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A Case of Feline Eosinophilic Sclerosing Fibroplasia Associated with a Duodenal Mass Responsive to Exclusive Glucocorticoid Therapy
1
Anicura Policlinico Veterinario Roma Sud, 00173 Roma, Italy
2
Ospedale Veterinario Lido Roma, 00121 Salerno, Italy
3
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Animals 2025, 15(19), 2888; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192888
Submission received: 14 September 2025
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Revised: 1 October 2025
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Accepted: 2 October 2025
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Published: 2 October 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Small Animal Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Diseases)
Simple Summary
Feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia (FGESF) is a rare inflammatory disease in cats that can mimic cancer due to the presence of firm intestinal masses. In this report, we describe a 6-year-old cat showing chronic vomiting and weight loss, in which FGESF was diagnosed after detecting a duodenal mass during endoscopy. Treatment with oral prednisolone alone led to rapid clinical improvement and complete disappearance of the mass within 30 days. A minor relapse was managed by adjusting the steroid dose. The cat has remained healthy and symptom-free for over a year. This case highlights that FGESF can respond well to medical therapy alone, avoiding the need for surgery.
Abstract
This report describes a case of feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia (FGESF) in a 6-year-old spayed female European Shorthair cat presenting with chronic vomiting and weight loss. Endoscopic examination revealed a submucosal duodenal mass, and histopathological evaluation of endoscopic biopsies confirmed a diagnosis of FGESF. The cat was treated exclusively with oral prednisolone (1 mg/kg SID), leading to complete clinical remission within 15 days. Follow-up ultrasonography and endoscopy performed 30 days later confirmed full resolution of the mass, which was replaced by a focal mucosal depression. Histopathology at that site revealed chronic-active lymphoplasmacytic and neutrophilic enteritis with mild fibroplasia. A mild recurrence of duodenal thickening was observed after steroid tapering, which resolved upon dosage adjustment. The patient has remained clinically stable for 15 months with normal imaging and blood parameters.
Keywords:
FGESF; feline; duodenal mass; eosinophilic inflammation; glucocorticoid therapy
