets. Each visible connection was classified according to predefined attachment-site categories. For the phenotype comparison, cats with normal LV wall thickness or focal insertion-site thickening (n = 89) were compared with cats with a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) phenotype (n = 86).ResultsA total of 884 LVBs were identified. At least one LVB was detected in 199/200 cats, yielding an echocardiographic prevalence of 99.5%. The median number was 4 LVBs per cat (range 0-10). The most frequently observed attachment patterns involved the interventricular septum and papillary muscle or accessory papillary muscle-like structures. Overall, 51.9% of LVBs had at least one septal attachment, and 94.3% involved a papillary muscle or accessory papillary muscle-like structure. LVB counts did not differ by sex (P = 0.47), sedation status (P = 0.26), or between the normal/focal insertion-site thickening and HCM phenotype groups (P = 0.98).Conclusions and relevanceLeft ventricular bands were identified in nearly all cats examined and represent a common echocardiographic finding. Most involved septal and papillary muscle-related attachment sites. Sex and sedation status were not significantly associated with LVB number, and no significant difference was identified between the combined normal/focal insertion-site thickening group and the HCM phenotype group. These findings provide a reference framework for the echocardiographic recognition and classification of LVBs in cats under clinical imaging conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":15851,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"1098612X261495725"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149069134","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"EXPRESS: Modified transcanal perendoscopic myringotomy and septotomy technique for cats with otitis media - a retrospective study of 38 cats.","authors":"Bas Nicolaas Wetzels, Emile Pickee, Maartje Passon, Erik Den Hertog, Gert Ter Haar","doi":"10.1177/1098612X261495714","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X261495714","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesThis study solely aims to describe a convenient minimally invasive technique for access to the ventromedial compartment of the middle ear in cats with polypoid or non-polypoid otitis media.MethodsPatients' records were retrospectively retrieved from cats with otic symptoms. Cats were included based on the presence of fluid/soft tissue within the tympanic cavity on CT imaging, abnormal tympanic membranes on oto-endoscopy and/or abnormal auditory tube openings upon nasopharyngoscopy.ResultsA total of 38 cats with uni- or bilateral bulla effusion and endoscopic abnormalities were included and 43 ears were treated. On CT, all treated ears had effusion of both dorsolateral and ventromedial compartments. Otoscopy revealed an abnormal tympanic membrane in 93% (discoloration in 28%, bulging in 28%, rupture in 16% and a protruding polyp in 21%). On normograde nasopharyngoscopy, the ipsilateral auditory tube was visibly open in 81% and partly or completely obstructed with discharge or polypous material in 19%. A transcanal perendoscopic myringotomy and septotomy using a 1-mm rigid Frazier suction tube was performed in all cases. During treatment, inflammation of the mucosal lining in the bulla was seen in all ears, with intracavital polyp formation in 33%, which was subsequently perendoscopically debrided. All cats were treated with a 7-day course of doxycycline and a tapering course of prednisolone. No procedure-related complications were seen intra- or postoperatively to discharge.Conclusion and relevanceTranscanal perendoscopic myringotomy and septotomy in cats is a rapid, minimally invasive and apparently safe technique which allows access to both compartments of the feline middle ear. Short- and long-term outcome have to be evaluated in future research.</p>","PeriodicalId":15851,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"1098612X261495714"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149069190","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"EXPRESS: Surgical management of type I atresia ani using Heineke-Mikulicz-like anoplasty: a case series of eleven kittens (2022-2025).","authors":"Luna Berlemont, Laura Bondonny, Josephine Massinon, Guillaume Chanoit, Mathieu Taroni, François-Xavier Ferrand","doi":"10.1177/1098612X261495299","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X261495299","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Case series summary: </strong>Type I atresia ani is rare in cats and there is limited published data on the surgical management and prognosis of this condition in feline patients. Appropriate surgical planning requires thorough examination of the rectum, anus, and perineum to accurately diagnose atresia ani and rule out the presence of a rectovaginal or rectourethral fistula. Type I atresia may be treated with balloon dilatation or bougienage but recurrence may occur and several procedures may be required before complete resolution of the stenosis. The objective of this retrospective case series was to describe, for the first time, the clinical application and postoperative outcomes of a Heineke-Mikulicz-like anoplasty technique in kittens with type I atresia ani. The surgical technique was adapted from the Heineke-Mikulicz anoplasty technique described in people.</p><p><strong>Relevance and novel information: </strong>Eleven cats with a mean age of 12.3 weeks (8-20 weeks) were included in this study. Heineke-Mikulicz-like anoplasty was performed in all cases without intraoperative complications. Major postoperative complications occurred in one case (1/11, 9%), with wound dehiscence two days after surgery. However, complete healing was achieved following revision surgery. At long-term follow-up over 13.6 months (6-24 months) no recurrence was reported in 11/11 (100%) cases. While permanent fecal incontinence was reported in 1/11 (9%) cat, long-term outcomes were excellent in 9/11 (81%) cats.These data suggest that Heineke-Mikulicz-like anoplasty is appropriate for the management of type I atresia ani in cats.</p>","PeriodicalId":15851,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"1098612X261495299"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149038721","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}