Pulmonary fibrosis after high cumulative dose nitrosourea chemotherapy in a cat

Small to intermediate cell alimentary lymphoma was diagnosed in a cat after abdominal exploratory surgery with no prior history of pulmonary disease. Initial response to several chemotherapy regimens was poor, but a long-term remission was achieved with CCNU (lomustine) and corticosteroid therapy. After receiving a total cumulative CCNU dose of 552 mg m(-2) over 12 months, an acute episode of respiratory distress occurred and the cat died. Necropsy identified severe diffuse pulmonary fibrosis and no signs of lymphoma. This is the first report of pulmonary fibrosis following high cumulative dose nitrosourea chemotherapy in a cat.