BackgroundThe role of inflammation in the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats is not well characterized. Hepcidin is a recently discovered acute‐phase protein (APP) that plays an important role in iron metabolism and contributes to the development of anemia in humans with CKD.ObjectivesTo compare serum APP concentrations, iron status, and erythropoietin (EPO) concentrations in healthy cats and cats with naturally occurring CKD.AnimalsA total of 18 healthy control cats and 38 cats with CKD.MethodsProspective study. After complete physical examination and routine blood analysis, the following tests were performed: serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (HAP), EPO, serum iron and ferritin concentration as well as total iron‐binding capacity (TIBC). Serum hepcidin‐25 concentration was measured by ELISA kit designed for use in humans.ResultsMean SAA and hepcidin concentrations were significantly higher and mean total iron and TIBC were significantly lower in the CKD group (P < .05). There was a significant positive correlation between serum creatinine concentration (CRT) and 2 of the APPs (SAA and hepcidin; P < .05). Increases in SAA and hepcidin were associated with decreases in TIBC and hematocrit in the CKD group. Fourteen (37%) of the cats with CKD were anemic, and these cats had significantly lower TIBC (P < .05), suggesting a functional iron deficiency. There was no association between survival time and APP, iron status, or EPO concentrations.ConclusionsOur data suggest that CKD in cats is associated with systemic inflammation and altered iron metabolism. With further validation in cats, hepcidin assays may help better characterize these relationships.

Clinicians should be aware of the potential influence of these factors when assessing VHS in dogs; in addition to allowing optimal pulmonary assessment, consistently taking radiographs at end-inspiratory tidal volume may help to limit VHS variability attributable to the respiratory cycle. Further research is needed to assess the effects of cardiac and respiratory phases on VHS in dogs with cardiac or respiratory disease.

Case summaryAn indoor 9-year-old castrated male domestic cat was referred with a 4 month history of increased upper airway noise. Computed tomography revealed a nasopharyngeal polypoid mass, which was removed endoscopically with basket forceps. Histopathology was compatible with a polypoid granulomatous pharyngitis with Cryptococcus-like organisms. This was supported by a positive serum latex cryptococcal antigen agglutination test (LCAT). Minimal inflammation of the nasal tissue was noted on histopathology, with no evidence of fungus. Following endoscopic removal of the mass, the patient was treated with systemic antifungal medication (itraconazole). One year after diagnosis, the LCAT titer was negative and the cat remained free of clinical signs.Relevance and novel informationThis case report emphasizes the importance of considering Cryptococcus species as a potential etiology in cats presented with signs of nasopharyngeal obstruction with an isolated nasopharyngeal polypoid mass, even if kept indoors.

Objective Compare percutaneous cystolithotomy (PCCL) and open cystotomy (OC) for removal of bladder and urethral uroliths. Design Retrospective study. Animals Client‐owned dogs and cats that underwent PCCL (n = 41) or OC (n = 40) between January 1, 2014 and February 28, 2018 at a referral center. Methods Medical records of dogs and cats that underwent a PCCL or an OC were reviewed. History, signalment, physical examination, diagnostic tests, length of the procedure and anesthesia, complications, and duration of hospitalization were recorded. Results A total 17 cats (PCCL = 10; OC = 7) and 64 dogs (PCCL = 31; OC = 33) were included. There was no significant difference, regardless of species, in the mean surgical time (45 min [24‐160 min] and 48.5 min [15‐122 min] with P = .54 in dogs, P = .65 in cats) nor mean duration of anesthesia (90 min [50‐120 min] and 98 min [54‐223 min] with P = .87 in dogs, P = .08 in cats) in the PCCL and OC groups respectively. Number of uroliths did not affect duration of surgery in either group. Complete urolith removal was achieved in 98% of dogs and cats in both groups. The median hospitalization time was significantly shorter in the PCCL group for dogs (11.3 hours [range 4 to 51.3] in the PCCL vs 56.6 hours [range 7.3 to 96] in the OC group; P < .001) but did not differ for cats (24.5 hours [range 8.3 to 30] in the PCCL vs 56.6 hours [range 10.1 to 193.2] in the OC group; P = .08). Conclusion and Clinical Relevance Bladder urolith removal by PCCL procedure is no longer than OC. Further studies are needed to compare the pain related to procedure between PCCL and OC.

Background: Use of telmisartan for the treatment of proteinuria in dogs has not been thoroughly investigated.Hypothesis/Objectives: Telmisartan can be effective for the treatment of proteinuria in dogs.Animals: Forty-four client-owned dogs with proteinuria.Methods: Retrospective study. Dogs diagnosed with clinically relevant proteinuria (nonazotemic dogs with a urine protein-to-creatinine ratio [UPC] ≥2 and azotemic dogs with UPC ≥0.5) were separated into 3 groups: telmisartan alone, with benazepril, or with mycophenolate. The UPC was recorded before treatment and at subsequent follow-ups (1, 3, 6, and 12 months, as available). Response to treatment was categorized as complete (UPC <0.5), partial (UPC decreased by ≥50% but still ≥0.5), or no response (UPC decreased by <50%). Serum creatinine and potassium concentrations and arterial pressure also were recorded.Results: In the telmisartan group, treatment response (UPC <0.5 or decreased by ≥50%) was observed in 70%, 68%, 80%, and 60% of dogs at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up, respectively. No significant changes were noted in serum creatinine or potassium concentrations, or in arterial blood pressure at all follow-up times. Adverse effects consisted of mild self-limiting gastrointestinal signs in 5 dogs. Two dogs developed clinically relevant azotemia that required discontinuation of the treatment before the first follow-up.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Telmisartan can be considered for treatment of proteinuria in dogs, alone or in combination with other treatments for proteinuria.angiotensin receptor blocker, canine, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, urine protein : creatinine ratio | INTRODUCTIONPersistent renal proteinuria is associated with increased renal morbidity and increased mortality in dogs and cats. [1][2][3] The renin-angiotensinaldosterone system (RAAS) regulates blood pressure, fluid and Abbreviations: ACEi, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors; ACVIM, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine; ARB, angiotensin receptor blocker; AT1, angiotensin II type 1 receptor; AT2, angiotensin II type 2 receptor; RAAS, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system; SCr, serum creatinine concentration; TOD, target organ damage; UPC, urine protein : creatinine ratio.