[Megakaryocytic leukemia in three cats].

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Hematology
• Oncology

Background:

• Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a group of diseases involving the overproduction of myeloid cells.
• Megakaryocytic leukemia, a specific MPN, affects the megakaryocyte lineage, crucial for platelet production.
• Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is an oncogenic retrovirus that can predispose cats to various cancers.

Observation:

• This report details three cases of megakaryocytic leukemia in cats aged 4, 8, and 11 years.
• Clinical signs included severe anemia.
• Neoplastic infiltrates were identified in multiple organs: bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes, liver, and kidneys.

Findings:

• The diagnosed condition was megakaryocytic leukemia, a myeloproliferative neoplasm.
• Histopathological examination confirmed neoplastic infiltrates across various organs.
• Two of the three affected cats were positive for feline leukemia virus (FeLV).

Implications:

• This study highlights megakaryocytic leukemia as a potential diagnosis in anemic cats.
• The association with FeLV suggests a possible role for viral infection in the pathogenesis of this feline leukemia.
• Further research into feline MPNs and their correlation with viral infections is warranted.