Leukemia in Cats

The acute form of lymphocytic leukemia is called acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or ALL. Pets with ALL are generally very ill, and begin to show clinical signs of illness fairly suddenly. Patients with ALL will often have a fever.

The chronic form of lymphocytic leukemia is called chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL. This disease is usually seen in cats older than 10 years, with no breed predisposition. Pets with CLL often have vague signs of illness that can be present for months to years before a diagnosis is made. The most common complaints include weight loss and lethargy, although the aforementioned signs can also be present.

Based on the clinical signs alone, leukemia can mimic a multitude of disease processes. The appropriate laboratory findings are crucial to making a diagnosis. However, other conditions that may cause similar clinical signs include: