Conversely, a persistent false-positive ANA titer with clinical symptoms consistent with SLE can lead to a false diagnosis of SLE. highlighting that SLE may not be ruled out even in young cats and may be associated with mastocytemia. ANA titration is part of the initial diagnostic work-up of SLE but is a nonspecific test and discrepancies can be observed between laboratories. The titration of more specific antibodies such as those used in humans would be helpful to diagnose SLE. ANA titration may not correlate with clinical activity of SLE; hence, the interest of an ANA titer follow-up to establish disease control warrants further investigation. species, feline herpesvirus-1, species and feline calicivirus on an oropharyngeal swab were negative. Brush cytology of palatine ulcers revealed septic suppurative inflammation without evidence of atypical cells. Cytologic examination of submandibular and prescapular lymph nodes was consistent with reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. In-house feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigen and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibody test (Combo Plus FeLV/FIV; IDEXX Laboratories), as well as FeLV PCR assay on whole blood were negative. Considering the owners financial constraints, the indoor-style living of the cat and the low prevalence of tick-borne diseases in North America, the latter and bartonellosis were not prioritized and not explored. Thoracic radiographs revealed a mildly reticulated, moderate diffuse interstitial pulmonary pattern worse in the caudodorsal lung fields; a preferential peri-bronchial distribution suggested peri-bronchial interstitial lesions, bronchial wall thickening or combination thereof (Figure 3). Open in a separate window Figure 3 Thoracic radiographs of the kitten showing a moderate diffuse interstitial pattern worse in the caudodorsal region with a slight reticulated texture. Left (a) lateral and (b) dorsoventral views On abdominal ultrasound, the liver appeared normal both in size and echogenicity. The spleen was diffusely enlarged but homogeneous. The renal cortices were mildly Rabbit Polyclonal to GUF1 heterogeneous and hyperechoic with poorly defined hyperechoic streaks perpendicular to the cortex and capsule, representing non-specific changes suggestive of nephritis or glomerulonephritis. The pancreatic parenchyma was diffusely mildly hypoechoic and slightly thickened with irregular margins, ZD-1611 ZD-1611 supporting a diagnosis of pancreatitis. ZD-1611 The hepatic and medial iliac lymph nodes were moderately thickened. These changes were deemed reactive to some systemic inflammatory process. A non-effusive form of feline infectious peritonitis was not excluded but was considered less likely given the absence of detectable nodules on thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound, as well as the absence of neurologic clinical signs. Coagulation times evaluated prior to fine-needle aspiration were within normal limits (prothrombin time 16?s [RI 15C23?s]; partial thromboplastin time 97?s [RI 70C120?s]). Owing to mastocytemia, hepatic, splenic and hepatic and medial iliac lymph nodes cytologic evaluation was conducted. The samples had adequate cellularity and a mast cell tumor was not revealed. Hepatic and medial iliac lymph nodes were reactive. ANA were titrated and considered negative at a titer of 1 1:80 in a first laboratory (lab 1), with no available RIs. The same serum was sent to another laboratory (lab 2) as the clinical picture was suggestive of SLE, and considering the variable sensitivity of ANA titration between laboratories. The titer was positive in lab 2 at 1:160 (positive when ?1:40). The cat received 8.6?mg/kg doxycycline (Summit Veterinary Pharmacy) q24h for 1?month, 1.2?mg/kg prednisolone (Rafter 8 Products) q24h and 0.6?mg/kg benazepril (Fortekor; Elanco) PO q24h. The prescription for doxycycline was issued for 1 month based on the recommended treatment duration for ehrlichiosis.7 The owners were also instructed to feed the cat with either wet kibbles or canned food, and given a renewable prescription of buprenorphine (Summit Veterinary Pharmacy), 0.014?mg/kg q8h for 5?days. However, buprenorphine was discontinued thereafter as the cat did not exhibit any discomfort, which.
