Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Swollen feet with fluid-filled bumps in two cats since birth
By Legnani, Sara et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2020·Department of Small Animal Clinical Science, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Acral congenital superficial dermal lymphatic malformations in two unrelated cats: clinicopathological, dermoscopic and ultrastructural findings.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Two adult domestic short hair cats were brought in for recurring swelling and fluid-filled blisters on their hind feet, which they had since birth. After examining the cats and performing skin biopsies, veterinarians confirmed that they had a rare condition called superficial dermal cutaneous lymphatic malformations, which affects the lymphatic vessels in the skin. The diagnosis was supported by detailed skin imaging and microscopic analysis. Understanding this condition is important to ensure proper treatment and avoid misdiagnosis.
People also search for: cat skin swelling · cat foot blisters · lymphatic malformations in cats · cat skin problems treatment
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cutaneous vascular malformations (CVM) represent a spectrum of human diseases identified at birth or in paediatric patients and classified according to the type of vessel affected. Confusing classification in human medicine has led to misdiagnoses and frequent nomenclature revision. Cutaneous lymphatic malformations (CLM) are reported sporadically in humans. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinicopathological findings of superficial dermal cutaneous lymphatic malformations (SDCLM) in two cats. ANIMALS: Two unrelated adult domestic short hair cats. METHODS: The two cats were evaluated clinically and with a dermoscope for recurrent swelling and presence of vesicles oozing serosanguineous fluid affecting the right and left hind foot, respectively, since birth. Skin biopsy specimens were collected for histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation and electron microscopy. RESULTS: A CVM was suspected based on the age of onset, clinical signs, results of diagnostic imaging and histopathological findings. Dermoscopy was used to describe the alterations of the skin surface. The involvement of the lymphatic vessels was confirmed using immunohistochemical findings and electron microscopy. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first description of the clinical, dermoscopic, histopathological and ultrastructural characteristics of SDCLM in cats resembling the human counterpart. SDCLMs are rare conditions and appropriate histopathological and immunohistochemical confirmation is required to avoid misdiagnosis and mistreatment.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32249482/