BackgroundTicks derived from cats have rarely been evaluated for the presence of pathogens. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp., haemoplasma species and Hepatozoon spp. in ticks collected from cats in the UK.MethodsFive hundred and forty DNA samples extracted from 540 ticks collected from cats presenting to veterinarians in UK practices were used. Samples underwent a conventional generic PCR assay for detection of Hepatozoon spp. and real-time quantitative PCR assays for detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and three feline haemoplasma species and a generic qPCR for detection of Bartonella spp. Feline 28S rDNA served as an endogenous internal PCR control and was assessed within the haemoplasma qPCR assays. Samples positive on the conventional and quantitative generic PCRs were submitted for DNA sequencing for species identification.ResultsFeline 28S rDNA was amplified from 475 of the 540 (88.0%) ticks. No evidence of PCR inhibition was found using an internal amplification control. Of 540 ticks, 19 (3.5%) contained DNA from one of the tick-borne pathogens evaluated. Pathogens detected were: A. phagocytophilum (n = 5; 0.9%), Bartonella spp. (n = 7; 1.3%) [including Bartonella henselae (n = 3; 0.6%) and Bartonella clarridgeiae (n = 1; 0.2%)], haemoplasma species (n = 5; 0.9%), “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum” (n = 3; 0.6%), Mycoplasma haemofelis (n = 1; 0.2%), “Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis” (n = 1; 0.2%), Hepatozoon spp. (n = 2; 0.4%), Hepatozoon felis (n = 1; 0.2%) and Hepatozoon silvestris (n = 1; 0.2%).ConclusionThese data provide important information on the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in ticks infesting cats, with the identification of haemoplasma species, A. phagocytophilum, H. felis and Bartonella spp. (including B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae). This study also documents the first report of H. silvestris in ticks collected from domestic cats.

To examine the prescribing habits for omeprazole in a veterinary teaching hospital and to evaluate the effect of a clinical audit on omeprazole prescription.Material and MethOds: Observational study with retrospective clinical audit followed by a prospective study. The evaluated data about omeprazole prescription included the dose, frequency and indication.These were assessed according to published guidelines. A seminar about the audit and current guidelines on the use of omeprazole was organised for all members of clinical staff. Prospective data collection was conducted after the seminar. A comparison of the collected data before and after the clinical audit was made.results: A total of 301 dogs were prescribed omeprazole in the veterinary teaching hospital during the study period (including the retrospective and prospective parts). Complete data were acquired from 240 patients. The prescribed frequency of omeprazole was inappropriate in 23 (16.5%) of the prescriptions in the retrospective section but in only five (5.0%) in the prospective study. Inappropriate indications were reported in 12 (8.6%) patients in the retrospective section and in two patients (2.0%) in the prospective study. Overall inappropriate omeprazole prescription was identified in 34 (24.5%) patients in the retrospective part and in seven (6.9%) patients in the prospective part. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in frequency, indication and overall prescription of omeprazole.clinical significance: This study details the frequency of inappropriate prescription of omeprazole in a veterinary teaching hospital and provides some evidence that dissemination of guidelines based on clinical audit can improve prescribing habits.

Case summary A 15-week-old kitten presented with a 1-month history of intermittent generalised tremors and abdominal distension. Hypocalcaemia associated with increased 1,25-vitamin D3 was consistent with vitamin D3-dependent rickets type II. The bone appearance on CT scan was most consistent with the changes typically seen with nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism and less typical of the changes seen with rickets. Our patient had a positive response to high vitamin D3 therapy as it remained normocalcaemic 16 months after diagnosis, supporting the diagnosis of rickets. Relevance and novel information This case report is an unusual and interesting presentation of rickets in a kitten. Despite the characteristic vitamin D3 disturbance for rickets type II, the atypical radiographic changes have not been previously reported. In the literature, a positive response to treatment is not commonly seen or follow-up is short. Our case responded well to treatment and was followed for 16 months from the time of diagnosis. This emphasises that the pathophysiology of the condition is not well understood, and that different types of vitamin D3-dependent rickets type II may exist. Although the genetic defects responsible for some cases of rickets type I have been identified, this has still not been determined for rickets type II.

This report describes an acute respiratory distress due to an unusual underlying disorder in a dog of a typical breed predisposed to the brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. The physical examination revealed a stertorous breathing compatible with a nasopharyngeal disorder. Rhinoscopy and CT scan revealed a mass-like structure obstructing both choanae. The foreign body was successfully removed by a ventral rhinotomy as an endoscopic-assisted procedure failed to dislodge it. A follow-up examination 14 days later documented a complete resolution of the respiratory signs. One could have expected that brachycephalic syndrome was the source of dyspnoea. However, knowledge of the history combined with thorough evaluation of the dog's airways allowed the diagnosis of a nasopharyngeal foreign body. Practically, the authors recommend complete airway examination including thoracic and cervical radiographs, direct evaluation of larynx, bronchoscopy and retroflexed rhinoscopy to assess the nasopharynx in all dogs with dyspnoea associated with upper airway obstruction.

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