Page 419 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

20 – THE CAT WITH ENLARGED LYMPH NODES 411

● Treat in an isolation area using isolation gowns, Diagnosis
high-density filter masks and gloves.
Lymph node biopsy reveals hyperplasia or lymph-
● Clean and decontaminate all surfaces with usual
adenitis.
hospital disinfectants.
● Place all contaminated material in double-layer bio- Culture of bacteria from lymph node or other lesions.
hazard bags and incinerate. Bacteria include Pseudomonas mallei (glanders),
Burkholderia pseudomallei (meliodosis), Yersinia ente-
Notify public health officials; veterinary personnel
rocolitica, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Serratia
should contact a physician.
marscecens, Listeria monocytogenes, and Chriseomonas
luteola.
OBSTRUCTIVE EDEMA*
With glanders there is a history of exposure to diseased
horses or other solipeds, or contaminated meat, and
Classical signs
there may be respiratory tract nodules similar to tuber-
● Localized edema. culosis.
● ± Local or regional lymphadenopathy.

Clinical signs MISCELLANEOUS FUNGAL INFECTIONS*

Lymphatic obstruction due to a tumor or other
Classical signs
mass causes edema (e.g. head and neck, limb).
● Chronic ulcerating
Local or regional nodes may be enlarged.
cutaneous/subcutaneous lesions.
● ± Local, regional or generalized
Diagnosis lymphadenopathy.

Biopsy of the primary lesion.
Clinical signs
Lymph node biopsy reveals edema with or without
hyperplasia, metastasis or infection. Chronic ulcerating lesions or masses that are cuta-
neous or subcutaneous. Usually they have developed at
sites of penetrating wounds and have not resolved with
MISCELLANEOUS BACTERIAL typical wound treatment.
INFECTIONS* Infections of mucosal surfaces, localized infections in
other organs and disseminated infections may also
Classical signs occur with accompanying signs varying with organ
involvement. Internal infections are more common with
● Localizing signs of inflammation.
certain organisms.
● Local, regional or generalized
lymphadenopathy. Local, regional or generalized lymphadenopathy
may occur.
Systemic signs may be absent or mild with local cuta-
Clinical signs
neous and subcutaneous infections, and mild to severe
Solitary to generalized lymphadenopathy. with internal or disseminated infections.

Oral or skin wounds may be present indicating the site
of entry. Infection may also be via the intestinal tract Diagnosis
and cause mesenteric lymphadenopathy.
Culture of the organism and histologic demonstration
Systemic signs are usually present, and more severe of tissue invasion in biopsy specimens. Organisms
with more generalized infections. include Pythium insidiosum (oomycete), Trichosporon