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The etiopathogenesis of feline inflammatory liver disease (ILD) is unclear. Therefore, we sought to determine the presence and distribution of bacteria within the livers of cats with ILD using eubacterial fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Histopathology from 39 cats with ILD and 19 with histologically normal livers (C) were classified using World Small Animal Veterinary Association guidelines. Hepatic sections were examined by 16 and 23S ribosomal RNA FISH. Antibodies against cytokeratins and factor VIIIa were used to distinguish bile ducts and vascular structures. Histopathologic findings included non-specific reactive hepatitis (12), neutrophilic cholangitis (NC; 12), lymphocytic cholangitis (seven), cholestasis/obstruction (three), probable lymphoma (three) and acute hepatitis (two). Bacteria were observed in 21/39 ILD and 3/19 C (P = 0.0054). In 8/39 ILD and 2/19 C bacteria were restricted to the outer liver capsule (P = 0.29) and may represent contaminants. The prevalence of intrahepatic bacteria was higher (P = 0.008) in ILD (13/31) than C (1/17). Bacteria in ILD were more frequently (P <0.0001) localized to portal vessels, venous sinusoids and parenchyma (12/13) than bile duct (1/13). Bacterial colonization was highest in Escherichia coli-positive NC cats. Concurrent non-hepatic disease, predominantly pancreatic and intestinal (8/10 cats biopsied), was present in all 13 cats with intrahepatic bacteria. Bacterial culture was positive (predominantly E coli and Enterococcus species) in 11/23 (48%) samples, and concurred with FISH in 15/23 cases. The presence of intrahepatic bacteria in 13/31 (41%) cats with ILD suggests a role in etiopathogenesis. The distribution of bacteria within the liver supports the possibility of colonization via either enteric translocation or hematogenous seeding.

A 12-year-old, 6 kg, castrated male Siamese-cross cat was referred for investigation of an abdominal mass. The cat was found to have a left perinephric pseudocyst (PNP), accompanied by azotemia, with a small right kidney detected on ultrasound. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was determined by renal scintigraphy and was found to be low, with the left kidney contributing 64% of the total GFR. Percutaneous ultrasound-guided drainage of the PNP did not improve the GFR, and fluid reaccumulated within a short period of time. Laparoscopic fenestration of the cyst capsule was performed to allow for permanent drainage. The PNP did not recur, renal values progressively improved, and 8 months after the capsulotomy the GFR of the left kidney had increased by 50%, while renal function remained static on the right side.