Should I treat my cat for lymphoma?
“Lymphoma is usually treated with chemotherapy.” Cats tolerate chemotherapy much better than humans; they rarely lose their hair or appear sick. The most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. However, even these effects are seen in only about 10% of patients.
What is the life expectancy of a feline with lymphoma?
Cats with the feline leukemia virus (FIV) develop lymphoma more often than healthy cats. The feline lymphoma life expectancy will depend on how soon the disease is detected, what treatment options the cat has or whether the cat is also affected by FIV. Feline lymphoma can occur as tumors that are filled with lymphoid tissue.
What can you do if your cat has lymphoma?
If caught early, lymphoma can be prevented from spreading and surgery may still be possible. If detected in the more advanced phases, lymphoma may not be operable and may be spread in the cat’s body, leaving fewer treatment options available.
Can a cat get lymphoma in the kidneys?
Lymphoma can occur in the kidneys, causing kidney failure (however, lymphoma is not the most common form of kidney disease in cats). Lymphoma has been documented to occur in the skin, causing rashes and other cutaneous irregularities.
What are the risk factors for lymphoma in cats?
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) also are known risk factors. However, most cases of lymphoma occur in cats who are not affected by either virus. It is likely that hereditary factors play a major role in most cases. Exposure to carcinogens likely contributes to some forms of lymphoma.
How old is my 14 year old cat lymphoma?
Hello! My beautiful 14 year old kitty was diagnosed with lymphoma 3 weeks ago. She had a growth in her chest and was struggling to breathe. The Emergency vet kept her overnight on oxygen and did some limited tests with the diagnosis of lymphoma.
Is it time to say good bye to feline lymphoma?
Is It Time to Say Good-Bye? Feline lymphoma is a malignant cancer of the lymphatic system, the exquisitely structured arrangement of internal organs and tissues that directly or indirectly influences virtually every aspect of a cat’s physical existence.
Which is the most common type of lymphoma in cats?
Common sites of lymphoma in cats include: Intestinal lymphoma. This term describes lymphoma that affects the gastrointestinal tract. This is, by far, the most common type of lymphoma in cats, accounting for 50-70% of feline lymphoma cases. It is most common in senior cats, with the average age at diagnosis ranging from 9-13 years old.
What to do if your cat has low grade lymphoma?
Low-grade lymphoma, in cats, is more likely to respond to chemotherapy and chemotherapy often results in longer periods of remission. If your cat is diagnosed with lymphoma, your veterinarian may perform additional testing, such as immunohistochemistry. This testing can help further characterize the lymphoma and develop a treatment plan.