Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with lung cancer and high white blood cells that improved
By Dole, Robert S et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2004·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Paraneoplastic leukocytosis with mature neutrophilia in a cat with pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 13-year-old cat was brought to the vet after experiencing vomiting, lethargy, and not eating for three days. Blood tests showed a very high level of a type of white blood cell called neutrophils, and X-rays revealed a large mass in the lung. The vet performed surgery to remove the mass, which was diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma (a type of lung cancer). After the surgery, the cat's neutrophil levels started to drop and returned to normal about six weeks later, indicating that the surgery was successful in addressing the underlying issue.
People also search for: cat vomiting and lethargy · cat lung cancer treatment · high white blood cell count in cats
Abstract
A 13-year old cat had 3-day duration of vomiting, lethargy, and anorexia. A complete blood count revealed a severe neutrophilia (126.9 x 10(3) cells/microl). Thoracic radiographs demonstrated a large solitary lung mass. A bone marrow aspirate documented myeloid hyperplasia. A left intercostal thoracotomy was performed and left cranial and caudal lung lobectomies were performed in order to remove the mass in its entirety. Histological diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. Following surgery, the severe neutrophilia began to decrease. It was in the normal range approximately 6 weeks postoperatively. The presence of a primary lung tumor combined with a mature neutrophilia with resolution following surgical resection suggests a paraneoplastic syndrome.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15546772/