Cat cancer: symptoms and treatment

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Today we will talk about what is cancer in a cat, what are its signs. Methods of treatment and prevention of this disease will also be considered.

What is this disease?

Cancer in a cat is a pathological process in which some cells of the body grow very quickly. They can grow into neighboring tissues and organs. Cancer in animals, just like in humans, comes in many different forms. It can affect only one area, or maybe several at once. Squamous cell carcinoma is also common in cats.

What species are found in cats?

Animals get the same types of cancer as humans. Periodic check-ups and proper diagnosis can detect cancer in a cat in a timely manner.

The most common animal species:

1. Skin cancer. It usually happens in older dogs, but it does not bypass cats. Most neoplasms on the skin tend to become malignant. Any suspicious manifestations should be shown to a veterinarian.

2. Lymphomas. Both cats and dogs are affected. In cats, it is usually caused by the leukemia virus in 26% of cases. Basically, this type of cancer affects the digestive tract of the animal. You can suspect himpet weakness and dyspeptic disorders.

3. Mammary cancer. As a rule, this species affects older animals. This tumor is the third most common type of cancer in the world. About 86% of neoplasms are malignant. This tumor is localized in the tissues of the mammary glands. Breast cancer usually occurs in non-neutered animals, but there have been cases of it affecting neutered felines.

4. Tumor of the abdomen (abdominal). This species is very difficult to identify in the early stages of development. It is necessary to pay attention in this situation to a sharp decrease in the body weight of the animal, repeated vomiting, diarrhea or bloating. It is worth visiting the veterinarian if these signs occur intermittently.

If you notice any of the above symptoms, immediately go to a consultation with a veterinarian.

Having detected cancer in the initial stages, it is possible to achieve a complete cure with the help of a combined method of therapy:

• chemo drugs;
• radiotherapy;
• surgery.

What is this disease? Is cancer in a cat dangerous to humans?

A photo of a sick animal does not evoke positive emotions in anyone. Why does cancer appear? The disease can be caused by many factors. There is no single reason. It is known that both internal factors of the body, for example, heredity, and external factors, for example, under the influence of the sun, a cat can develop squamous cell carcinoma.

The disease we mentioned affects the ears, eyelids,nose.

Lymphosarcoma is the most dangerous and common type of cancer in cats. When it affects the lymphatic system of the animal, the feline leukemia virus causes the disease. – FeLV. This cancer in a cat is dangerous for humans. Since it is a retrovirus transmitted through the saliva of an animal and direct contact with it. Runs asymptomatic. To prevent the spread of the disease, it is necessary to periodically look around and take tests from a veterinarian. Similar cancer in a cat is dangerous for other cats in the same way as for humans. There is now a vaccine for it.

Types of cancer in cats

It is impossible to specifically say which organ and tissue systems will be affected by cancer. Malignant neoplasms can develop anywhere, usually the blow goes to the organ or system that is most vulnerable, weakened by something. Of course, there are also benign neoplasms. But they, unfortunately, are much rarer.

A benign process, of course, is more easily tolerated by animals, and its removal entails the recovery of the cat.

So how is a benign tumor different?

Unlike malignant, she:

1. Concentrated in a capsule that prevents cancer from getting out and growing into a neighboring organ.
2. This process develops very slowly, which gives more time to take any action to eliminate the pathology.
3. Does not cause pain.

Malignant tumors can be described as follows:

• rapid growth;
• germinationto neighboring organs;
• bleeding frequently;
• very severe pain;
• nearly impossible to eliminate in later stages.

Most common:

• sarcoma;
• skin cancer;
• cancer of the reproductive system and mammary glands.

Cancer staging

Pathological neoplasm has its own staging.

Distinguish four:

1. First, initial. At this stage, a small tumor nodule appears, no metastases have been observed yet.
2. Second stage. The tumor nodule continues to grow in size, most likely the size of the node is already 5-6 cm. The formation begins to grow into neighboring organs. As a result, it metastasizes to the nearest lymph nodes.
3. Third stage. The tumor becomes mobile, metastases are added.
4. The fourth stage. The most severe and practically leaves no hope for the recovery of the cat. Tumor formation grows stronger and stronger, even more organs are affected. As a rule, imminent death awaits the animal at this stage.

What does cancer look like in cats?

Manifestations of cancer are as follows:

1. "Bumps" on the animal's body. Of course, it's not necessarily cancer, but it's worth checking. Because they don't just appear, any lump on a cat's body must have an explanation.
2. Neoplasms. Long time non-healing wounds, sometimes with purulent discharge from them.
3. Unexplained discharge of pus from any part of the animal's body.
4. Bad smell from the mouth.
5. Change in animal behavior towards weakness, drowsiness.
6. Sudden weight loss.
7. Intermittent claudication.
8. Dyspeptic disorders.
9. Skin patches red or with dry scales.
10. Refusing food or eating very little.
11. Problems with the respiratory system, genitourinary, digestive.

Cancer diagnosis

1. When there is a seal on the skin of an animal, the first step is to do a biopsy. This method involves the removal of a small piece of tissue, which is taken for cell microscopy.

2. X-ray.

3. Ultrasound.

4. Blood and urine for analysis.

These diagnostic tests are basic. But if necessary, they can be supplemented with some more.

All research is needed then to determine if the animal has cancer. If so, what form is it, and what stage.

Which cats are more likely to get cancer?

Many cats are diagnosed with cancer. But most often it still occurs in old animals.

Purebreds are more prone to it than others. For example, cats with fair faces and ears are more likely to develop squamous cell skin cancer.

Is it possible to prevent cancer?

Yes, it's quite possible to warn some forms. If you keep the animal only indoors, then you will save him from skin cancer.

Breast cancer is in 3rd place among other forms. And it can also be prevented if the cat is spayed beforewhen it ripens.

Treatment

Types of treatment differ depending on the type and stage of cancer.

These include:

1. Surgical methods;
2. Chemotherapy;
3. Beam therapy;
4. Immunotherapy.

Sometimes you have to combine several options at once. The success of the treatment will also depend on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the immunity of the animal. Therefore, the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the more likely it is to cope with it.

Cat cancer. Last stage

A photo of an animal at this stage of the disease causes nothing but pity and a great desire to help him. True, during this period it is hardly possible to somehow fix something.

It all depends on the owner of the animal. Most people with the last form of cancer stop treating them and put them to sleep. Although often this decision is premature. After all, you can try your luck in another way, you just need to talk about it to the veterinarian, consult with him. And then, perhaps, it will be possible to do something.

Whatever you decide to do, try to be with him until the last days of the animal's life, love him the same way as before. After all, animals are like people, and we have the same diseases.

After all, you will not, for example, euthanize your elderly relative? So the cat is a full member of the family. So try to give her all your love in the last days of her life.

Some types of cancer are completely curable, others are not, but you can tryhelp the animal (by relieving suffering, etc.). So don't be afraid to try new ways. This will not make the pet worse, but it can get better.

When should I go to the vet?

Immediately, as soon as one of the above signs is detected. Delay threatens the death of the animal.

How long will a cat with cancer live? It is extremely difficult to answer this question. Because it all depends on many factors. But on average, cats can live with cancer for about 4 years.

Prevention

Preventing cancer is very difficult, but there is still a small opportunity for this. It consists in observing all the rules for the normal life of the animal, as well as timely vaccinations.

It is important to undergo a complete examination with the animal periodically. Then you will be able to recognize the beginning of the pathological process in a timely manner and take the necessary actions together with the doctor to cure the cat. If your pet is spayed before puberty, it will help to avoid breast and uterine cancer in the future. Of course, if you own an animal of a rare breed, then spaying is unlikely to be done, since most of these species are kept specifically for reproduction.

Another option to protect the animal from cancer of the reproductive organs is not to get involved in taking hormones for contraception. Since it is they who often give impetus to the development of the pathological process.

Conclusion

Now you know thatpresents cancer in a cat, what are its symptoms. Monitor your pets closely for any signs of illness. And then everything will be fine.