Chronic myelogenous leukaemia with persistent neutrophilia, eosinophilia and basophilia in a cat

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Hematology
• Oncology

Background:

• Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a rare myeloproliferative neoplasm in cats.
• Diagnosis typically involves persistent leukocytosis with mature neutrophilia, eosinophilia, and basophilia.
• Understanding CML progression and management in felines is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of chronic myelogenous leukemia in a domestic shorthair cat.
• To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and long-term outcome.
• To evaluate the cat's response to symptomatic treatment and disease progression.

Main Methods:

• Diagnosis of CML based on clinical signs, complete blood count, and bone marrow aspiration.
• Monitoring of the feline patient without initial treatment due to absence of clinical signs.
• Management of secondary conditions including pruritic skin lesions and nasal lymphoma.

Main Results:

• A 7-year-old cat was diagnosed with CML, presenting with severe leukocytosis (74,900/µl).
• The cat survived for 63 months post-diagnosis with persistent neutrophilia, eosinophilia, and basophilia.
• Pruritic skin lesions were managed with prednisolone, and nasal lymphoma achieved complete remission with radiation therapy.

Conclusions:

• Chronic myelogenous leukemia in cats can have a prolonged clinical course.
• Long-term survival is achievable with careful monitoring and management of secondary complications.
• This case underscores the importance of considering CML in feline leukocytosis and its potential for long-term remission.