Objectives Leishmaniosis is a vector-borne disease and in European countries is caused by Leishmania infantum. Cats are considered secondary reservoirs of the infection in endemic areas. The objective of this retrospective study is to describe the clinical findings, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of feline leishmaniosis (FeL) in 16 cats in Spain. Methods Medical records of cats diagnosed with leishmaniosis were retrospectively reviewed for cases that met the following inclusion criteria: identification of Leishmania organisms and/or DNA on cytological and/or histological specimens and/or a high anti- Leishmania antibody titre, compatible clinical findings and pathological abnormalities. Results Sixteen cats met the inclusion criteria, all of which were living in areas endemic for canine leishmaniosis. Systemic signs were present in 11 cases (68.8%). The most common clinical signs on presentation included cutaneous lesions in 12 cats (75%), ocular disease in six cats (37.5%) and anorexia in six cats (37.5%). A polyclonal gammopathy was noted in 12 cats (85.7%). Non-regenerative anaemia and renal abnormalities were present in six (37.5%) and five patients (31.3%), respectively. In nine cats (56.3%), immunosuppressive conditions/comorbidities were identified. The diagnosis was made in eight of the cats (50%) by cytology, but a combination of diagnostic tests was needed for definitive diagnosis in the remaining patients. Twelve cats (75%) were treated specifically for leishmaniosis. Five of the 12 cats (41.7%) did not improve with treatment. The median survival time in the group of patients treated specifically for leishmaniosis was 17 months. Median survival of patients treated with concomitant diseases was 13 months vs 41 months in those without, although this was not statistically significant ( P = 0.557). Conclusions and relevance Presentation of FeL appears to be similar to canine leishmaniosis but with some specific features: ulcerative and nodular skin lesions are the predominant cutaneous signs; cats with immunosuppressive conditions or co-existing diseases were more commonly present than typically seen in dogs (mainly feline immunodeficiency virus). A combination of diagnostic tests may be needed for definitive diagnosis.

Objective To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements obtained by recently introduced rebound tonometer (ICare ® ) and the well-known applanation tonometer Tonopen XL ® in normal canine eyes. Methods In a prospective, randomized, single-center study, IOP measurements by ICare ® and Tonopen XL ® tonometers were compared in 160 nonpathologic canine eyes (80 dogs). Complete slit-lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy were performed on each dog. Rebound tonometry was performed first and immediately after topical anesthetic drops were instilled in both eyes. One minute after the application of the topical anesthetic, applanation tonometry was performed in both eyes. The intraocular pressures obtained by use of both techniques were compared by statistical analysis. Results The mean IOP readings were 9.158 mmHg (SD 3.471 mmHg) for the ICare ® tonometer ( x ) and 11.053 mmHg (SD 3.451 mmHg) for the Tonopen XL ® readings ( y ). The mean difference in intraocular pressures ( − 1.905 mmHg) was within clinically acceptable limits. The correlation coefficient ( r 2 ) of the relationship within both tonometers was r 2 = 0.7477. The corresponding linear regression between the tonometers readings was y = 0.6662 x + 4.942. Conclusions Intraocular pressures obtained with the ICare ® rebound tonometer were concordant with the IOP readings obtained by applanation Tonopen XL ® , but ICare ® values were significantly ( P < 0.0001) lower. Rebound tonometry could be an appropriate tonometry method for routine clinical use after its calibration for canine eyes.

An 8-year-old, spayed female Domestic Short-haired cat was referred for further evaluation of chronic lymphocytic-plasmacytic stomatitis and bilateral ocular disease. The cat had been treated with systemic glucocorticoids for several months. Initial ophthalmic examination revealed bilateral deep stromal corneal ulcers, exudative panuveitis and secondary glaucoma. Mature mild neutrophilia and monocytosis were detected on complete blood cell count. Abnormalities in the serum profile were hyperglycemia, mild azotemia, hyperglobulinemia and moderate polyclonal gammapathy. Urinalysis revealed glucosuria without ketonuria. Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed and treatment with long-acting insulin was started. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was highly positive for leishmaniasis, and treatment with allopurinol was started. Although specific topical treatment was applied, melting ulcers progressed to corneal perforation and both eyes were enucleated. Ocular histology showed large numbers of intracellular organisms compatible with amastigotes of the genus Leishmania located in the uveal tract, cornea, sclera and retina. Results of inmunohistochemistry staining on ocular samples were positive for Leishmania. Bone marrow cytology demonstrated numerous macrophages with intracytoplasmatic Leishmania. Polymerase chain reaction results on bone marrow for Leishmania were positive. Three weeks later, hypoglycemic episodes permitted withdrawal of the insulin therapy. To the authors' knowledge this is the first case of ocular and visceral leishmaniasis diagnosed in vivo and under systemic treatment in a cat.

Keratoplasty is an effective surgical treatment for FCS. The donor tissue provides excellent tectonic support to the affected corneas, with good visual and cosmetic outcome.