Diabetesĭiabetes in cats is a complex disease caused by either a lack of the hormone insulin or an inadequate response to insulin. Should your cat receive a diagnosis of cancer, you may wish to consult a veterinary oncologist, often employed by specialty veterinary practices and teaching hospitals. ![]() ![]() And remember good nutrition and loving care can greatly enhance your cat’s quality of life.Ĭontact your veterinarian immediately if your cat shows any of the clinical signs mentioned on the list above. Don’t hesitate to talk to your vet about your options. Please note that if your cat’s cancer is not curable, there are still many things you can do to make your pet feel better. Some cancers can be cured, and almost all patients can receive at least some benefit from treatment.Regardless of how you proceed after a diagnosis of cancer in your pet, it is very important to consider his quality of life when making future decisions. Some cat owners opt for no treatment of the cancer, in which case palliative care, including pain relief, should be considered.Success of treatment depends on the form and extent of the cancer and the aggressiveness of the therapy. Common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy or a combination of therapies.Treatment options vary and depend on the type and stage of cancer.Breast cancer is a common cancer for cats, but it can be avoided by having your cat spayed before her first heat cycle. ![]() Keeping your cat indoors will protect her from certain skin cancers caused by repeated sun exposure and sunburn.Certain breeds are prone to specific cancers, but cats with white ears and heads are particularly susceptible to skin cancer.Īsk your vet if your cat falls into specific at-risk categories.Though cancer can be diagnosed in cats of all ages and breeds, it is much more common in older cats.Radiographs, ultrasound, blood evaluation and other diagnostic tests may also be helpful in determining if cancer is present or if it has spread.Alternately, surgery may be performed to remove all or part of the lump for diagnosis by a pathologist. If a lump is present, the first step is typically a needle biopsy, which removes a very small tissue sample for microscopic examination of cells.Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating.Listlessness, lethargy or other marked change in behavior.Abnormal discharge from any part of the body.Lumps (which are not always malignant, but are always worth having a veterinarian examine).LSA is not curable, however, most cats respond well to treatment. It is important to take your cat to your veterinarian if any evidence of disease is noted. The GI form of LSA (the most common form) can cause a large mass in the stomach or intestine or diffuse infiltration throughout the intestinal tract. There is a vaccine available for FeLV that your veterinarian can discuss with you based on your cat’s lifestyle and risk of exposure to FeLV. Primarily a disease in younger cats, the virus doesn’t always manifest symptoms, so it is important to have your cat tested regularly to prevent transmission and progression. FeLV is a transmittable retrovirus that can be passed in utero as well as through saliva and direct contact. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is linked to most forms of LSA except for the gastrointestinal (GI) form. Some reports estimate that 30% of all reported cat cancers are due to LSA. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |