EXPRESS: Carbon dioxide laser ablation as an alternative or adjunct treatment of Bowenoid in situ carcinoma (BISC) in five cats.

CO2 laser ablation is a safe, effective alternative treatment for feline BISC.

This retrospective case series describes five domestic cats with Bowenoid in situ carcinoma (BISC), a virally induced squamous cell carcinoma presenting as multifocal superficial cutaneous lesions. Clinical presentations included hyperkeratotic plaques, crusts, focal alopecia, pigmented papules, erosions, and secondary pyoderma, with a median 365-day progression period before treatment. All cats underwent carbon dioxide laser ablation under appropriate anesthesia with no adverse events reported. Three of five cats demonstrated progressive disease (recurrent or new lesions) at a median of 379 days post-treatment, with median time to progression after first laser ablation being 158 days. Two cats required multiple laser treatments, with one achieving complete remission 130 days after combined surgery and two laser sessions. Notably, no cats developed metastatic disease. CO2 laser ablation represents a well-tolerated, minimally invasive alternative or adjunct to traditional treatments such as surgical excision and imiquimod immunomodulation. This technique allows for repeated applications as new lesions develop, offering an effective management strategy for this progressive but typically non-invasive neoplastic condition.

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