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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Cat with itchy skin linked to thymoma tumor

By Gójska-Zygner, O et al.·Published in Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe K, Kleintiere/Heimtiere·2013·Clinic Multiwet·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Cutaneous paraneoplastic syndrome in a cat with thymoma.

Species:
cat

Plain-English summary

A 12-year-old cat developed painful skin problems that caused severe irritation and shedding, which were linked to a tumor called thymoma. The veterinarian found a small mass in the cat's chest through X-rays, suggesting the underlying issue. Unfortunately, due to the cat's suffering and the risks and costs of surgery, the owner decided to euthanize the cat. A post-mortem exam confirmed the diagnosis of thymoma.

People also search for: cat skin problems · cat thymoma symptoms · why is my cat losing fur · cat euthanasia decision · cat tumor treatment options

Abstract

Feline cutaneous paraneoplastic syndrome is a rare disorder associated mainly with pancreatic carcinoma and thymoma. In this report the authors describe the case of a 12-year-old cat with paraneoplastic exfoliative dermatitis associated with thymoma. Lateral radiographic examination of the chest showed a small subtle soft tissue density in the ventral part of the first and second intercostal space, which together with skin changes suggested thymoma. Because of pain associated with the skin condition, costs of treatment and the risk associated with surgical treatment, the owner chose euthanasia of the cat. Post-mortem examination revealed a tumour which was diagnosed as thymoma by histopathological examination.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23958709/