Page 402 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

394 PART 7 SICK CAT WITH SPECIFIC SIGNS

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of most cats with Hodgkin’s-like lymphoma is > 6 years. Cats may be presented for nodal enlarge-
ment without concurrent signs, with non-specific signs of illness (lethargy, inappetence and weight
loss), and with specific signs due to internal organ involvement (e.g. icterus with hepatic involve-
ment).
● Metastatic neoplastic lymphadenopathy: mast cell tumor, other tumors (carcino-
mas, sarcomas, plasma cell tumors, myeloid leukemias, malignant histiocytosis,
melanoma)* (p 409)
Local to generalized lymphadenopathy occurs with malignant cells and hyperplasia found on
biopsy. Most metastatic neoplasia occurs in older cats. Cats usually have localizing signs of the
primary tumor or non-specific signs of illness.
NUTRITIONAL
● Steatitis (p 412)
Regional to generalized lymphadenopathy results from hyperplasia. Other clinical signs include
fever, anorexia, depression, reluctance to move, pain on handling, ascites and firm subcutaneous
and abdominal fat.
IDIOPATHIC
● Plexiform vascularization of lymph nodes (p 414)
Solitary or regional lymphadenopathy in neck or inguinal area occur due to capillary vasoproliferation.
Tracheal compression may occur causing dyspnea. No other signs are present.
INFLAMMATION

● Parasitic, immunologic and miscellaneous skin disorders** (p 400)
Regional or generalized lymphadenopathy results from hyperplasia. Signs of skin disease are pres-
ent, such as erythema, pruritus, alopecia, excoriations, scales, crusts, papules, nodules, plaques,
vesicles, pustules, erosions and ulcers.
● Idiopathic atypical hyperplasia (p 412)
Generalized lymphadenopathy occurs due to atypical hyperplasia. Cats are ~ 4 years of age. Cats are usu-
ally presented for nodal enlargement without other signs, but variable non-specific and specific signs may
be present.
● Non-cutaneous immunologic/inflammatory disorders (p 416)
Regional or generalized lymphadenopathy results from hyperplasia associated with polyarthritis (lame-
ness), systemic lupus erythematosus (cutaneous signs) or certain forms of lymphocytic cholangitis
(icterus and ascites).
● Hypereosinophilic syndrome (p 416)
Generalized lymphadenopathy results from eosinophilic lymphadenitis. Other clinical signs are usually
present, including lethargy, inappetence, weight loss, vomiting and diarrhea.
● Post-vaccinal lymphadenopathy (p 416)
Local or generalized lymphadenopathy results from hyperplasia, associated with a history of vaccination in
the preceding few weeks.