Thrombotic and Necropurulent Osteomyelitis in the Right Mandible of a Ragdoll Cat: A Case Report

Background: Osteomyelitis is an inflammatory condition of the bone marrow usually caused by infections from bacteria or fungi. It can also affect nearby tissues such as the periosteum, endosteum, and soft tissues. This condition may arise from different factors, including traumatic injuries, open fractures, or poor oral hygiene, leading to significant bone exposure. Methods: A ۴-year-old female neutered Ragdoll cat presented with progressive swelling in the jaw, initially suspected of malignancy based on findings from a CT scan. The CT revealed an expansile, destructive bone lesion in the right mandible, characterized by amorphous osseous proliferation, irregular margins, partial cortical loss, and a moth-eaten pattern of osteolysis with no obvious extension to the contralateral hemimandible or adjacent soft tissues based on imaging. A small gas inclusion was noted in the ventral aspect of the mid-body, and focal hyperattenuation with contrast enhancement was observed in the masseteric fascia lateral to the right mandibular ramus, accompanied by hypervascularity around the mandibular mass. The right mandibular and retropharyngeal lymph nodes were mildly enlarged. Results: The cat later underwent a biopsy for histopathological evaluation, which revealed thrombotic and necropurulent osteomyelitis with myelofibrosis, multifocal bacterial colonization, and osteolysis, with no evidence of neoplastic transformation. The cat is now receiving antibiotics and supportive care. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of getting a clear diagnosis through biopsy, including histopathology and microbial cultures, to tell apart infectious bone lesions from cancer, especially when imaging suggests malignancy.

کلیدواژه ها:

Feline osteomyelitis ، Mandibular lesion ، Computed Tomography ، Histopathology ، Bacterial Colonization