Feline progressive dendritic cell histiocytosis in a domestic long hair feline

Abstract

A six‐year‐old male castrated domestic long hair feline presented for evaluation of a progressive cutaneous nodular dermatosis and an acute onset of dyspnoea. The patient had an initial skin biopsy performed with a tentative diagnosis of mycobacteriosis; however, acid‐fast stains were negative. Thoracic radiographs revealed multifocal, large pulmonary nodules. Aerobic bacterial, fungal and mycobacterial cultures, as well as Histoplasma and Cryptococcus antigen tests, were all negative. Re‐evaluation of the biopsy provided a diagnosis of feline progressive dendritic cell histiocytosis. The samples revealed a focally marked to diffuse coalescing superficial to deep perivascular and periadnexal infiltrates of numerous moderately large histiocytic cells. Unfortunately, there is no successful treatment for this disease and the patient was humanely euthanased.