Multiple myeloma with central nervous system involvement in a cat
Sherry L Appel1, Noël M M Moens, Anthony C G Abrams-Ogg
1Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|September 4, 2008
Summary
This study reports the first case of feline multiple myeloma with detectable light chain proteinuria but no serum monoclonal gammopathy. The cat experienced initial improvement with chemotherapy but later developed neurological deficits.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Comparative Oncology
- Hematology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma is a rare malignancy in cats, typically characterized by the proliferation of plasma cells and the production of monoclonal immunoglobulins.
- Diagnosis often relies on identifying a monoclonal gammopathy in serum or urine and characteristic bone marrow findings.
Observation:
- A 1.5-year-old cat presented with hind limb paraparesis and spinal pain, localized to the L6-S2 segments.
- Imaging revealed vertebral and femur lesions, with intramedullary and meningeal spinal cord involvement.
- Bone marrow aspirate showed a plasma cell infiltrate, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed high protein and abnormal plasma cells.
Findings:
- Electrophoresis confirmed Bence-Jones proteins in urine (light chain proteinuria) but no monoclonal band in serum.
- The cat was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a presentation unusual for its lack of serum monoclonal gammopathy.
- Initial treatment with melphalan and prednisolone led to rapid clinical improvement, but the cat relapsed and was euthanized due to progressive neurological decline.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering multiple myeloma in cats with neurological signs, even in the absence of a detectable serum monoclonal gammopathy.
- It underscores the diagnostic value of urine protein electrophoresis for detecting light chain proteinuria in feline plasma cell malignancies.
- Further research into feline myeloma pathogenesis and treatment strategies is warranted, particularly for atypical presentations.
