Page 424 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

416 PART 7 SICK CAT WITH SPECIFIC SIGNS

Juvenile streptococcal lymphadenitis is usually a cat- Clinical signs
tery problem, with concurrent neonatal infections.
Lymphadenopathy may be present but is not the salient
● Vaginal colonization in young nulliparous
feature of chronic progressive polyarthritis.
queens is the main source of neonatal infection;
older queens eliminate the infection and pass Lymphadenopathy is one of the “minor signs” of sys-
colostral antibodies to their young. temic lupus erythematosis.
● Epidemics may occur following introduction of an
Lymphadenopathy was present in a series of cats with
infected queen or tom (preputial colonization) into
progressive lymphocytic cholangitis.
a naïve cattery.
Transmission with juvenile lymphadenitis is presum-
Diagnosis
ably from oral to oral contact (e.g. grooming) with
carrier cats with pharyngeal/tonsillar colonization. ● Work-up of the primary disease.
● Lymph node biopsy reveals hyperplasia.
Prevention

The carrier state cannot be eliminated by antibiotic HYPEREOSINOPHILIC SYNDROME
therapy. While short-term penicillin treatment of
queens at parturition will reduce neonatal mortality, Classical signs
chronic treatment in a cattery as prophylaxis against
● Lethargy, inappetence, weight loss,
juvenile infections is not recommended as this will pro-
vomiting, diarrhea.
mote resistant organisms. As herd immunity increases,
epidemics will resolve.
See main reference page 758.
POST-VACCINAL LYMPHADENOPATHY
Clinical signs
Classical signs
Most cats are presented for chronic lethargy, inappe-
● Mild incidental lymphadenopathy. tence, weight loss, vomiting and diarrhea.
● History of recent vaccination.
Other clinical signs include fever, pruritus and seizures.

Clinical signs Abdominal palpation may reveal thickened intestines,
mesenteric lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly.
Mild generalized lymphadenopathy or local lymph-
Peripheral lymphadenopathy is present infre-
adenopathy draining the vaccination site may be noted
quently.
for several weeks post-vaccination.
Diagnosis Diagnosis
History of vaccination and no other clinical signs. Marked mature eosinophilia, increased synchronous
eosinopoiesis on bone marrow biopsy, and exclusion of
Lymph node biopsy reveals hyperplasia.
other causes of eosinophilia.
Lymph node biopsy reveals hyperplasia with or without
NON-CUTANEOUS IMMUNOLOGIC/ eosinophilic infiltration.
INFLAMMATORY DISORDERS

Classical signs BACTEREMIA

● Signs of polyarthritis.
Classical signs
● Signs of systemic lupus erthematosus.
● Signs of lymphocytic cholangitis. ● Fever, lethargy, inappetence.