Adenocarcinoma of the spleen in cats

Splenic adenocarcinoma in felines is a rare yet aggressive malignant neoplasm characterized by nonspecific clinical manifestations and diagnostic challenges. The study aimed to determine the clinical and pathological features of this condition and evaluate the efficacy of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 30 cats with confirmed splenic adenocarcinoma treated in veterinary clinics in Omsk, Russia (2018–2023). Diagnostic methods included physical examination, ultrasonography, radiography, and histopathological analysis. Splenectomy was the primary treatment, supplemented by chemotherapy in select cases. Results revealed that the disease predominantly affects older cats (mean age: 10–13 years), with no breed or sex predisposition. Key clinical signs included lethargy (90%), anorexia (85%), and weight loss (70%). Histologically, the tumors exhibited invasive growth, cellular polymorphism, and moderate mitotic activity (2–3 mitoses per 10 high-power fields). The prognosis remains guarded due to late-stage diagnosis and high metastatic potential, particularly to the liver and lungs. This study underscores the need for standardized early diagnostic protocols and further research into molecular mechanisms to optimize therapeutic strategies.