Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with chronic swelling on hind leg caused by lymphocele
By Reynhout, K M et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1994·Department of Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Lymphocele in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 21-month-old spayed domestic shorthair cat was brought to the vet because of a chronic swelling on her left hind leg. After various tests, the vet diagnosed her with a lymphocele, which is a fluid-filled sac caused by lymph fluid buildup. The vet surgically removed the lymphocele along with some fatty tissue and tied off several abnormal lymphatic vessels. Fortunately, there was no sign of cancer, and the cat is expected to recover well after the surgery.
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Abstract
A 21-month-old spayed domestic shorthair cat was examined to determine the cause of a chronic fluctuant swelling involving the left hind limb. A lymphocele was tentatively diagnosed on the basis of results of blood tests, radiography, and cytologic examination. Lymphangiography revealed the lymphocele and 2 tortuous collateral lymphatic channels. The lymphocele and a mass of fatty tissue were excised and 3 aberrant lymphatic vessels were ligated. Histologic examination did not reveal evidence of neoplasia. The cyst wall was composed of a layer of collagen and fibroblasts. The mass was an inflammatory nodule incorporating a lymphatic vessel. The authors believe this cat had an acquired lymphocele. The exact cause of lymphoceles is uncertain, but acquired lymphoceles have been reported secondary to tissue trauma or surgery in human beings. Treatment has included aspiration, tube drainage, open drainage and second-intention healing, surgical excision, ligation of lymphatic vessels, and chemical sclerosis of the cyst.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8150696/