Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Feline lymphoma cases and trends after FeLV virus decline
By Louwerens, Mathilde et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2005·Utrecht University, Netherlands·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Feline lymphoma in the post-feline leukemia virus era.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A study found that lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting the immune system, is still common in cats, even though fewer cats are getting sick from feline leukemia virus (FeLV) thanks to vaccination and testing. Over a 21-year period, researchers noticed an increase in cases of intestinal lymphoma, particularly in older cats, and some young Siamese cats were also diagnosed with mediastinal lymphoma. This suggests that while FeLV is less of a concern now, other factors like diet and inflammatory bowel disease may play a role in the rising cases of lymphoma. Treatment options vary, and it's important for cat owners to discuss any concerns with their veterinarian.
People also search for: cat lymphoma treatment · Siamese cat cancer symptoms · inflammatory bowel disease in cats · cat diet for lymphoma
Abstract
Lymphoma (lymphosarcoma or malignant lymphoma) is the most common neoplasm of the hematopoietic system of cats and reportedly the cat has the highest incidence for lymphoma of any species. A 21-year retrospective survey of feline lymphoma covering the period 1983-2003 was conducted with the patient database at the Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital (VMTH) at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. This period comprises the post-feline leukemia virus (FeLV) era. Feline lymphoma historically has been highly associated with retrovirus infection. Mass testing and elimination and quarantine programs beginning in the 1970s and vaccination programs in the 1980s dramatically reduced the subsequent FeLV infection rate among pet cats. The results of this survey confirm a significant decrease in the importance of FeLV-associated types of lymphoma in cats. In spite of this decrease in FeLV infection, the incidence of lymphoma in cats treated at the VMTH actually increased from 1982 to 2003. This increase was due largely to a rise in the incidence of intestinal lymphoma, and to a lesser degree, of atypical lymphoma. A high incidence of mediastinal lymphomas in young Siamese or Oriental breeds also was observed, supporting previous studies. Associations of intestinal lymphoma and inflammatory bowel disease and diet should be further considered.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15954547/