Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
T-cell lymphoma causing ear and breathing problems in a FeLV-positive
By Sara F Santagostino et al.·Published in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Open Reports·2015·Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy, GB·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Primary angiocentric/angioinvasive T-cell lymphoma of the tympanic bulla in a feline leukaemia virus-positive cat
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old female domestic shorthair cat with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) was brought in for head tilt, noisy breathing, and difficulty breathing after suffering from ear infections for five months. A CT scan showed abnormal growths in her ear and surrounding areas, and tests confirmed she had a rare type of cancer called T-cell lymphoma. Although she initially improved with radiation therapy, she sadly passed away unexpectedly, and further examination revealed the cancer had spread to her liver and spleen. This case highlights how ear tumors can be mistaken for common ear infections, making early diagnosis challenging.
People also search for: cat head tilt causes · feline leukemia virus symptoms · cat ear cancer treatment · why is my cat breathing heavily · cat lymphoma prognosis
Abstract
Case summary A 5-year-old neutered female feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)-positive domestic shorthair cat with a 5 month history of otitis media was referred for head tilt, stertor and dyspnoea. Computed tomography scan revealed soft tissue opacities inside the right tympanic bulla, with bone remodelling, and concurrent nasopharyngeal and intracranial invasion. Endoscopically guided bioptic samples were collected from the nasopharynx and middle ear. Histology revealed dense sheets of round, large, neoplastic cells, often surrounding or invading vascular walls. Neoplastic cells expressed CD3, FeLV p27 and gp70 antigens. A middle ear angiocentric/angioinvasive T-cell lymphoma was diagnosed. After improvement of clinical conditions following radiation therapy, the cat died unexpectedly. At necropsy, hepatic and splenic spread was detected. Relevance and novel information Primary middle ear tumours are rare and their diagnosis is often delayed as clinical signs mimic more common otological conditions. Multiple bioptic specimens are pivotal for a definitive diagnosis. The young age of the cat, serology and immunohistochemistry revealed a possible transforming role of FeLV.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.1177/2055116915593966