Liver failure during multiple myeloma in a cat: case report and literature review

A 14-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was presented to our attention for progressively worsening lethargy, weakness and inappetence. Physical examination revealed no abnormalities, while bloodwork, abdominal ultrasound, bone marrow examination and US-guided cytological evaluation of the spleen were suggestive of Multiple Myeloma. Antineoplastic therapy, based on Melphalan and Prednisone, led to a rapid and marked improvement of the presenting clinical signs, with an excellent quality of life, despite the persistence of hypergammaglobulinemia. Antineoplastic therapy was carried out for 9 months, afterwards we observed a severe decline in the clinical conditions, with anorexia and vomiting, severe anemia, and marked neoplastic infiltration of spleen and liver, leading to liver failure. The cat was euthanized and necroscopsy and hystologic examination confirmed the severe involvement of both organs.