Cat cancer: symptoms and treatment

Today we will tell you 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 sprout into neighboring tissues and organs. Cancer in animals, as well as in humans, has different forms. It can affect only one area, and maybe several at once. Squamous cell carcinoma in cats is also common.

What species are found in cats?

Animals suffer from the same types of cancer as humans. Periodic examinations and correct diagnosis can detect cancer in a cat in a timely manner.

The most common species in an animal:

1. Skin cancer. Usually it happens with old dogs, but cats do not bypass. Most neoplasms on the skin have a malignant quality. Any suspicious manifestations should be shown to the veterinarian.

2. Lymphomas. Both cats and dogs are affected. In cats, usually in 26% of cases, it causes the virus of leukemia. In general, this type of cancer affects the digestive tract of the animal. It can be suspected by the weakness of the pet and dyspeptic disorders.

3. Breast cancer. As a rule, this species affects older animals. This tumor is in third place in the prevalence of various types of cancer. About 86% of tumors turn out to be malignant. This tumor is located in the tissues of the mammary glands. Breast cancer is common in unsterilized animals, but there are cases when it is affected by sterilized representatives of the cat family.

4. Tumor of the abdomen (abdominal). This species is very difficult to identify at 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 to visit a veterinarian if these symptoms periodically arise.

Noticing any of the above manifestations, immediately go for advice to the veterinarian.

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

• Chemotherapy;
• radiation therapy;
• surgical intervention.

What is this disease? Cancer in a cat is dangerous for humans?

Photo of a sick animal does not cause positive emotions. And why does cancer appear? The disease can provoke many factors. There is no single reason. It is known that the internal factors of the organism, for example, heredity, also influence, and external, for example, under the influence of the sun in a cat can develop squamous cell carcinoma.

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

Lymphosarcoma is the most dangerous and frequent form of cancer in a cat. When it affects the lymphatic system of the animal, causes the disease cat's leukemia virus. - FeLV. This cancer in a cat is dangerous to humans. Since it is a retrovirus transmitted through the saliva of the animal and direct contacts with it. It is asymptomatic. To prevent the spread of the disease, you must periodically look around, and take tests from a veterinarian. A similar cancer in a cat is dangerous for other cats as well as for a human. Now there was a vaccine from him.

Types of cancer in cats

It is impossible to say specifically what system of organs and tissues will affect cancer. Malignant neoplasms can develop anywhere, usually a 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 removing it entails a cat's recovery.

So what is the difference between a benign tumor?

Unlike malignant, it:

1. It is concentrated in a capsule, which does not allow cancer to get out and grow into an adjacent organ.
2. This process is developing very slowly, which gives more time for the company to take any actions to eliminate pathology.
3. Does not cause pain.

Malignant tumors can be characterized as follows:

• fast growth;
• Germination in neighboring organs;
• Bleeding is not uncommon;
• Very severe pain;
• In the later stages it is almost impossible to eliminate.

More common are:

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

Staging of cancer

The pathological neoplasm has its own staging.

There are four:

1. The first, the initial. At this stage, there is a small tumor node, metastases have not yet been observed.
2. The second stage. Tumor nodule continues to increase in size, most likely the size of the node is already 5-6 cm. Education begins to germinate in neighboring organs. As a result, it gives metastases to the nearest lymph nodes.
3. The third stage. The tumor becomes mobile, metastases are added.
4. The fourth stage. The most difficult and practically does not leave hope for the cats recovery. Tumor formation grows ever stronger, more organs are affected. As a rule, at this stage the animal expects an imminent death.

What does cancer look like in cats?

The manifestations of cancer are as follows:

1. "Cones" on the body of an animal. Of course, this is not necessarily a cancer, but worth checking out. Because just so they do not appear, any seal on the cat's body should have an explanation.
2. Neoplasms. For a long time, unhealed wounds, sometimes with a purulent discharge from them.
3. Unexplained discharge of pus from any part of the animal's body.
4. Fetid smell from the mouth.
5. The change in the animal's behavior toward weakness, drowsiness.
6. Sharp loss of body weight.
7. Intermittent claudication.
8. Dyspeptic disorders.
9. The spots on the skin are red or with dry scales.
10. Refusal to eat or eat, but very little.
11. Problems with the respiratory system, urogenital, digestive.

Diagnosis of cancer

1. When there is a seal on the animal's skin, the first thing to do is to make a biopsy. This method involves the removal of a small piece of tissue, which is taken for microscopy of cells.

2. X-ray.

3. Ultrasound.

4. Blood and urine for analysis.

These diagnostic studies are basic. But if necessary, they can be supplemented by some other.

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

Which cats often have cancer?

The diagnosis of cancer is put to many cats. But most often it still occurs in old animals.

The pedigreed are more exposed than others. For example, cats with light muzzles and ears are more often affected by squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.

Is it possible to prevent cancer?

Yes, it is quite possible to prevent some forms. If you keep the animal only indoors, then you will save it from skin cancer.

Breast cancer is the third most common form of breast cancer. And it can also be prevented if the cat is sterilized before it ripens.

Treatment

Types of treatment vary depending on the variety and stage of cancer.

They include:

1. Surgical methods;
2. Chemotherapy;
3. Therapy with the help of a ray;
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.

Cancer in a cat. The last stage

Photo of the animal at this stage of the disease does not cause anything, except pity and a great desire to help him. However, during this period it is hardly possible to somehow fix something.

Here everything depends only on the owner of the animal. Most people with the last form of cancer ceases to treat them and put them to sleep. Although often this decision is premature. After all, you can try your luck by another method, you just have to talk about it to a veterinarian, consult him. And then, perhaps, it will be possible to do something.

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

After all, you will not, for example, lull 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 varieties of cancer can be cured completely, others - not, but you can try to help the animal (alleviating suffering, etc.). So do not be afraid to try new ways. It will not make it worse for a pet, but better.

When should I go to the vet?

Immediately, as soon as one of the above signs is found. Procrastination threatens death to the animal.

How long will the cat with cancer live? It is extremely difficult to answer this question. Because everything depends on many factors. But on average cats are able to live with cancer for about 4 years.

Prevention

It is very difficult to prevent the onset of cancer, but there is still a small opportunity for this. It is in compliance with all rules of normal life of the animal, as well as timely vaccinations.

It is also important to undergo a complete examination with the animal periodically. Then you can timely recognize the onset of the pathological process and take along with the doctor the necessary actions to cure the cat. If your pet is sterilized before puberty, it will help in the future to avoid breast and uterine cancer. Of course, if you own an animal of a rare breed, then sterilization is unlikely to be done, since most such species are kept 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 they often give impetus to the development of the pathological process.

Conclusion

Now you know what the cancer of a cat is, what symptoms it has. Keep an eye out for your pets and any manifestations of the disease. And then everything will be fine.