Case Study

Lymphoma in an 11 year old FS DSH cat

An 11-year-old FS DSH cat was presented with a history of hemorrhagic diarrhea. After changing the diet and starting a course of metronidazole the pet became constipated. Additional history was that there had been loss of appetite and weight loss over a few months. Abnormalities on CBC and blood chemistry were monocytosis and elevated liver enzyme activity. A coagulation panel was within normal limits. Simplicef was prescribed for the liver enzyme elevations but there was no improvement. There was palpable mesenteric root area thickening.

An 11-year-old FS DSH cat was presented with a history of hemorrhagic diarrhea. After changing the diet and starting a course of metronidazole the pet became constipated. Additional history was that there had been loss of appetite and weight loss over a few months. Abnormalities on CBC and blood chemistry were monocytosis and elevated liver enzyme activity. A coagulation panel was within normal limits. Simplicef was prescribed for the liver enzyme elevations but there was no improvement. There was palpable mesenteric root area thickening.

DX

Cranial mesenteric root lymphadenopathy - lymphoma

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Mesenteric root lymphadenopathy: reactive or neoplastic nodes

Image Interpretation

Image 1: Cranial mesenteric root lymphadenopathy vascular supply. Video 1: Cranial mesenteric root lymphadenopathy. The largest lymph node measured 2 x 3 cm with loss of peripheral detail. Video 2: FNA of mesenteric lymph node

Outcome

Repeat CBC/serum chemistry revealed leukocytosis, ongoing elevated liver enzymes, bilirubinemia, elevated BUN, and hyperglycemia. The patient remained lethargic and started to vomit after force feedings. Chemotherapy was not pursued and the owner elected euthanasia.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

GI tract pathology (IBD, lymphoma, intussusception, intestinal adenocarcinoma, parasitic infections); Liver pathology (Cholangiohepatitis complex, neoplasia); Pancreatic pathology (chronic pancreatitis, neoplasia).