Cholangiocarcinoma in young cats

ABSTRACT

Background: Cholangiocellular carcinoma is a malignant tumor that occurs mainly in elderly dogs and cats. Primaryhepatobiliary neoplasms are considered rare in felines, although cholangiocarcinoma is the most common tumor typeamong malignant liver tumors in the species. The objective of this work is to report two cases of cholangiocarcinoma inyoung domestic cats, with three years old, and to approach clinical and pathological aspects to promote awareness of thistype of injury in young animals, with a focus on prevention of predisposing factors.Cases A 3-year-old male domestic cat (cat 1) had a history of progressive weight loss, persistent vomiting, diarrhea,and episodes of seizure. At the clinical examination was noted moderate degree of jaundice. In the biochemical exams itwas verified as alteration hypoproteinemia, increase of urea and hyponatremia. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed aformation in the left epigastric region measuring 8.0 x 5.0 cm, with a diffusely heterogeneous parenchyma, suggestive ofhepatic neoplasia, in addition to the presence of free abdominal fluid. Cavity fluid analysis was suggestive of carcinoma.A 3-year-old male domestic cat (cat 2), with history of hyporexia, emaciation and vomiting was taken to care. Physicalexamination showed moderate dehydration, hypocorous mucosa and presence of abdominal mass on palpation. The animal’s serum biochemical assessment were verified as changes, increasing AST. Ultrasonographic examination showedan abdominal mass, located caudally to the spleen, with irregular shape, measuring approximately 4.7 cm suggestive ofhepatic neoplasia, in addition to the presence of abdominal fluid. The hepatic cytology performed by fine needle aspiration was suggestive of carcinoma. After the clinical worsening of two cats and due unfavorable prognosis, euthanasia andnecropsy were performed. In the macroscopic...