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Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in a cat
J C Tobey1, D M Houston, G J Breur
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|February 15, 1994
Summary
A chronic skin lesion in a cat was diagnosed as T-cell lymphoma. While standard tests for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) were negative, PCR confirmed the virus
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Oncology
- Feline Medicine
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Cutaneous lymphoma is a significant neoplastic condition in cats.
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is often implicated in feline lymphoma pathogenesis.
- Standard diagnostic methods for FeLV can be insensitive in certain lymphoma types.
Observation:
- An 8-year-old cat presented with a chronic, nonhealing ulcerative skin lesion.
- Histopathological examination revealed malignant cells and Pautrier's microabscesses, consistent with cutaneous lymphoma.
- Immunohistochemistry and serum ELISA for FeLV were negative.
Findings:
- The lymphoma was confirmed to be of T-cell origin.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) detected FeLV DNA integrated into tumor tissue.
- This demonstrates FeLV presence despite negative conventional serological and immunohistochemical tests.
Implications:
- PCR is a valuable tool for diagnosing FeLV in cats with epitheliotropic cutaneous lymphoma.
- This finding highlights the importance of advanced molecular techniques for accurate diagnosis and understanding of FeLV-associated cancers.
- Confirms FeLV's role in specific feline lymphoma subtypes where it's not typically detected.