When we think about science, we often think about experiments, trials and proofing hypothesis.
This is all fine and good, but oftentimes scientists crash against the crude reality: not everything is exactly how we think.
That’s why we write articles and take time to correct them.
But also, that’s why case studies are so important: they hint at something that has never been observed before.
And this brings a lot of questions with it:
- Why does this happen?
- How is this changing what we now?
- Can we reproduce this?
and most importantly:
- What other questions does this fact open?
This week we have 4 interesting case studies and 1 correction, and we want to celebrate them all.
Enjoy!
Case Studies
Spitz-Like Tail Carriage in Two Domestic Cats: A Rare Tail Morphology
In this case report, Morgane Van Belle from Ghent University, Belgium, described two domestic cats with an unusual “Spitz-like” tail carriage, where the tail curls over the back rather than staying vertical, as seen in typical cat greeting behavior. Despite this anomaly, both cats exhibited normal tail movements and affiliative behaviors when interacting with humans and other cats. The curled tail posture, present since adoption, did not impair their communication abilities. This rare tail morphology highlights the diversity of feline physical traits and their potential impact on social signaling.
Morgane J.R. Van Belle, Noema Gajdoš Kmecová, Christel P.H. Moons, Frank A.M. Tuyttens, Daniel S. Mills, Tiny C.B.M. De Keuster. Spitz-like tail carriage in two domestic cats. The Veterinary Journal. Volume 308, 2024, 106256, ISSN 1090-0233, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106256.
Rare Case of Colonic Stenosis in a Healthy British Shorthair Cat After Spay Surgery
This case report, Xie et al. from the South China Agricultural University, China, described a rare postoperative complication in a one-year-old British Shorthair cat who developed colonic stenosis three weeks after a flank approach ovariohysterectomy (spay surgery). The cat presented with gastrointestinal symptoms, including difficulty defecating and reduced fecal size. Diagnostic tests, including radiographs and colonoscopy, were inconclusive. During exploratory surgery, an annular tissue band causing severe stenosis of the descending colon was found and excised, leading to rapid improvement. This case highlights the need to consider colonic stenosis as a potential complication after spay surgery using the flank approach.
Xie, Y., Deng, Y., Mai, J. et al. An apparently healthy female British shorthair cat with a rare complication of colonic stenosis after flank approach ovariohysterectomy. BMC Vet Res 20, 470 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-024-04328-w
Does Cranial Cruciate Ligament Repair by Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy Surgery Restore Dog’s Natural Kinematics? – A Case Series
This study from Arauz et al. from the Stony Brook University, USA, aimed to evaluate whether Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO), a common surgical procedure used to treat cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) deficiency in dogs, restores the natural kinematics of the hind limb joints, including the hip, stifle, and tarsal joints. The study recorded and analyzed the three-dimensional (3D) joint motions during walking in eight adult dogs (4 French Bulldogs and 4 Pit Bull Terriers) using a motion capture system. The results showed significant differences in joint kinematics between TPLO-treated dogs and healthy controls. Affected dogs demonstrated abnormal flexion-extension, abduction-adduction, and rotational movements, particularly in the hip and stifle joints. Asymmetries were observed between the affected and unaffected limbs, with deviations as high as 43° in some cases. Although the TPLO surgery positively affected the dogs’ overall daily activity performance, natural hind limb kinematics during gait were not fully restored in either French Bulldogs or Pit Bull Terriers. These findings suggest that while TPLO is effective for functional stabilization, it may not completely return limb kinematics to their pre-injury state.
Arauz P.G., Chiriboga P., Garcés V., Garcia G., Kao I. Does Cranial Cruciate Ligament Repair by Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy Surgery Restore Dog’s Natural Kinematics? – A Case Series. The Veterinary Journal. 2024, 106257, ISSN 1090-0233, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106257.
Desmoid Fibromatosis Following Surgery of an Intradural Spinal Lipoma in a Young Cat
This case report from Lamy-Casoy et al. , The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, describes a rare occurrence of desmoid fibromatosis following the surgical removal of an intradural spinal lipoma in a 10-month-old domestic shorthair cat. Intradural lipomas have been reported in association with spinal dysraphism, but not in cats with intact spinal canals, making this case particularly unusual. The cat initially presented with progressive proprioceptive ataxia, and MRI revealed a compressive lesion at the cranio-cervical junction, which was histopathologically confirmed as a lipoma. Despite surgical intervention, postoperative complications led to the cat’s euthanasia. A postmortem examination revealed that a desmoid tumor had invaded the surgical site, an extremely rare complication. This case highlights the need for further research into the etiopathogenesis of desmoid tumors, particularly in relation to surgical trauma, and adds to the limited veterinary literature on intradural lipomas and desmoid fibromatosis.
Lamy-Casoy, Y., Barnoon, I., Srugo, I. et al. Desmoid fibromatosis following surgery of an intradural spinal lipoma in a young cat. Vet. Oncol. 1, 8 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s44356-024-00008-x
Corrections
Correction: Plasma Protein Changes Linked to Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome in Thailand
This study from Sataporn Phochantachinda, Mahidol University, Thailand, examined changes in plasma proteins associated with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS) using proteomics techniques. A total of 87 proteins were identified, with 48 and 41 proteins differing in the aging and adult dog groups, respectively. Proteins involved in complement and coagulation pathways and lipid metabolism were distinctly expressed in CCDS cases. However, plasma amyloid beta 42 (Aβ42) levels overlapped between CCDS and aging groups and showed no correlation with cognitive dysfunction severity. These findings suggest Aβ42 alone is not a reliable biomarker for CCDS, but other plasma proteins may offer diagnostic potential for improved CCDS detection.
Phochantachinda, S., Chantong, B., Reamtong, O. et al. Correction: Change in the plasma proteome associated with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS) in Thailand. BMC Vet Res 20, 467 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-024-04330-2
Dogs
Equivalence of Intradermal Test Reactions in Sedated Dogs with Dexmedetomidine or Medetomidine-Vatinoxan
This study from Santoro et al., University of Florida, USA, compared the effects of two sedatives—dexmedetomidine and a combination of medetomidine-vatinoxan—on intradermal allergen testing (IDAT) in healthy dogs. Both sedatives showed no significant difference in histamine and compound 48/80 wheal formation compared to unsedated dogs, confirming their suitability for IDAT. Zenalpha, the medetomidine-vatinoxan combination, provided faster sedation with fewer cardiovascular side effects than dexmedetomidine. These findings suggest that both sedatives are effective for use in IDAT, though further validation in allergic dogs is recommended.
Santoro D, Moura RA, McKenzie SR, Chiavaccini L. Equivalence in intradermal reactions to histamine and compound 48/80 in dogs before and after sedation with dexmedetomidine or a 1:20 combination of medetomidine and vatinoxan. Vet Dermatol. 2024; 00: 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.13306
Combined Distal Femoral and Tibial Osteotomies for Treating Patellar Luxation and Cruciate Ligament Disease in Dogs
Costa et al from the Sao Paulo State University- The Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Brazil, evaluates the combined surgical approach of distal femoral osteotomy (DFO) and modified tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (mTPLO) for dogs with concurrent medial patellar luxation (MPL) and cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD). In 12 dogs (14 limbs), the procedure improved alignment of the stifle extensor mechanism, correcting bone deviations and promoting dynamic stabilization. Post-operative outcomes showed significant improvements in lameness, with 100% resolution by 90 days and favorable bone healing rates. This combined surgical approach is effective for treating dogs with MPL and CCLD, offering promising short-term results.
Costa J.S.Jr., Pares Curuci E.H., Kretzer Carneiro R., Nobile M., Giufrida R., Gonçalves Dias L.G.G., Caliani Carrera A.L., Watanabe Minto B.. Combination of closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy and modified tibial plateau levelling osteotomy for the treatment of medial patellar luxation and concomitant cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs. Research in Veterinary Science. Volume 180, 2024, 105437, ISSN 0034-5288, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105437.
Using Flow Cytometry to Detect Mast Cells in Lymph Nodes of Dogs With Mast Cell Tumours
This prospective study from Iamone et al., Università degli Studi di Torino, Italy, assessed the use of flow cytometry (FC) in detecting and quantifying mast cells in lymph nodes (LNs) of 64 dogs with mast cell tumors (MCTs). FC was compared with cytology and histopathology for its ability to differentiate between metastatic and non-metastatic LNs. Results showed that FC was 84.3% accurate in identifying metastatic LNs, increasing to 92.2% when combined with cytology. A cut-off of 0.3% mast cells was determined to distinguish between metastatic and non-metastatic nodes. This combined approach offers a more accurate method for detecting metastatic spread in dogs with MCTs, aiding in early treatment decisions.
Iamone, G., Chalfon, C., Marconato, L., Miniscalco, B., Sabattini, S., Agnoli, C., Martano, M., Spindler, K., Morello, E., Iussich, S., Ferraris, E. and Riondato, F. (2024), Flow Cytometry for the Detection and Quantification of Mast Cells in Lymph Nodes: A Prospective Study in 64 Dogs With Mast Cell Tumour. Vet Comp Oncol. https://doi.org/10.1111/vco.13019
Stromal Expression Profiling Reveals Immune-Driven Adaptation to Malignancy in Canine Melanoma Subtypes
Erin Beebe from the University of Zürich, Switzerland, explored the role of cancer-associated stroma (CAS) in canine mucosal melanoma (CMM) and cutaneous melanoma (CCM) by analyzing the stromal reprogramming in 21 CMM, 14 CCM, and normal tissue from oral and skin samples. Results from RNA sequencing and immunohistochemistry revealed that stromal changes were more pronounced in CMM, correlating with higher malignancy markers like mitotic count (MC) and immune cell presence. The findings highlight immune-suppressive stromal signatures in CMM and suggest that stromal reprogramming contributes to tumor progression, particularly in aggressive melanoma subtypes. This research offers new insights into the tumor microenvironment, paving the way for targeted therapies in canine melanoma.
Beebe, E., Krudewig, C., Motamed, Z., Malbon, A. and Markkanen, E. (2024), Stromal Expression Profiling Reveals Immune-Driven Adaption to Malignancy in Canine Melanoma Subtypes. Vet Comp Oncol. https://doi.org/10.1111/vco.13021
Evaluation of Attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium (STMΔznuABC) Anticancer Activity on Canine Mammary Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts
This study by Barbara Chirullo et al., Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Italy, explored the use of the attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium strain STMΔznuABC as a novel anticancer therapy targeting canine mammary tumors (CMTs), specifically focusing on cancer-associated fibroblasts. Four CMT cell lines (CF33, TM51, TM52, TM53) were treated with STMΔznuABC to assess its antiproliferative effects and ability to modulate gene expression related to immune response and cancer aggressiveness. The results demonstrated that STMΔznuABC significantly reduced cell viability across all CMT cell lines and induced notable changes in gene expression. Key genes such as CXCL8, IL18, and TLR4 were upregulated, while others like PTEN, P53, and TGFB were downregulated, indicating an immune-modulatory and anti-proliferative impact. These findings suggest that STMΔznuABC holds promise as a potential therapeutic strategy for treating canine mammary tumors, warranting further investigation into its efficacy in clinical settings.
Chirullo B., Fruscione F., Del Zotto G., Dell’Anno F., Tarantino M., Porcellato I., Petrucci P., De Ciucis C.G., Bufalari A., Guardone L., Cappelli K., Moretti G., Mecocci S., Monti E., De Paolis L., Razzuoli E. Evaluation of attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium (STMΔznuABC) anticancer activity on canine mammary cancer-associated fibroblasts. Research in Veterinary Science. 2024, 105438, ISSN 0034-5288, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105438.
Cats
Preoperative Intraperitoneal Bupivacaine for Pain Control in Cats Undergoing Spay Surgery: A Clinical Trial
This randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial from Lawler et al, University of Minnesota, USA, evaluated whether preoperative intraperitoneal bupivacaine reduces intraoperative and postoperative pain in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Forty-seven female cats were divided into two groups: one received bupivacaine and the other saline, with pain assessed by heart rate, respiratory rate, and systolic blood pressure during surgery and by need for rescue analgesia after surgery. Results showed no significant differences in pain indicators or the need for rescue analgesia between groups, suggesting that preoperative bupivacaine has minimal impact on nociception during spay surgeries.
Lawler B.M., Guedes A.G.P., Tearney C.C., Ienello L., Walters B., Haley A.L., Wendt-Hornickle E. Evaluation of preoperative intraperitoneal injection of bupivacaine for intraoperative antinociception in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy: A randomized clinical trial. Research in Veterinary Science. Volume 180, 2024, 105439, ISSN 0034-5288, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105439.
