Subcutaneous fluid port-associated soft tissue sarcoma in a cat

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Oncology
• Surgical Complications
• Neoplasia in Domestic Animals

Background:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) management in cats often involves long-term fluid administration.
• Gastric injection feeding (GIF) tubes and subcutaneous fluid ports are utilized for nutritional and fluid support.
• Complications associated with indwelling devices require ongoing investigation.

Observation:

• A 20-year-old castrated domestic longhair cat with a 10-year history of CKD presented with a non-healing ulcerated mass.
• The mass was located at the site of a previously removed subcutaneous fluid port.
• Necropsy revealed a 20 cm serpentine subcutaneous mass tracking along the path of the removed GIF tube.

Findings:

• Biopsy confirmed the ulcerated mass as a grade 2 soft tissue sarcoma.
• Histopathology revealed a fibrosarcoma originating at the subcutaneous fluid port site.
• This represents the first reported case of feline fibrosarcoma associated with a subcutaneous fluid port.

Implications:

• Subcutaneous fluid ports, while beneficial for long-term disease management, carry a risk of neoplastic transformation.
• Veterinarians should consider the potential for sarcoma development when placing indwelling devices for chronic conditions.
• This case underscores the importance of monitoring for unusual masses at device implantation sites.