Case description: A 1.5-year-old 4.0-kg (8.8-lb) castrated male mixed-breed cat was evaluated because of an 8-month history of repeated bleeding from a hole in the skin next to the left metatarsal pad.
Clinical findings: The cat had swelling in the distal region of the left pelvic limb, and blood dripped from a 2-mm-diameter hole in the skin adjacent and proximal to the metatarsal pad. Radiographic findings for the distal aspect of the left pelvic limb were compatible with a soft tissue inflammatory process. Results of histologic examination of a wedge biopsy sample, including the affected skin and subcutaneous tissue, indicated cutaneous angiomatosis. Angiography revealed anomalous vessels in the metatarsal region.
Treatment and outcome: Surgical resection of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and anomalous vessels in the affected metatarsal region of the left pelvic limb was performed. However, similar abnormal clinical signs recurred and did not respond to treatment, including prednisolone (2.0 mg/kg [0.9 mg/lb], PO, q 12 h for 4 days) and doxycycline (10 mg/kg [4.5 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h). The left pelvic limb was amputated, and no recurrence of similar abnormalities in the cat's other limbs was evident within a 15-month follow-up period.
Clinical relevance: Findings in the cat of the present report highlighted that cutaneous angiomatosis could recur in a short period of time and that amputation of the affected limb was a viable treatment option when surgical resection was not successful.