Page 426 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

418 PART 7 SICK CAT WITH SPECIFIC SIGNS

Lymph nodes are normal during chronic experimental
CYTAUXZOONOSIS
infection.
Bacteria resembling B. henselae have been seen in Classical signs
some clinical cases with moderate to marked lymph-
● Fulminant disease with fever and
adenopathy due to atypical hyperplasia.
hemolytic anemia.
Diagnosis See main reference page 389 (The Pyrexic Cat).

Lymph node biopsy reveals follicular hyperplasia in
Clinical signs
grossly normal lymph nodes during chronic experimen-
tal infection. Acute onset of fever, lethargy, inappetence, dyspnea,
anemia and jaundice.
Silver staining of lymph nodes of cats with lymph-
adenopathy may reveal bacteria. In such cases blood Lymphadenopathy is usually identified at necropsy.
culture and/or serologic testing and/or PCR testing for
B. henselae should be performed. Diagnosis
Exposure history (tick exposure in south-central or
south-eastern North America).
PROTOTHECOSIS
Identification of the protozoan, Cytauxzoon felis, on
red cells, as tiny dot, tetrad, safety-pin or signet ring
Classical signs
forms.
● Firm cutaneous nodule on foot.
Lymph node histology reveals hemorrhage and edema.

Clinical signs ANTHRAX
Large firm cutaneous nodule(s), which may be ulcer-
ated, on foot, limb, head or base of tail. Nodules are not Classical signs
painful on palpation, but may cause discomfort and
● Edema of the head and neck.
other signs from local mass effect.
● Acute death with no promontory signs.
Local lymph node is usually normal.
No systemic signs. Clinical signs

Rare – cats are resistant to anthrax.
Diagnosis Lingual and pharyngeal edema cause oral serosan-
guineous discharge and dyspnea.
Cytology and histology of biopsy specimens reveal
granulomatous inflammation. Cervical regional lymphadenopathy due to edema,
hemorrhage and necrosis may occur.
Lymph node biopsy may reveal hyperplasia or lymph-
adenitis. In one case acute death occurred with no promontory
signs and there were no significant necropsy findings
Identification of Prototheca sp. (algae), in specimens by
other than congested lungs and unclotted blood.
cytology, histology or culture.
● Mature organisms are round, have a hyaline cell
Diagnosis
wall, small central nucleus, may show internal cleav-
age into endospores, and vary from smaller to larger History of ingesting potentially contaminated raw
than neutrophils. meat or animal by-products.