Paraneoplastic leukocytosis with mature neutrophilia in a cat with pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma

A 13-year old cat had 3-day duration of vomiting, lethargy, and anorexia. A complete blood count revealed a severe neutrophilia (126.9 x 10(3) cells/microl). Thoracic radiographs demonstrated a large solitary lung mass. A bone marrow aspirate documented myeloid hyperplasia. A left intercostal thoracotomy was performed and left cranial and caudal lung lobectomies were performed in order to remove the mass in its entirety. Histological diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. Following surgery, the severe neutrophilia began to decrease. It was in the normal range approximately 6 weeks postoperatively. The presence of a primary lung tumor combined with a mature neutrophilia with resolution following surgical resection suggests a paraneoplastic syndrome.