posted by Tess on Dec 15
Outdoor cats, especially white cats or those with white non-pigmented areas carry a high risk of developing certain types of skin cancers. Typically these are the cancers that are linked with excessive exposure to sunlight.
The first few signs of such a condition are a discoloration of the skin, pinkish skin that looks as if it has scales and excessive loss of hair. On the first signs of such symptoms the cat should be protected from sunlight to restrict further development of the disease. If ignored this leads to further crusting of the skin and ultimately develops into a squamous cell cancer.
Squamous cell cancer is a malignant tumor that normally manifests on ear flaps, the visible cartilage of the external ear, nose and eyelids. Unlike other types of feline cancer squamous cell cancer rarely spreads to other parts of the body. But when it does, it can affect the lymph nodes and lungs. The initial signs of this cancer appear in the form of a scab on the head or minor irritations that cause itching. If not checked the harmless looking lesions can worsen and cause more painful conditions like:
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posted by Tess on Jun 17
There are always some cancer cells in the body, which the body can effectively kill on its own if the immune system is strong. Despite this fact pets still develop cancers that need treatment. Cancer in dogs and cats may not be a very common condition but it can be as problematic and fatal as in humans.
Pets cannot speak about the discomfort that they are facing and therefore, it is upon the pet owners and veterinarians to use their observation and knowledge to establish prevalence of, say, symptoms of liver cancer in dogs and cats among other health conditions.
Feline cancer can occur in any part of the body. If cancer has been diagnosed in certain specific areas, radiation therapy is one of the treatment options that should be considered.
Radiation therapy involves the same X-Rays that are used for a normal X-Ray for clinical investigation. The difference is that the levels of the X-Rays that are used for the therapy are thousands of times more powerful.
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posted by Tess on Jun 6
Cancer is a malignant, cellular growth (tumor). Benign tumors are harmless and only an abnormal increase in size of a specific tissue. Cancer can affect any organ in a cat’s body but cancer of the lymphatic tissue, skin and mammary glands are the three most common types of neoplasia (the pathological process that results in formation and growth of tumors) in cats.
Extensive research in human cancer diagnosis and treatment has changed the entire scene of cancer management. The good part is that the same protocols reflect in treating feline cancer and cancer in dogs and other pets. There has also been a concomitant awareness of the role played by nutrition and alternative therapies in developing resistance to cancer and recovery.
Treatment for tumors is basically a matter of removal, killing or curbing the process of multiplication of cancer cells. There are various treatment options that one can consider.
Medical treatment
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posted by Tess on Mar 3
Generally, cancer occurs in older animals. Cats are destined to live long and the price they pay for it shows in the increased incidence of feline cancer . Symptoms of cancer in cats and dogs do not present themselves in early stages. It requires a keen observation for an early detection and treatment. For example, the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs need to be evaluated after considering other conditions that throw up similar symptoms.
Cells normally multiply by division in a pattern. Initially there is a continuous increase in cells to achieve an optimal level of growth in cats. Once a particular level is achieved cell multiplication is automatically curbed and new cells are formed to replace dead cells. Certain unknown conditions cause cells to ‘rebel’ and multiply even when the body does not need them. Characteristically, an unrestricted multiplication of cells is known as cancer. Normally a tumor or growth is formed in and around the affected organ or area, which may be localized or invasive and spread to distant organs as well. A tumor may be benign (harmless) or malignant (dangerous to health, often fatal and characterized by progressive and uncontrolled growth)
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posted by Tess on Jan 26
Symptoms and signs of cancer in pets and humans depend largely upon the organ or the tissue that has developed cancer cells. For example, the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs and cats are far removed from the symptoms of oral cancer. Cats with cancer of the digestive system will show signs of vomiting, diarrhea and anorexia while a lump in the peripheral skin indicates lymph cancer.
Some cancers are highly progressive and spread very fast. The first tool in your hands is to educate yourself and be aware of all the symptoms properly. Timely approach to treatment is the only way to prolong and make life comfortable for your cat.
Cats should be groomed regularly. Stroking and petting all over the body serves two purposes - it lets you know of any abnormal changes that might be occurring in your cat’s body and it helps in building an emotional bond between you and your cat.
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posted by Tess on Jan 23
Breast cancer constitutes almost all of glandular feline cancers and up to 80 to 96% of all malignant tumors in cats. It is also the third most common form of cancer in cats after lymphoid and skin cancers. Although breast cancer in cats is not breed specific, Siamese and Japanese breeds are more vulnerable than others. Obesity too seems to be a high risk factor. Spayed cats, however, carry a significantly reduced risk of developing mammary tumors.
Mammary tumors may either be floating or attached to the skin or the underlying muscles and are commonly found in the front set of mammary glands. Swelling, pain or infection in the glands and fever are among the most common symptoms that may indicate prevalence of mammary tumors.
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posted by Tess on Jan 22
Although an uncommon occurrence, brain tumor is a relatively more common form of cancer in dogs than feline cancer . A head injury may result in accumulation of fluid in the brain or a cranial fracture - both of which may cause brain damage. Although both the conditions can be treated medically irrespective of whether it is a typical case or a severe instance, a brain surgery is required to relieve the pressure on the brain.
Brain tumors, however, are believed to have a genetic predisposition as they occur mostly in young cats. Brain tumors may be primary, occurring in the brain itself, or secondary, as extensions due to metastasis of a malignant growth in the nasal passage, skull or ear cavity and pituitary gland tumors.
Like all cancers, brain tumors too do not show early symptoms. However, unlike the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs and cats that are non-specific some of the symptoms of a brain tumor are specific and some of them are even indicative of exactly where the tumor is located.
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posted by Tess on Jan 15
Nasal tumors occur primarily in the nasal cavity and may later extend to the frontal and paranasal sinuses. Nasal tumors form a very small percentage of feline tumors and are less common than nasal cancer in dogs . They are locally invasive and do not normally spread but are almost always malignant. They are not sex specific and usually occur at a young age.
In cats there is an indication that inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nose or one of the paranasal sinuses may be the trigger that leads to a growth in the nasal cavity. Symptoms of nasal cancer in cats can remain concealed for as long as five years till the disease presents itself as a serious threat. Unlike the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs, symptoms of nasal cancer seldom mimic symptoms of other conditions.
Nasal tumors and nasopharyngeal tumors reflect different symptoms. Nasal tumors often have a past history of nasal discharge and sneezing. Nasopharyngeal tumors on the other hand manifest as heavy breathing, often with a snoring sound and change in vocalism. Other signs include bleeding and facial deformity.
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posted by Tess on Jan 13
Intestinal cancer throws up symptoms that are similar to symptoms caused by an inflammation or obstruction in the intestinal passage. This makes early detection a difficult task. Although they form a small percentage of all feline cancers and cancers in dogs, prognosis ranges from poor to bad depending upon the location of the tumor.
The common types of cancers that can develop in a cat’s intestines include:
* Lymphoma - A neoplasm of lymph tissue that is most predominant in cats.
* Mast Cell Neoplasia – A cancer that causes single or multiple lesions in the small intestines.
* Adenocarcinoma – A malignant tumor that originates from the glandular epithelium.
* Other Intestinal Neoplasms such as rectal and colon tumors.
Lymphoma is the most common form of intestinal tumors in cats followed by carcinomas and mast cell tumors. Like the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs, intestinal tumors in cats also remain concealed due to the general nature of symptoms. Tumors located in different areas of the intestine have different manifestations.
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posted by Tess on Jan 12
Lung cancer in cats may either be primary or secondary. Primary lung cancer originates in the lung tissue while secondary lung cancer is caused by metastasis from other cancerous sites. Like other cancers, the early signs of lung cancer are not easily detectible and its prevalence is evident only after a chest X-Ray has been done. As the cancer develops some of the clinical signs that emerge are phlegm or blood on coughing, weight loss and anorexia.
A typical primary lung cancer is a single mass but can appear as multiple tumors in its advanced stages. A secondary lung cancer that has spread from another part of the body would almost always appear as multiple masses in different lung lobes.
A confirmed diagnosis is of utmost necessity because some types of fungal infections can also appear as masses in the lungs. If fungal infection is suspected, it can be confirmed by the use of fungal titers or a microscopic analysis of samples taken from the site of the infection. Confirmation of lung cancer is possible only after microscopic examination of a sample obtained through biopsy.
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