A 9-year-old, 3.6-kg spayed female domestic shorthair cat was presented for evaluation of a 1-month history of poor appetite, weight loss, and intermittent vomiting.
History
Three weeks earlier the patient had been examined by another veterinarian, who prescribed an antibiotic (amoxicillin trihydrate/clavulanate potassium, 62.5 mg PO Q 12 H) and a gastroprotectant (famotidine, 2.5 mg PO Q 24 H). No improvement was reported, and clinical signs had gradually worsened since that time. The patient lives in a single-cat household, is current on all vaccinations, and does not spend time outdoors. The owner reported no history of exposure to toxins or ingestion of foreign material.
Physical Examination & Laboratory Results
The patient was bright and alert; approximately 5% dehydrated; and had moderate, diffuse muscle wasting. Oral mucous membranes were pink and tacky. Findings on thoracic auscultation were unremarkable. Abdominal palpation revealed thickened, ropey small intestinal loops and a midabdominal mass effect. The table lists the laboratory results.