Malignant histiocytosis in Cats (Felis) | Vetlexicon
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Malignant histiocytosis

ISSN 2398-2950

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Introduction

  • Very rare condition in cats. Fewer than 10 cases reported in literature.
  • Characterized by systemic proliferation of atypical tissue macrophages (histiocytes).
  • Erythrophagocytosis important characteristic of this disease.
  • Signs: anorexia, lethargy.
  • Diagnosis: biopsy.
  • Treatment: none effective.
  • Prognosis: grave.

Presenting signs

  • Anorexia.
  • Lethargy.
  • Anemia.

Age predisposition

  • Reported in adult cats.

Pathogenesis

Etiology

  • Unknown.

Predisposing factors

General

  • FeLV not involved.

Specific

  • None known.

Pathophysiology

  • Malignant neoplasm of tissue macrophages.
  • Rapid progression.
  • Characteristic features include presence of multi-nucleated giant cells and erythrophagocytosis.

Timecourse

  • Rapid progression, sick less than 1 week before presentation.

Diagnosis

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Treatment

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Prevention

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Outcomes

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Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

  • Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
  • Kraje A C, Patton C S & Edwards D F (2001) Malignant histiocytosis in 3 cats. JVIM 15 (3), 252-256 PubMed.
  • Freeman L, Stevens J, Loughman C et al (1995) Clinical vignette - malignant histiocytosis in a cat. JVIM (3), 171-173 PubMed.
  • Court E A, Earnest-Koons K A, Barr S C et al (1993) Malignant histiocytosis in a cat. JAVMA 203 (9), 1300-1302 PubMed.

Other sources of information

  • Withrow S J and MacEwen E G (1996) Small Animal Clinical Oncology. W B Saunders. (Papers referring to canine histiocytic disease.)