Dr. Denny, what is cat cancer?
Cancer is a group of cells that is dividing abnormally, not listening to what they should be doing and rapidly dividing. This is your basic definition of cancer.
Dr. Meghan Denney
4 Paws at Fulshear Veterinary Clinic
How will cancer impact my cat's health and quality of life?
Cancer can destroy healthy tissue, cause pain, decrease appetite, and affect organ function. It can significantly reduce your cat's quality of life.
What are some of the most common types of cat cancer and their symptoms?
The most common type of cancer in cats is squamous cell carcinoma, particularly in white cats. This can manifest in their mouths or on their ears. Cats can also get lymphoma, which primarily attacks the gastrointestinal system. Symptoms of this can be chronic gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, or chronic vomiting. If your cat's experiencing these symptoms or weight loss, it's important to consult your vet immediately.
How will a veterinarian diagnose cancer in my cat?
Sometimes cancer can be visable as in a lump or bumb. It can also be internal and the vet will rely on symptoms from home, like chronic vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, weight loss, and increased drinking and urination. From there, a physical exam is conducted and additional diagnostics like blood work, x-rays, or an abdominal ultrasound may be required. In some cases, getting biopsies of the intestines can provide a clear diagnosis.
If my cat does have cancer, what types of treatment options may be recommended?
Treatment options may include oral medications, palliative care to control symptoms, referral to oncology for radiation and chemotherapy, and in some cases, surgery might be curative. It's important to remember that chemotherapy in pets is aimed at remission and quality of life rather than a cure, so the side effects are much less severe than in human medicine.
Why is early detection and diagnosis of cancer in cats so important?
Early detection is crucial because it gives you a chance to treat the cancer before it has a chance to spread. This is why annual vet exams are so important.
Why is it so important to avoid self-diagnosing cancer in my cat?
Self-diagnosing is not recommended because you could be wrong and delay appropriate care and diagnosis, which could negatively impact your cat's lifespan. It's always better to consult with a professional.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (281) 801-1444, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Cat Cancer - FAQs
Dr. Meghan Denney
4 Paws at Fulshear Veterinary Clinic
Can my cat's cancer be cured?
Some types of cat cancers can be cured, especially if it's a growth that can be removed. However, other types, such as gastrointestinal lymphoma, can be kept in remission with medication, but it's not a permanent solution. The prognosis will depend on the specific type of cancer, the stage, and if it has spread.
How long can my cat live with cancer after treatment?
The lifespan of a cat with cancer after treatment varies based on the type of cancer. Cats with GI lymphoma can live for a long time with chronic medication. If it's a cancer of the mouth, the lifespan can range from months to years, depending on the detection stage. Every cat will have a different response to treatment.
How long can my cat live with cancer without treatment?
Without treatment, the lifespan of a cat with cancer could be as short as weeks or days, particularly if it's a rapidly growing type of cancer. Changes in behavior such as hiding, lethargy, decreased appetite, or changes in usual habits are indicators of a decline in health.
How can I prevent cancer from occurring in my cat?
Currently, there's no preventative medicine for cancer in cats. While early detection and genetic screening are available in humans, these are not yet common in veterinary medicine.
How do I know if my cat is suffering from cancer treatment?
If your cat is not eating, is lethargic, or is experiencing side effects like sedation or decreased appetite, these could be signs that your cat is suffering from the treatment. It's important to report these symptoms to your veterinarian so adjustments can be made.
How do I know if my cat is nearing the end of their life due to cancer?
The quality of life is an important indicator. If your cat is no longer exhibiting behaviors that make them who they are and is instead constantly sleeping or hiding, it may be time to consider end-of-life decisions.
What should I know about end of life care?
Palliative care focuses on controlling pain, nausea, and any side effects from the cancer. It's also important to consider the impact on the human-animal bond. If medication is disrupting this bond or causing misery for the cat, it may be time to consider whether it's fair to continue. For any questions about end-of-life care, reach out to your veterinarian.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (281) 801-1444, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram