Intestinal lymphoma with splenic and mesenteric involvement in a domestic cat: A case report

Background: Feline intestinal lymphoma is a common gastrointestinal neoplasm in older cats, often presenting with nonspecific signs such as weight loss, vomiting, and hyporexia. Diagnosis requires integration of clinical, imaging, and cytologic findings to differentiate it from inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal adenocarcinoma. Materials and methods: A ۵-year-old male neutered domestic cat was presented to Ara Veterinary Hospital on August ۱۱, ۲۰۲۵, with a one-month history of weight loss, hyporexia, and occasional vomiting. Physical examination revealed cachexia (body condition score ۳/۹), a grade ۳/۶ left-sided systolic heart murmur, and a large palpable abdominal mass extending from the cranial to mid-abdominal region. No peripheral lymphadenopathy was detected. Results: Thoracic radiographs demonstrated a bronchointerstitial lung pattern with mild cranial mediastinal lymphadenomegaly. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed segmental jejunal wall thickening with loss of layering, splenomegaly with a characteristic “Swiss cheese” pattern, mesenteric lymphadenomegaly, and peritonitis. Additional findings included hepatic lipidosis, cholecystitis, and renal cortical hyperechogenicity. Fine-needle aspiration by ultrasound guide from the intestinal mass showed numerous large anaplastic lymphoblasts with basophilic cytoplasm, prominent nucleoli, and mitotic figures, consistent with lymphoma. Histopathology was recommended for definitive classification and staging. The patient re-presented on August ۲۹, ۲۰۲۵, with severe cachexia, anorexia, vomiting, and marked mass enlargement. Progressive lymphoma was diagnosed, and euthanasia was elected due to poor prognosis. Conclusion: This case highlights the aggressive clinical course of feline intestinal lymphoma with splenic and mesenteric involvement. Early diagnostic imaging and cytologic evaluation are crucial for timely management and improved quality of life in affected cats.

کلیدواژه ها:

Lymphoma ، Cytological evaluation ، Gastrointestinal neoplasm ، splenomegaly