SPECIAL FEATURE - SEPTEMBER 2000

UPDATE ON PREVIOUS CASES

 

SEPT99(2).JPG (227213 bytes)September 1999 - Peripheral Nerve Lymphoma
After diagnosis of sciatic nerve lymphoma, the cat was re-induced with a new chemotherapy protocol. L-asparaginase was administered and a protocol including two cycles of weekly cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, and vincristine were given on a rotational basis. A CBC was performed prior to each chemotherapy administration. The only abnormality noted was a mild waxing and waning regenerative anemia.  The corticosteroid was changed from prednisone to dexamethasone. After six weeks the treatment frequency was reduced to once every two weeks. At this point the protocol was modified with adriamycin replaced by cytosar arabinoside. Clinically the cat had improved dramatically and regained the ability to jump on furniture and remain standing while consuming a meal. Posture was much improved with the previous plantigrade stance disappearing almost entirely. The deep tendon reflexes and withdrawal reflex were considered normal. Ten months after diagnosis the cat began to lose weight and have chronic diarrhea. Reoccurrence of hind limb weakness was not observed. The cat underwent endoscopy with biopsy of the stomach and duodenum. The biopsies revealed recurrent lymphoma in the duodenum. The cat was again re-induced with L-asparaginase and the chemotherapy protocol was changed. The new protocol included mustragen, vincristine, procarbazine and prednisone. Due to anorexia the procarbazine was discontinued. At the time of this writing the cat was 13 months from the diagnosis of peripheral nerve lymphoma and stable. Review of pathology records from the Animal Medical Center from 1995-2000 revealed five additional cats identified with peripheral nerve involvement and concurrent systemic lymphoma. Unfortunately all the diagnoses were made at necropsy. This report should raise the awareness of the possibility of peripheral nerve lymphoma in other cats that present with lower motor neuron signs. Update provided by Drs. Jason Berg and Richard Joseph. View original case - Sept 1999

 

maggie.jpg (419907 bytes)November 1999 - Acquired Myasthenia Gravis
Maggie was diagnosed with acquired myasthenia gravis in 12/98 and was in remission as of 11/99. At this time she was free of clinical signs, the acetylcholine receptor antibody titer was within the reference range, and she was off all medication. We are pleased to report that Maggie has remained in remission and off all medication as of 10/00. Our best wishes for continued good health to Maggie! Update provided by White Road Veterinary Clinic, Pickering, Ontario, Canada. View original case - Nov 1999

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