Abstract: Background–Feline lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis (LPR), a histological subset of chronic rhinitis, has limited literature regarding clinicopathological changes, associated bacterial infections, computed tomography (CT) and rhinoscopy changes, and therapeutic response.
Objectives–Describe the following in LPR cats: selected clinicopathological changes, associated bacterial isolates, correlation between CT score and variables including age, presence of bacteria on culture and rhinoscopy scores, and therapeutic response.
Animals–Forty-eight cats with histopathological diagnosis of LPR.
Methods–Medical records between 1999-2025 from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine were retrospectively reviewed for clinicopathologic data, bacterial culture, CT and rhinoscopy scores and therapeutic responses.
Results- Epistaxis or serosanguineous discharge was identified in 23% (11/48) of cats. Anemia was noted in 21% (10/48) and mild neutrophilia was the most common leukogram change (44%, 21/48). Among cases exhibiting an eosinophilic component to their inflammation (4/48), 50% had moderate-marked peripheral eosinophilia. Bacterial culture was positive in 69% (27/39), with Pseudomonas aeruginosa the most common isolate (48%, 13/27). CT score was not correlated with age or positive culture. There was strong positive correlation between CT and rhinoscopy scores (r = 0.66, P = 0.001). Of 34 cats with documented treatment, two cats had resolution of clinical signs (1 azithromycin, 1 janus-kinase inhibitor).
Conclusions and Clinical Importance– Epistaxis in cats should prompt consideration of LPR as a differential diagnosis. Cats with LPR may have significant clinicopathological changes, and concurrent bacterial infection is common. Further studies are needed to determine how CT and rhinoscopy scoring systems relate to clinical disease, and to identify effective treatments.
