Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with skin nodules caused by Dirofilaria repens infection
By Manzocchi, Simone et al.·Published in Veterinary clinical pathology·2017·Novara Day Lab - IDEXX Laboratories Italia srl, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Nodular presentation of Dirofilaria repens infection in a cat mimicking a fibrosarcoma.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat with multiple lumps under its skin was thought to have a type of cancer called a soft tissue sarcoma. However, after tests, the lumps were found to be caused by a parasitic infection from Dirofilaria repens, a type of worm. The lumps were surgically removed, and the worms were identified through genetic testing. This case highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections when diagnosing skin lumps in cats. The cat's condition was successfully treated by removing the nodules.
People also search for: cat skin lumps · Dirofilaria repens in cats · cat soft tissue sarcoma symptoms · treatment for cat skin nodules
Abstract
A cat with multiple subcutaneous nodules suggesting a soft tissue sarcoma by physical and computed tomographic examination was diagnosed as being affected by subcutaneous filariosis based on cytologic and ultrasonographic assessments. Nodules were surgically removed and extracted nematodes were identified by PCR as Dirofilaria repens. Furthermore, DNA of Dipetalonema dracunculoides (syn. Acantocheilonema dracunculoides) was detected by PCR, with no evidence of circulating microfilariae. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this represents the first report describing adults of D repens in multiple subcutaneous nodules in a cat. Cytopathologic examination allowed characterization of the parasitic nature of the nodules. Veterinary practitioners should be aware of the possible nodular presentation of D repens in cats and should include D repens in the differential diagnosis of subcutaneous neoformations in the cat.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27935633/