Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Feline lymphoma in the post-feline leukemia virus era.
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary internal medicine
- Year:
- 2005
- Authors:
- Louwerens, Mathilde et al.
- Affiliation:
- Utrecht University · Netherlands
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the blood system in cats, is the most common cancer seen in these animals. A study looked at cases of lymphoma in cats over a 21-year period, from 1983 to 2003, after significant efforts were made to reduce feline leukemia virus (FeLV), which is often linked to this type of cancer. While the number of lymphoma cases related to FeLV has dropped, the overall number of lymphoma cases in cats at a veterinary hospital actually increased during this time, particularly cases of intestinal lymphoma. This suggests that other factors, like inflammatory bowel disease (a condition that causes digestive issues) and diet, may also play a role in the development of lymphoma. Overall, the findings indicate that while FeLV-related lymphoma is less common now, lymphoma in general is still a significant concern for cats.
Abstract
Lymphoma (lymphosarcoma or malignant lymphoma) is the most common neoplasm of the hematopoietic system of cats and reportedly the cat has the highest incidence for lymphoma of any species. A 21-year retrospective survey of feline lymphoma covering the period 1983-2003 was conducted with the patient database at the Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital (VMTH) at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. This period comprises the post-feline leukemia virus (FeLV) era. Feline lymphoma historically has been highly associated with retrovirus infection. Mass testing and elimination and quarantine programs beginning in the 1970s and vaccination programs in the 1980s dramatically reduced the subsequent FeLV infection rate among pet cats. The results of this survey confirm a significant decrease in the importance of FeLV-associated types of lymphoma in cats. In spite of this decrease in FeLV infection, the incidence of lymphoma in cats treated at the VMTH actually increased from 1982 to 2003. This increase was due largely to a rise in the incidence of intestinal lymphoma, and to a lesser degree, of atypical lymphoma. A high incidence of mediastinal lymphomas in young Siamese or Oriental breeds also was observed, supporting previous studies. Associations of intestinal lymphoma and inflammatory bowel disease and diet should be further considered.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15954547/