Content
- Symptoms of Tumors in Cats
- Skin cancer in cats
- Tumors in elderly cats
- Lump on the cat's back
- Life expectancy of a cat with cancer
Cancer is a disease that can affect not only human beings, but animals as well. Even though it is more common in dogs, cats can also develop the disease and, when this happens, the tumors are usually more aggressive.
We, as tutors, have a responsibility to always keep an eye out, taking our companions to the vet regularly to ensure there is nothing wrong.
it's hard to know how long does a cat with cancer live, as this varies according to the age of the animal, the speed of diagnosis and also depends on the type of tumor and the location in which it is found. However, in this PeritoAnimal article, we show you some of the most common symptoms and types of tumors for you to stay on.
Symptoms of Tumors in Cats
Like other species, cats are easy prey in nature and, therefore, have an instinct of their own to disguise illnesses or any pain that bothers them. We always need to be aware, taking our pussies to the vet with a certain frequency for routine checkups, thus, the chances of a serious problem appearing suddenly become smaller.
However, there are some signs which can be observed in most cases:
- External lumps or swelling: normally, this region is painful and the animal will not let you touch or move. If you notice that he is uncomfortable with a specific part of the body or if you notice any elevation, take him to the doctor.
- behavioral changes: If your pet is refusing to eat, is losing weight very fast and changes its behavior, wanting to be more alone than usual or becoming skittish, it may be that something is not right in your system. In some cases, it is also possible to notice difficulty breathing.
- signs on the skin: if you notice any area of the animal's skin redder than usual, bleeding or with some type of pus and secretion, be aware.
- Changes in urine and feces: Strong or acidic odors, as well as a change in the frequency with which your pussy goes to the bathroom, almost always indicate that something is not right.
- Vomiting and diarrhea: these symptoms usually appear in cases of gastrointestinal lymphoma. If you notice frequent episodes of at least one of these factors, see a veterinarian to check.
Skin cancer in cats
Skin cancer in cats appears as the second most common type, second only to leukemia. These tumors are more common in felines with white fur and, in the case of animals that have pigmented colors, usually develop in areas with little or less hair color.
Siamese and black-coated cats are the least likely to develop this type of cancer, however, you can't be too careful! Whatever your case, be sure to take your pussy to the vet and always be aware of any changes in the animal's coat., even more if it happens out of season.
There are several types of skin cancer in cats, with cutaneous carcinoma being the most common among them. In general, the symptoms that the animal presents are the same for all cases and include:
- redness or pink spots on the skin
- scaly or dry patches, leaving the skin dry
- itching in isolated and specific areas of the skin
- ulcers or wounds that appear for no apparent reason (such as crashes or fights)
- lesions that do not heal and remain open
In cases of carcinoma, tumors usually appear in areas that have greater exposure to the sun, such as the animal's head or back. It is not common for there to be metastases, but if you notice a different spot on your animal, take it to the vet so that it can be diagnosed and treated, thus gaining more life.
In cases of melanoma, the spots can vary to darker and browner tones throughout the length of the animal.
Skin cancer can take months or even years to show its first outward signs, therefore, it is very important to control your pussy's exposure to sunlight. Prefer the time when the sun rises or sets, because the rays are weaker. If your pet is one of those who love to take a nap at the window, sunscreen can help.
Tumors in elderly cats
If you have an old-age kitten at home, double your care! You tumors in old cats they happen more often, as the body begins to weaken over time, as do the cells and functioning of the body.
Keep regular appointments with a veterinarian you trust, checking up on your feline to make sure everything is okay. If cancer is discovered early on, even at the advanced age of your partner, there are effective treatment possibilities that can guarantee a cure and a long and happy life.
For older cats, the most common types of cancer are lymphoma, skin cancer, and breast cancer. That is why, if you have a female at home, it's always good to neuter her still when young, reducing the risk of developing tumors later on.
If you suspect your cat may have cancer, read our full article on cat cancer - types, symptoms and treatment.
Lump on the cat's back
If you've noticed a strange lump, such as a lump on your cat's back, stay calm. This type of tongue is not always characterized as a tumor and, therefore, it is important to take the pussy to the doctor for tests, so you will have a diagnosis and know what to do to help your partner.
If lump on the cat's back if it really is cancer, the doctor will do tests to find out what type it is and thus find the best treatment. Among the most common types of tumors on the back is the lipoma. This type of lump appears when the animal has a lot of fat and these cells grow quickly, generating tumors.
It is very difficult to characterize a cat's back cancer from other symptoms, as they vary according to the type and location of the nodule. Tumors in the spine, for example, are characterized by animal discomfort and by the high level of pain.
In cases of spinal cord or lumbar tumors, symptoms such as elevation of the region and muscle atrophy are more common. That's why it's very important to take your cat to the doctor to find out exactly what's going on in his body.
From there, the veterinarian will choose the best treatment, which includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, oral pain medication, or surgery. You can also bring your kitten for acupuncture sessions, helping to lessen the pain. At these times, the important thing is that the animal takes all the care we can provide and feels loved.
Here at PeritoAnimal we have no way of making diagnoses. This article is for informational purposes only, and if you have noticed any of these signs in your cat, take it immediately to the veterinarian for proper treatment.
Life expectancy of a cat with cancer
As mentioned in the article, the length of time a cat lives with cancer varies widely. If it is a very malignant cancer and it is not detected in time, the cat may live just a few weeks. On the other hand, there are some cancers that, if detected early enough, have a good success rate with treatment and your cat can heal and live healthy and happy for many years.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.