Hepatocellular carcinoma associated with hepatocutaneous syndrome in a feline

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary hepatobiliary neoplasm (PHN) originating in hepatocytes. It is rarely described in felines and represents 27% of the species' liver neoplasms. Patients may present emesis, anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, jaundice, coagulopathy, and hepatomegaly. This article aimed to report the case of a cat of no defined breed, approximately seven years old, with a crusted and hemorrhagic nasal injury, apathy, mild dehydration, a 2/9 body score, and mean systolic blood pressure of 187 mmHg. Abdominal ultrasound suggested renal senility and hepatomegaly, serum biochemistry indicated hyperphosphatemia and azotemia, and there was low urinary density with increased UPro/UCr. Amlodipine besylate was prescribed to control hypertension, and only after two months did the patient return, presenting cushion hyperkeratosis and a clot in the right nostril. The lesions were biopsied. The patient died three days after the procedure, and, at necropsy and histopathological analysis, there was a definitive diagnosis of HCC, presenting vacuolation in neoplastic hepatocytes under microscopy, superficial necrotic dermatitis (SND) in the nostril and cushions by parakeratotic hyperkeratosis on microscopy, and chronic kidney disease as comorbidity. The patient's clinical manifestation was consistent with that described in the literature. HCC is associated with an SND framework, a rare condition in cats.