Mediastinal lymphoma in a young FeLV-positive cat: Diagnostic challenge in a resource-limited setting

Autores

  • Letícia Maria Barbosa Bezerra Carneiro Centro Universitário Facol
  • Maria Beatriz Silva Bezerra Centro Universitário Facol
  • Stefanni Katy Delano de Lima Faculdade Pio Décimo
  • Valdir Vieira da Silva Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco
  • Denny Parente de Sá Barreto Maia Leite Centro Universitário Facol - Unifacol https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6376-8223

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36560/18620252120

Palavras-chave:

neoplasm, immunosuppression, Retroviridae, necropsy

Resumo

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection is frequently associated with the development of lymphomas in cats, particularly the mediastinal form, which is characterized by thoracic compression and aggressive clinical progression. This report describes a case of mediastinal lymphoma associated with FeLV in a three-year-old, mixed-breed male cat treated at a veterinary teaching clinic in the countryside of Pernambuco, Brazil. The patient presented with anorexia, vomiting, and nonspecific systemic signs. Hematological findings included lymphopenia, erythrocytosis, and mild thrombocytopenia, while abdominal ultrasonography indicated pancreatitis, hepatopathy, and cholangitis. Symptomatic treatment included corticosteroids, antibiotics, and nutritional support. During an attempt to place an esophageal feeding tube, the patient experienced an irreversible cardiopulmonary arrest. Necropsy revealed a mediastinal mass consistent with lymphoma and hemothorax; the rapid test for retroviruses was positive for FeLV. The absence of thoracic imaging and cytological analysis during life hindered early diagnosis. This case highlights the need to consider mediastinal lymphoma among differential diagnoses in young FeLV-positive cats presenting with gastrointestinal signs and emphasizes the importance of prophylaxis, access to complementary diagnostic tools, and a thorough clinical approach in settings with limited resources.

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Publicado

2025-10-27

Como Citar

Carneiro, L. M. B. B., Bezerra, M. B. S., Lima, S. K. D. de, Silva, V. V. da, & Leite, D. P. de S. B. M. (2025). Mediastinal lymphoma in a young FeLV-positive cat: Diagnostic challenge in a resource-limited setting. Scientific Electronic Archives, 18(6). https://doi.org/10.36560/18620252120

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