Cat Cancer-A Brief Explanation
October 24th, 2008 at 08:13am Under Cat Care+ Cat Health+ Diseases
By Catharine Wells
For cat owners, there’s nothing more terrifying and distressing
than to find out that your beloved feline companion has
developed a malignant tumor or tumors. In order to give your cat
the best chance to survive a case of feline cancer, it’s
important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Also, having a
basic understanding of cat cancer and the steps involved in
fighting the disease can help make the process of diagnosis and
treatment less confusing and overwhelming.
What is Cancer?
Cancer involves the unregulated proliferation of cells
resulting in the formation malignant tumors. This type of
uncontrolled growth occurs when gene mutations are caused by
damaged DNA. Typically, any damaged cells would be destroyed by
the animal’s immune system; however, cancerous cells are able to
avoid destruction by the immune system and, therefore, continue
to grow in their unregulated manner. These cells then form a
mass known as a tumor, which can either be benign or malignant.
Malignant tumors are the cancerous ones, and they can be very
aggressive and dangerous.
Types of Cat Cancer
There are so many different types of cat cancer that it’s not
possible to discuss all of them here. Cancer can originate in
and affect almost all parts of the feline body; however, there
are certain types of cat cancer that are more common than
others. These include bladder cancer as well as various
abdominal cancers which can affect the kidneys, intestines,
spleen, and liver. Feline leukemia and malignant skin tumors
also affect cats quite frequently.
Causes
In most cases, it’s impossible to identify one or more
particular causes of cancer in a feline patient. The potential
causes and triggers of this disease are numerous and encompass
both genetic and environmental factors. For example, hereditary
defects and toxic chemicals can both play a role in the
development of cat cancer. Radiation and viruses such as the
Feline Leukemia Virus are also known to increase a cat’s risk of
developing cancer. With so many potential triggers and
contributing factors, the cause of feline cancer in a particular
cat will often remain unknown.
Common Symptoms
Since there are so many different forms of cat cancer, the type
of the disease that is affecting a particular cat will determine
the type of symptoms and warning signs exhibited. For example,
excessive drooling and trouble with eating could be signs of
mouth cancer while stiffness and difficulty with movement could
be symptoms of bone cancer. However, even though the warning
signs of cancer will differ with each type of the disease, there
are certain symptoms that are common to various forms of cancer.
These warning signs include weight loss and loss of appetite,
abnormal and firm swelling, a lack of interest in daily
activities, trouble with eating, an offensive odor, and unusual
stiffness or lameness.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of cat cancer will be reached through an evaluation
of symptoms and clinical signs as well as the results of various
diagnostic procedures. Since there are so many different types
of feline cancer, there are a number of diagnostic tools and
tests that may be necessary to confirm and identify a particular
case of this disease. Certain tools and tests that may be
employed include blood tests, biopsies, x-rays, and CT scans.
Once the presence of a particular form of cat cancer has been
confirmed, the veterinarian will also need to evaluate the stage
of the disease in order to implement an appropriate treatment
plan.
Treatment
When a cat has been diagnosed as having cancer, the necessary
treatment plan will depend on a number of different factors,
including the type of cancer present and the stage of the
disease. Examples of treatment methods frequently used for
various forms of cat cancer include surgery, chemotherapy,
radiation therapy and immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is part of a
holistic health approach to treatment and is often used in
conjunction with other treatments. This particular form of
therapy involves using a variety of natural supplements to boost
the cat’s immune system in order to provide the animal with a
greater ability to fight the cancer as well as to withstand
other forms of treatment such as chemotherapy. In some cases,
treatment for cat cancer will successfully eradicate the disease
but, unfortunately, in other cases treatment will only serve to
slow the progress of the cancer.
Prevention
Since the potential contributing factors with respect to the
development of cat cancer are so numerous, it can be difficult
and even impossible to predict and prevent cancer in many cases.
Yet, there are certain steps that pet owners can take to help
lower the chances of their feline friends developing this
terrible disease. Often, a holistic health care approach is very
beneficial in this regard. By promoting and protecting your
cat’s overall health with a good diet, a healthy living
environment, and natural supplements, you will be boosting the
strength and function of your pet’s immune system. As a result,
your feline companion will have a stronger defense against
cancer and all other feline medical problems and will be more
likely to live a long and healthy life.
About the Author: Catharine Wells is a freelance writer who
writes about topics concerning pet care such as
www.petwellbeing.com/cat-supplies-c3.cfm Cat Cancer | Cat
Hyperthyroidism | Cat Kidney Disease
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: www.isnare.com/?aid=214419&ca=Pets
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