An Emphysematous, Intra-abdominal Mass in a Cat: A Case Report

A TWO-YEAR-OLD male Persian cat was presented to the University of Georgia for anorexia, lethargy, and fever of 48 hours duration. Dehydration, depression, and fever (105.5°) were found on physical examination. A circumscribed mass which felt gritty and emphysematous, was palpated in the caudal abdomen adjacent to the bladder. A complete blood count (CBC), chemistry profile, and abdominal radiographs were obtained. Antibiotic (ampicillin, 10 mg/lb, TID) and fluid replacement therapy (200 ml lactated Ringer's solution, SC) were instituted for the fever and dehydration. The CBC revealed a degenerative left shift with immaturity. The significant radiographic finding was an emphysematous soft tissue mass in the caudal abdomen (Fig. 1 & 2).