Histopathology of Feline Panleukopenia: A Report of 65 Cases

Abstract

SUMMARY Histologic findings of 60 cats, 3 ocelots, and 2 bay lynx with naturally occurring feline panleukopenia ( fpl ) are described. Necrotic lesions and cryptitis were seen in the mucosa of the small intestine, especially in the jejunum and ileum. Severe depletion of lymphocytes in the follicles of lymph nodes, intestinal Peyer's patches, and splenic malpighian corpuscles were accompanied by reticuloendothelial cell hyperplasia. Absolute neutropenia and depression of myelopoiesis were the principal bone marrow alterations. Intranuclear inclusion bodies were detected in cats euthanatized in the early stages of the disease and may be an aid in establishing diagnosis when correlated with lesions seen in the organ systems described herein.