Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat developed swollen lymph nodes after phenobarbital for seizures
By Baho, Meg J et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2011·Medvet Center for Pets, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Suspected phenobarbital-induced pseudolymphoma in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 4.5-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was brought to the vet because she was having seizures after a breathing issue during anesthesia. The vet started her on phenobarbital, which stopped the seizures, but she then developed swollen lymph nodes. After ruling out infections and tumors, the vet switched her medication to levetiracetam. Within ten days of stopping phenobarbital, the swelling went down, and she remained seizure-free on the new medication.
People also search for: cat seizures treatment · why are my cat's lymph nodes swollen · phenobarbital side effects in cats
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION: A 4.5-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was evaluated because of a generalized seizure disorder that developed after an anesthesia-related hypoxic event. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Following administration of phenobarbital, the seizures stopped but the cat developed severe generalized lymphadenopathy. Results of a CBC and serum biochemical analysis were unremarkable. Cytologic examination of the lymph nodes revealed a reactive lymphocyte population. Differential diagnoses included neoplasia and infection, but results of related diagnostic tests were all negative. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Treatment was changed from phenobarbital to levetiracetam. Ten days following discontinuation of phenobarbital, the lymph node enlargement resolved, and the cat remained free of seizures with levetiracetam as treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Pseudolymphoma and anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome are recognized potential sequelae to anticonvulsant administration in humans. However, a pseudolymphoma-like reaction to anticonvulsants in veterinary species has not previously been reported. This case highlighted a potentially serious yet reversible sequela to phenobarbital treatment that may have been mistaken for more severe illness such as neoplasia.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21281219/