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Published on: March 29, 2020
Amyloidosis in black-footed cats (Felis nigripes)
K A Terio1, T O'Brien, N Lamberski
1University of Illinois, Zoological Pathology Program, Maywood, IL 60153, USA. kterio@uiuc.edu
Veterinary Pathology
|May 20, 2008
Summary
Systemic amyloidosis is highly prevalent in black-footed cats (Felis nigripes), affecting 87% of individuals and being the primary cause of death in 68%. This suggests a potential familial predisposition and warrants further investigation into serum amyloid A (SAA).
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Comparative Pathology
- Small Carnivore Medicine
Background:
- Systemic amyloidosis is a serious condition characterized by amyloid protein deposition in organs.
- The black-footed cat (Felis nigripes) is a small wild felid species with limited published disease data.
- Understanding disease prevalence and etiology in endangered or vulnerable species is crucial for conservation efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and common sites of systemic amyloidosis in black-footed cats (Felis nigripes).
- To investigate potential associations between amyloidosis and chronic inflammation or stress indicators.
- To explore the possibility of a familial or genetic predisposition to amyloidosis in this species.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of necropsy tissues from 38 black-footed cats.
- Histopathological examination using Congo red staining and immunohistochemistry for AA protein.
- Statistical analysis to assess associations with chronic inflammation and adrenal cortical hyperplasia.
- Heritability estimation to evaluate familial patterns.
Main Results:
- Amyloid deposition was found in 87% (33/38) of examined cats, with 68% (26/38) dying from amyloidosis.
- Most severe amyloid deposition occurred in renal medullary interstitium (91%) and glomeruli (63%).
- No significant association was found with chronic inflammation or adrenal cortical hyperplasia, though further study is needed for stress indicators.
Conclusions:
- Systemic amyloidosis is highly prevalent in black-footed cats and appears to be a significant cause of mortality.
- Amyloidosis in this species may have a familial component, necessitating further genetic research.
- Identifying the specific serum amyloid A (SAA) protein sequence in black-footed cats is essential for understanding the disease's pathogenesis.
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Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...
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Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...
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