# Splenic Myelolipomas in the Domestic Cat—To Operate or Not to Operate?

## TL;DR

This case report discusses a rare splenic tumor in a cat and the challenges of deciding whether surgery is beneficial.

## Contribution

The paper presents a rare case of splenic myelolipoma in a cat and emphasizes the importance of individualized surgical decision-making.

## Key findings

- A cat with a splenic myelolipoma underwent splenectomy but died post-operatively.
- Clinical signs like poor appetite and weight loss were linked to the tumor's presence.
- The report underscores the need to carefully assess risks and benefits before surgery.

## Abstract

Myelolipoma of the spleen is a benign tumour rarely described in cats. These masses typically do not spread to other organs, but their growth can push or displace surrounding tissues and lead to pain or discomfort. In this report we describe a cat that presented to the veterinarian with a history of poor appetite and weight loss. Following thorough diagnostic investigations, presenting complaints were attributed to the intra-abdominal growth of a splenic mass. The mass was removed surgically, but the patient died in the recovery period. This case report highlights the need for careful assessment of a risk–benefit ratio when approaching this rare form of neoplasm in cats.

Myelolipoma is a benign, typically inert neoplasm of uncertain aetiology that is rarely reported in cats. Although commonly asymptomatic, in some cases, myelolipomas can cause abdominal discomfort or present with rupture and haemorrhage. Here, we describe a rare case of a splenic myelolipoma in a Domestic Long Hair cat in which, after extensive diagnostic investigations, clinical signs of hyporexia and weight loss were attributable to the presence of an intra-abdominal mass. The patient was treated by splenectomy and unexpectedly died during the post-operative period. Although splenectomy appears to be a sensible intervention in symptomatic patients, the optimal management of splenic myelolipomas in cats remains unknown. The risk–benefit ratio of surgical management needs to be carefully considered, and therapeutic intervention should be tailored individually to each patient.