Cats with Cancer
Older cats frequently suffer a variety of ailments, frequently with lumps and deposits accumulating on various body regions. Unfortunately, one of the worst-case outcomes for our cat is cancer development, just like in humans. Cancer is a condition that frequently manifests as a malignant tumour because it causes the body’s cells to divide uncontrollably. Cat cancer is growing increasingly common, but it’s crucial to understand why. It’s because cats are becoming more domesticated and have access to better treatments, which means they’re living longer and developing cancer more easily.
Image Credit : angela kanner
As cats age, we get to spend more time with them and learn more about their life.
Cats and cancer
A broad spectrum of disorders are grouped under the word “cancer.” They are related by the unabated expansion and division of cells in specific areas of the body. They gradually spread to the nearby tissue as a result of this. Some malignancies produce lumps called “tumours” or “neoplasia” that are simply an accumulation of these cancerous cells.
There are various neoplasm types. Some of these tumours are referred to as “benign,” such lipomas. They don’t penetrate tissues or spread to nearby body areas. Unfortunately, “malignant” tumours are those that do spread through a process called “metastasis.”
Although the exact etiology of cat cancer is not always known, the following factors are frequently implicated:
genetic propensity
exposure to some cancer-causing agents
parasitic infections
Cats with Cancer – Cats with cancer
feline cancer types
Currently, there are numerous cancers that can develop in cats. Here, we’ll talk about the most popular varieties and go into further detail about their traits:
Image Credit : Jane Gregory
Lymphoma:
Lymphocytes, a subtype of white blood cells seen in blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, or lymphoid tissue, give this cancer its name. It is thought to be the most prevalent cancer in cats.
Cancer is frequently brought on by the feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. Cats frequently develop squamous cell carcinoma, breast cancer, and intestine adenocarcinoma. Both sterilized and non-sterilized females can develop breast cancer. Both the big and small intestines are impacted by intestinal adenocarcinoma, which results in vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, and weight loss.
Soft tissue sarcoma, commonly known as fibrosarcoma, is a form of cancer that typically develops in fibroblasts beneath the skin. These nodules are hard and get bigger over time.
Osteosarcoma:
This bone-related cancer in cats frequently manifests as obvious indicators of pain in the cats, such as limping or easily fractured bones.
Mastocytoma:
This condition, which develops from the body’s ubiquitous mast cells, can appear as a single mass or as several nodules, and it may also be accompanied by an ulcer.
Cats’ cancer symptoms
The following signs of feline cancer are most typical:
the presence of lumps
uncommon bleeding
wounds that never mend
an infection of wounds
Halitosis
eating difficulties
Continual or irregular salivation
Limping
snoring and/or a chronic cough
breathing while snorting
Jaundice
abdominal squeezing
Weakness
reduced appetite
Loss of weight
Depression
It is advised to visit the vet right away if one or more of the aforementioned symptoms arise. This is due to the fact that early disease discovery can significantly enhance the condition’s prognosis.
Image Credit : Rachel Marks
Cats can develop cancer, and it is crucial to visit a veterinary center for diagnostic tests. Physical examinations are insufficient, and more complex tests, such as ultrasounds, blood tests, and X-rays, may be necessary. Cancer treatment in cats depends on several factors, including the type of cancer, location, metastasis presence, owner’s economic circumstances, cat’s quality of life, age, and available equipment. Three main types of cat cancer treatment are surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.
Surgery involves removing the tumor, which can improve the cat’s quality of life. Radiotherapy involves applying external radiation to the tumor, which can kill tumor cells but also healthy cells. Side effects include vomiting, nausea, hair loss, and skin irritation, which can be tempered with medication. Chemotherapy involves attacking tumor cells from within, with side effects including hair loss, bone marrow suppression, and gastrointestinal irritation. Cats undergoing cancer treatment need special care, including a quality diet, basic comfort, pain medication, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatories. AnimalWised does not prescribe veterinary treatment or diagnose cancer, and encourages pet owners to take them to a veterinarian for proper care.
