Recently, a third novel feline hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. (aka hemoplasma), "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis," in a cat with hemolytic anemia has been described. This is the first study to investigate the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and risk factors for all three feline hemoplasma infections in a sample of 713 healthy and ill Swiss cats using newly designed quantitative real-time PCR assays. "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" infection was detected in 7.0% and 8.7% and Mycoplasma haemofelis was detected in 2.3% and 0.2% of healthy and ill cats, respectively. "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis" was only detected in six ill cats (1.1%); three of them were coinfected with "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum." The 16S rRNA gene sequence of 12 Swiss hemoplasma isolates revealed >98% similarity with previously published sequences. Hemoplasma infection was associated with male gender, outdoor access, and old age but not with retrovirus infection and was more frequent in certain areas of Switzerland. "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum"-infected ill cats were more frequently diagnosed with renal insufficiency and exhibited higher renal blood parameters than uninfected ill cats. No correlation between hemoplasma load and packed cell volume was found, although several hemoplasma-infected cats, some coinfected with feline immunodeficiency virus or feline leukemia virus, showed hemolytic anemia. High M. haemofelis loads (>9 ؋ 10 5 copies/ml blood) seem to lead to anemia in acutely infected cats but not in recovered long-term carriers. A repeated evaluation of 17 cats documented that the infection was acquired in one case by blood transfusion and that there were important differences among species regarding whether or not antibiotic administration led to the resolution of bacteremia.

Consensus Statements of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) provide the veterinary community with up-to-date information on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of clinically important animal diseases. The ACVIM Board of Regents oversees selection of relevant topics, identification of panel members with the expertise to draft the statements, and other aspects of assuring the integrity of the process. The statements are derived from evidence-based medicine whenever possible and the panel offers interpretive comments when such evidence is inadequate or contradictory. A draft is prepared by the panel, followed by solicitation of input by the ACVIM membership which may be incorporated into the statement. It is then submitted to the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, where it is edited prior to publication. The authors are solely responsible for the content of the statements. This report offers a consensus opinion on the diagnosis of spontaneous canine hyperadrenocorticism. The possibility that a patient has hyperadrenocorticism is based on the history and physical examination. Endocrine tests should be performed only when clinical signs consistent with HAC are present. None of the biochemical screening or differentiating tests for hyperadrenocorticism are perfect. Imaging can also play a role. Awareness of hyperadrenocorticism has heightened over time. Thus, case presentation is more subtle. Due to the changes in manifestations as well as test technology the Panel believes that references ranges should be reestablished. The role of cortisol precursors and sex hormones in causing a syndrome of occult hyperadrenocorticism remains unclear. Diagnosis of Spontaneous

The causes of LUTD found in cats in this study are similar to those that have been previously documented, and idiopathic LUTD is the most frequent diagnosis. However, the rate of urethral obstruction, particularly in cats with idiopathic LUTD, was higher than in other reports. The cause of this difference is unknown.

Recently, there has been a growing interest in hemotropic mycoplasmal species (also known as the hemoplasmas), the causative agents of infectious anemia in several mammalian species. In felids, two different hemoplasma species have been recognized: Mycoplasma haemofelis (formerly Haemobartonella felis) and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum." Recently developed molecular methods have allowed sensitive and specific identification and quantification of these agents in feline blood samples. In applying these methods to an epidemiological study surveying the Swiss pet cat population for hemoplasma infection, we discovered a third novel and unique feline hemoplasma isolate in a blood sample collected from a cat that had exhibited clinical signs of severe hemolytic anemia. This agent was readily transmitted via intravenous inoculation to two specific-pathogen-free cats. One of these cats was immunocompromised by the administration of methylprednisolone acetate prior to inoculation, and this cat developed severe anemia. The other immunocompetent cat showed a moderate decrease in packed cell volume. Additionally, an increase in red blood cell osmotic fragility was observed. Sequencing of the entire 16S rRNA gene of the new hemoplasma isolate and phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolate was most closely related to two rodent hemotropic mycoplasmal species, M. coccoides and M. haemomuris. A quantitative real-time PCR assay specific for this newly discovered agent was developed, which will be a prerequisite for the diagnosis of infections with the new hemoplasma isolate.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the course of urethral obstruction in cats. Forty-five male cats with urethral obstruction or lower urinary tract signs referable to urethral obstruction were included in the study. Follow-up information was gained by telephone interview in most cases and was available in 39 cats. Of the 22 cats with idiopathic urethral obstruction, eight (36%) re-obstructed after 3-728 days (median 17 days). Of 10 cats with urolithiasis, three (30%) re-obstructed after 10, 13 and 472 days, respectively. Of the seven cats with urethral plugs, three (43%) re-obstructed after 4, 34 and 211 days, respectively. Recurrent signs of lower urinary tract disease including obstruction were common in cats with urethral obstruction (20/39; 51%) and occurred in the same frequency irrespective of the primary cause of the obstruction. Recurrent obstruction (14/39; 36%) was the most common reason for euthanasia and was performed in 8/39 (21%) cats.

This retrospective study identifies parameters that might separate dogs with hyperadrenocorticism caused by adrenocortical tumors from dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. Further, an attempt was made to identify factors that could separate dogs with adrenocortical adenomas from dogs with carcinomas. The records of 41 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism caused by adrenocortical neoplasia were reviewed. The history, physical examination, urinalysis, hemogram (CBC), chemistry profile adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulation and low dose dexamethasone test results were typical of the nonspecific diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism. The preceding information on the 41 dogs with adrenocortical tumors was compared with that from 44 previously diagnosed pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticoid dogs. There was no parameter which aided in separating these two groups of dogs.Thirty dogs with adrenocortical tumors were tested with a high-dose dexamethasone test and none had suppressed plasma cortisol concentrations 8 hours after IV administration of 0.1 mg/kg of dexamethasone. In 29 of the 41 adrenal tumor dogs, plasma endogenous ACTH was not detectable on a t least one measurement (<20 pg/ml). The remaining 12 dogs from this group had nondiagnostic concentrations (20-45 pg/ml). Thirteen of 22 dogs (59%) with adrenocortical carcinomas had adrenal masses identified on abdominal radiographs and seven of 13 dogs (54%) with adrenocortical adenomas had radiographically visible adrenal masses. Thirteen of 17 adrenocortical carcinomas (76%) and five of eight adenomas (62%) were identified with ultrasonography. Radiographs of the thorax and ultrasonography of the abdomen identified most of the dogs (8 of 11) with metastatic lesions.In conclusion, the most sensitive tests in distinguishing dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism from dogs with adrenocortical tumors were the plasma endogenous ACTH concentrations, abdominal radiography, and abdominal ultrasonography. None of these three tests alone, however, were completely reliable, suggesting the potential need for review of several tests when attempting to separate dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism from those with adrenocortical tumors. Recognition of metastatic lesions with radiography and/or ultrasonography was the only parameter that separated dogs with adenomas from dogs with carcinomas. (Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 1991; 5:3-10)

Trilostane is an efficacious and safe medication for treatment of dogs with PDH. Additional studies in a larger group of dogs and characterization of progressive changes in adrenal glands are needed.

Two hemotropic mycoplasmas have been recognized in cats, Mycoplasma haemofelis and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum." We recently described a third feline hemoplasma species, designated "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis," in a Swiss cat with hemolytic anemia. This isolate induced anemia after experimental transmission to two specific-pathogen-free cats and analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed its close relationship to rodent hemotropic mycoplasmas. The agent was recently shown to be prevalent in Swiss pet cats. We sought to investigate the presence and clinical importance of "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis" infection in pet cats outside of Switzerland and to perform the molecular characterization of isolates from different countries. A "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis"-specific real-time PCR assay was applied to blood samples from 426 United Kingdom (UK), 147 Australian, and 69 South African pet cats. The 16S rRNA genes of isolates from different countries were sequenced and signalment and laboratory data for the cats were evaluated for associations with "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis" infection. Infections were detected in samples from UK, Australian, and South African pet cats. Infection was associated with the male gender, and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" and M. haemofelis coinfection. Coinfected cats exhibited significantly lower packed cell volume (PCV) values than uninfected cats. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that some Australian and South African "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis" isolates branched away from the remaining isolates. In summary, "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis" infection in pet cats exists over a wide geographical area and significantly decreased PCV values are observed in cats coinfected with other feline hemoplasmas.