Cat cancer is a legitimate concern of cat owners. A cat’s life can be significantly shortened by cat cancer. Not all tumors are cancerous. If a cat shows any signs of cancer, the cat should be examined promptly by a veterinarian.
Cancer causes almost fifty percent of pet deaths. The causes of cat cancer are not well understood.
Other diseases can also cause many of the signs and symptoms of cat cancer. Cat owners need to have cats properly diagnosed and treated if the cat shows any signs of cat cancer. Prompt treatment for cancer often gives the cat the best chances of survival.
Abnormal and persistent swelling and weight loss are common signs of cat cancer. Loss of appetite, stiffness or lameness, a wound that will not heal or has abnormal discharge, and difficulty urinating, defecating, breathing, or swallowing are signs of cat cancer.
There are many different types of cat cancer. White cats are susceptible to developing skin cancer especially on their ears. Other types of cat cancer include lymphoma, mammary cancer, and bone cancer.
Some cats have developed cancer in the area where they have received vaccinations. Vaccine-associated sarcoma (VAS) is a relatively new health concern. If the cat owner notices any lump at the site where the cat has received vaccination injections, the cat owner should take the cat to be examined by the veterinarian to determine if this is normal swelling or vaccine-associated sarcoma.
More common in cats than dogs, lymphoma is a type of cancer that attacks the lymph nodes. Lymphoma is most common in cats with feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Not all cats with lymphoma are feline leukemia positive.
Cancer in cats is diagnosed with physical exams, ultrasound, blood tests, x-rays, and biopsies. The veterinarian will recommend the best treatment for the cancer in cats based on the type of cancer and its severity.
Treatment for cat cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. A cat with cancer often needs pain management as well. Some preventative measures have been identified for some types of cat cancer. Spaying a cat while it is young can help prevent mammary cancer. Too much sun exposure and sunburns increase the risk of skin cancer.
