Cancer in a cat. Lung metastases in cats

Speaking of common feline diseases, one cannot fail to mention oncological diseases. Yes, unfortunately, in animals, as in humans, there is a fairly high risk of developing cancer. A tumor of the mammary gland in a cat is quite common, and in four cases out of five the disease takes a malignant course. This serious illness can be completely cured only with early diagnosis. The owner should carefully monitor the health of his pet and, in the event of a small lump or lump in the area of ​​​​the mammary glands, be sure to contact the veterinary clinic for advice.

Today, only a number of factors are known, the presence of which leads to the occurrence of breast cancer in a cat. And the exact causes of this dangerous ailment to medicine are still not known. The most important is the hormonal factor. Fluctuations in the hormonal background in the body of an animal can be caused by various reasons:

1. natural fluctuations. They accompany estrous cycles (physiological changes in the body that occur between two estrus). In this case, the risk of cancer is reduced by early (before the first estrus).
2. Artificially created vibrations. This includes the effect on the hormonal background of the animal's body with preparations of the hormone progesterone, which is prescribed to reduce the level of aggression in cats or to prevent unwanted pregnancy in females. In this case, you can avoid the risk of oncology by refusing to prescribe such drugs (or give them not regularly, but occasionally).

In addition, the following factors increase the likelihood of tumor processes in the mammary gland:

1. The age of the cat. The disease usually does not affect the kitten. Cats aged 10 years and older are most predisposed to the disease.
2. There is a breed predisposition. It is believed that most tumors appear in cats of the Oriental and Siamese breeds.
3. Hereditary predisposition also matters.
4. The risk increases if the cat has lived in a polluted environment for a long time.
5. Feeding low-quality feed, a poor, monotonous diet significantly lowers the resistance of the animal's body, which means it increases the risk of getting sick.

There is also a version that cancer of any localization, including a breast tumor, has a viral etiology. But there is still no definitive proof of it.

Who is susceptible to disease

Most often, mammary gland tumors in cats occur at an older and older age. Unneutered cats older than 10 years are especially susceptible to the disease. Cases of the disease of uncastrated males were much less common, although there is a possibility of such cases. The risk group is made up of cats of short-haired breeds. Siamese and Oriental cats have the opportunity to get sick at a young age.

Stages of the disease

Breast cancer that occurs in a cat has four stages of development. They are recognized by their clinical signs and have a different course:

• The first stage is characterized by small, painless seals. Lymph nodes are not yet enlarged. The disease detected at this stage can be completely cured, the cat continues to live.
• The second stage is characterized by a denser neoplasm, which can reach a diameter of three centimeters. The tumor at this stage is resectable, the animals have about a year's survival.
• The third stage is a tumor larger than three centimeters, inflamed lymph nodes. The cat protects the chest, experiencing pain in the affected area.
• The fourth and last stage is incurable. The neoplasm is of considerable size. Lymph nodes are greatly enlarged. The cat is exhausted. There are already metastases. In most cases, at this stage of the disease, surgery is powerless. Severe pain syndrome is removed by constant use of painkillers. The prognosis of the disease is unfavorable. In especially severe cases, euthanasia of the animal is used.

The degree of disease in the clinic is determined by the so-called staging system, which takes into account the size of the neoplasm and the results of aspiration biopsy of the lymph nodes. In addition, to determine the number and localization of metastases, radiography in three projections, ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are prescribed.

Types of breast tumors

Most tumors (and there are 4 pairs in total) develop from the glandular epithelium and are divided into three large groups:

1. Adenoma and fibroadenoma (in the case of a benign course), it is quite rare.
2. Carcinoma or adenocarcinoma (in the case of a malignant course) of the mammary gland in a cat, it is much more common. Most of it comes from the epithelium of the ducts and alveoli of the mammary glands. Especially dangerous is inflammatory carcinoma of the mammary glands. It is accompanied by an inflammatory process and therefore has a particularly unfavorable prognosis.
3. Mixed tumors affect both ductal and epithelial tissues of the mammary glands. They are characterized by a more favorable course.

Breast carcinoma is a mobile nodular formation. In advanced stages, it often ruptures and may ulcerate or bleed. The mammary glands are most often affected on one side, less often on both sides. The disease is accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes, especially in the inguinal and axillary region.

It is not always possible to determine the type of tumor (benign or malignant), especially if it has burst. In this case, the treatment regimen is based on the method of therapy for a potentially malignant neoplasm.

Characteristic symptoms

The main symptoms appear when the disease is already in the advanced stage. At this stage, the general well-being of the animal worsens and its appearance changes. The tumor may appear as single or multiple nodes. Inguinal and axillary lymph nodes are inflamed. The lesion may involve several lobes of the breast. Sometimes it is possible to estimate its true size only after shaving the wool on a fairly large area of ​​​​the body. The main clinical signs at this stage are:

• the neoplasm is of considerable size;
• there is a fairly strong inflammation of the surrounding tissues;
• the cat is in quite a lot of pain;
• body temperature may rise;
• the animal loses weight dramatically, there is no appetite;
• bleeding and discharge of pus from the opened tumor are possible.

If a cat has a swollen and diseased mammary gland, this is not always associated with cancer. Very often, some non-tumor conditions of the mammary glands have similar signs. Basically, these are hyperplasias (tissue growths) of various etiologies and some other conditions:

• hyperplasia of the ducts of the gland;
• breast cysts;
• lobular hyperplasia;
• fibroadenomatous hyperplasia;
• false pregnancy;
• true pregnancy;
• consequences of the introduction of drugs of the hormone progesterone.

Establishing diagnosis

As already mentioned, with breast cancer, early diagnosis of the disease is very important, so the owner is required to deliver the animal on time to a good veterinary facility. Only a doctor can make a qualitative diagnosis. All types of instrumental examinations (ultrasound, radiography, magnetic resonance and computed tomography) are at his disposal. In addition, a biopsy or fine needle aspiration (penetration) into the lesion for cytological examination helps to make an accurate diagnosis.

A lot depends on how carefully the biopsy material is taken. Additional injury to the tumor can lead to a sharp increase in the number of metastases, which will make the patient's condition more severe. The inguinal and axillary lymph nodes must be examined, as they are also often affected by the disease.

No less informative, in this case, is a detailed blood test, including its biochemical formula. It will allow you to determine the degree of the inflammatory process, as well as the presence of concomitant infections, which cannot be ignored when prescribing a treatment regimen.

Treatment Methods

In most cases, the treatment of breast cancer is radical. Surgery to remove the tumor is suggested. It usually goes through several stages:

• removal of a mammary tumor, which is performed in cats with a significant area of ​​\u200b\u200bhealthy tissue;
• removal of nearby lymph nodes to prevent further metastasis;
• chemotherapy - as the final stage of treatment, designed to stop the tumor process and exclude the possibility of relapse.

Removal of the affected area with a significant portion of healthy tissue

The smaller the tumor, the higher the chances of a successful operation. It is believed that the prognosis of the disease is favorable if the diameter does not exceed 3 cm. The degree of surgical intervention may vary depending on the size of the affected area:

• If the cat's tumor is small in size, only the affected gland is removed.
• If neighboring glands are captured, then during one intervention the entire row of glands is removed.
• With a bilateral (bilateral) nature, the removal of a breast tumor is carried out in two stages with an interval of two weeks. But, in the event that the lower or upper layers of the skin are involved in the tumor process, the entire affected area is removed immediately.

It is difficult to say how long a cat will live after a mastectomy. The operation belongs to the category of severe ones, so a 100% guarantee of success is usually not given. There is no certainty that the disease will not return in the form of a relapse.

Removal of lymph nodes

Fine-needle aspiration of regional (associated with the considered organs) lymph nodes makes it possible to determine the degree of their involvement in the pathological process. An operation is usually prescribed to remove the affected lymph nodes (inguinal and axillary). Sometimes an ovariohysterectomy (removal of the uterus and ovaries) is also performed at the same time, which facilitates postoperative therapy.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the final stage of treatment. During it, rather strong drugs are used (Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide), which help to completely stop the tumor process. But, at the same time, they have quite significant side effects and cause severe intoxication of the body. Therefore, chemotherapy is carried out under careful monitoring of the animal's condition.

In the event that a cat has contraindications for mastectomy (old age or poor health), chemotherapy becomes the only way to stop the pathological process and even slightly reduce the size of the neoplasm.

Chemotherapy is also used when the neoplasm is small and the attending physician decides to do without surgery.

Help with tumor diseases

If a pet has a tumor of the mammary gland, and purulent discharge is observed, a consultation with a veterinarian is necessary. In most cases, the opened tumor is urgently removed. But, if such a path is dangerous, they resort to conservative treatment. Applications of Levomekol ointment are usually prescribed. Before smearing, treat the wound with chlorhexidine. In addition, antibiotic therapy is carried out (Tsiprovet, Fosprenil). The wound is covered with a loose bandage, with free access of air. From above they put on a not tight blanket.

If a cat has a tumor, it needs to be given maximum attention and care. You can take care of her without fear for your health - the disease is not contagious.

Postoperative period: animal care

A caring owner should know what to do in the postoperative period. Its main task is to accurately fulfill all medical recommendations:

• The most important condition is to create all the conditions for the animal to recover as soon as possible. He needs rest for a successful rehabilitation.
• The diet is compiled together with the attending physician. Only recommended foods or feeds are allowed and given in moderation. There should not be any deviations from the diet.
• Timely processing of seams and surrounding tissues is important.
• Postoperative medical therapy will help create protection against infections to eliminate the possibility of complications.
• Protective bandages and blankets should be used so that the animal cannot injure the operated area.

At the slightest hint of postoperative complications (the stitches have burst, and pus has come out, or the temperature has risen), the animal should be immediately taken to the clinic.

Preventive measures

A preventive measure that gives almost one hundred percent protection against this disease is the sterilization of a cat in childhood, even before the onset of the first estrus and at the age of up to 1 year.

Regular preventive maintenance is as follows:

• when playing with a cat or a cat, it is necessary to conduct a passing examination of the mammary glands;
• the animal is subjected to an annual preventive examination in a veterinary institution after it reaches 10 years of age;
• you should abandon hormonal drugs that regulate the sexual activity of a cat and delay the onset of pregnancy;
• it is equally important to observe the principles of proper and nutritious nutrition of a pet;
• and, finally, it is necessary to treat inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system of pets in a timely manner.

Breast cancer is a very serious disease. Any person caring for their pet is interested in the question: how long do cats live with this disease. If detected early, their lifespan may not be limited by the disease. In other cases, the average time of their life is from 2 to 20 months (if you count from detection).

You should never despair and lose hope for the recovery of your family friend. We must do everything possible and believe, according to the principle: as long as you believe, you live.

Cancer affects cats less frequently than dogs. But, unfortunately, most neoplasms in the body of a cat are of a malignant nature. Cat cancer is a deadly disease that requires complex treatment under the supervision of an experienced veterinarian. What is a cancerous tumor and is it possible to defeat the disease?

Cancer is the result of a "failure" in the program of the DNA molecules that are contained within each cell and are comparable to a repository of information: how cells should divide, what functions they perform, and so on. Cancer begins with a small group of cells whose DNA has changed: cells begin to divide abnormally rapidly, their structure changes, their functions are limited and their functions change. Mutant cells are carried throughout the body with the flow of lymph and blood, settling on the tissues of organs. In the place of localization, "daughter" neoplasms are formed. For example, lung cancer in cats often metastasizes to bone tissue. Benign tumors do not metastasize.

Increasing in size, a malignant tumor grows into healthy tissues of organs, inhibiting their functions. At the last stage, the body cannot cope with the pathogenic activity of cancer cells. For example, liver cancer in cats often leads to a condition called cachexia: general weakness, refusal of food, severe exhaustion, constant vomiting, hair loss. Almost any cancerous tumor in a cat has a “lifespan”, after which the neoplasm begins to decompose, which leads to ulceration and bleeding. At this stage, the diagnosis of the disease is difficult, veterinarians often make mistakes. For example, colon cancer in cats is mistaken for ulcerative colitis in the exacerbation phase.

In recent years, a lot of information has appeared that supposedly scientists have proved the viral nature of cancer. It is not true. Cancer cannot be contracted, even if the affected cells are transplanted into the healthy tissue of the subject, which has been proven by numerous experiments. Similar tests were carried out by scientists from the USA, France, Great Britain, Germany, Japan and other countries. The result is the same - not a single sick volunteer. Cancer in a cat is by nature no different from human cancer, so do not believe the tales that a pet with cancer can be dangerous for family members.

Read also: Immunodeficiency in cats (FIV): what is it, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

Disposing factors

In most cases, the veterinarian cannot answer the question: “Why did my cat get cancer?”. However, there are dozens of factors that predispose to cancer, the most common of which are listed below:

• hereditary factor, genetic predisposition (for example, skin cancer in white cats occurs more often than in dark-colored pets);

• low immunity;

• microtrauma of internal organs;

• poor quality food;

• lack of physical activity and poor lifestyle in general;

• smoking, including passive smoking (some owners smoke in the presence of a cat, without thinking about the harm that is done to her body);

• hormonal disorders (for example, breast cancer in a cat is almost always the result of an excess of a number of hormones);

• viral, fungal and bacterial infections;

• psychological factors (stress associated with a tense situation in the family, frequent estrus, etc.);

• unfavorable ecological situation;

• ultraviolet and ionizing radiation.

Types of cancer and symptoms of the disease

As in humans, a cancerous tumor in a cat can be localized in the tissues of any organ or body system (except for the heart, since this organ contains an insignificant amount of inactive epithelial cells). Signs of cancer in cats differ depending on the stage of the disease, the general condition of the pet and the location of the tumor. Symptoms can be mixed and blurred, and the cancer may go unnoticed for many years.

Liver cancer in cats: change in the consistency and color of the stool, fatigue, general weakness, low appetite, weight loss in a short time. Due to impaired liver function, bile enters the bloodstream - develops (whites of the eyes, mucous membranes, skin acquire a yellowish tint).

Lung cancer in cats: in the early stages - dry, frequent cough, hysterical, then sputum appears interspersed with pus, and later - blood clots. Possible shortness of breath, not associated with physical exertion (the cat breathes through the mouth, swallowing air). Sometimes the body temperature "jumps", then rising one degree, then falling one degree below normal.

Stomach cancer in cats: sudden weight loss, anemia, discoloration and consistency of stools, general weakness, drowsiness, painful stomach, poor appetite, fever. There may be dark blood clots in the stool.

Bowel cancer in cats is symptomatically similar to stomach cancer. But the blood in the stool is fresh, scarlet. Sometimes there is flatulence, unbearably fetid. Often - putrid breath, rumbling in the abdominal cavity, chronic constipation or diarrhea (depending on the part of the intestine in which the tumor is located).

Breast cancer in a cat is characterized by the appearance at first of small seals, visible only on palpation, and then, as it grows, large bumps and ridges of neoplasms. Tumors open, forming non-healing ulcers, fetid, weeping and extremely painful. Important: breast cancer accounts for more than 60% of all malignant tumors in pets. Neutering a cat before her first estrus reduces the risk of this disease by up to 1%! In addition, sterilization is a 100% effective way to prevent ovarian and uterine cancer.

Skin cancer in a cat: non-healing ulcers in any part of the body, bumps, swelling, especially on the lips, on the nose, on the inner surface of the auricles, around the genitals, spots on the skin that grow to the sides, bumps on the pads of the paws and between the fingers. If the disease is detected at an early stage, the likelihood of a full recovery is very high.

Kidney cancer in a cat: blood clots periodically appear in the urine, in the early stages “one-time” (the cat peed, the owners saw blood and got scared, but the next time they visited the tray, the urine was normal - the owners relaxed). The general condition is depressed, appetite is reduced, aching pains in the side are possible (but the owners cannot notice this symptom). Often the body temperature tends to rise slightly in the evening, which is also difficult to detect.

In the article I will talk about what oncological diseases (cancer) are found in cats, what are the causes of their development and the main symptoms. I will describe methods for diagnosing such diseases, methods of treatment and what the owner should do if a terrible disease is detected in an animal. I’ll tell you if feline oncology is dangerous for humans, and what prevention is.

Oncology is a disease in which cells begin to grow and grow into the surrounding tissues completely uncontrollably. There are two types of malignant tumors: localized (when the neoplasm is limited to one area of ​​the lesion) and generalized (spread throughout the body).

The following cancers are common in cats.

Breast cancer (breast in an animal)

Breast cancer (in terms of prevalence in the first place).

It affects unsterilized cats, and is more often observed in pets that have never brought offspring.

Tumors or bumps grow inside the mammary glands (breasts). First, small dense balls appear, which gradually increase in size and open at the last stage. If left untreated, the animal will not live long.

Lymphoma

Abnormal cells affect the lymph nodes, first one, and then spread to the rest and affect the liver and bone marrow. The disease manifests itself as a compaction of the affected lymph nodes.

Sarcoma (fibrosarcoma, osteosarcoma, liposarcoma)

This type of cancer is the most aggressive, as it spreads throughout the body very quickly. May occur in the abdominal cavity of cats. Manifested by lameness, apathy, emaciation. The animal experiences severe pain, worries.

Carcinoma and adenocarcinoma

This tumor affects the epithelial cells of the internal organs and skin. It metastasizes very quickly. It can be manifested by the formation of ulcers on the skin, damage to the gums and oral mucosa. The wound may open. If the lungs are affected, the cat coughs and breathes heavily. With intestinal damage, constipation, an increase in the abdomen, and vomiting are observed.

Such oncology affects the oral cavity of a cat, can affect the tongue, palate, tonsils. At the same time, non-healing ulcers form on the mucosa, a strong and unpleasant odor appears. As the disease progresses, the pet's teeth may fall out and the jaws may be bent.

Almost all types of oncology are accompanied by such general symptoms as a significant decrease in body weight, apathy, swollen lymph nodes.

Reasons for the development of cancerous tumors

The exact causes of the development of oncology have not yet been identified. Veterinarians believe that in most cases, the predisposition to cancer is inherited. Also, developmental factors include prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, chemicals, etc. This type of cancer, such as lymphoma, is more often observed in pets suffering from the immunodeficiency virus or coronavirus infection.

Cancer can develop after vaccination. A seal often forms at the injection site, which after 2-3 months begins to transform into a tumor, so it is better to remove any neoplasms as soon as possible.

Methods for diagnosing cancer

Diagnosis of oncological diseases is carried out according to the following algorithm:

1. First, blood and urine are taken from the animal. With the help of analyzes, the work of internal organs is evaluated.
2. X-ray. This type of examination allows you to detect metastases that have spread throughout the body. In breast cancer, an x-ray is called a mammogram.
3. Ultrasound procedure. In this way, tumors that are located shallow can be detected. A biopsy is also performed with the help of ultrasound.
4. Biopsy. It is carried out in three ways: with the help of a puncture, endoscope and surgically. In the first case, tumor particles are taken with a special needle (the material is collected into a sterile syringe) or with an endoscope (a few affected cells are pinched off). In the third method, the biomaterial is collected during the operation, while the surgeon can completely remove the neoplasm or take only a small piece of tissue for examination.

Treatment of breast tumors and other neoplasms

After carrying out all diagnostic measures, the veterinarian prescribes the appropriate treatment.

There are three forms of cancer therapy: surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy, or radiation.

The first method is the most effective, but it is carried out only if there are no metastases. The surgeon removes the malignant neoplasm under general anesthesia. After the operation, the animal is given chemotherapy to destroy the remaining abnormal cells.

Radiation therapy is the effect of ionizing radiation on a cancerous tumor. The procedure is carried out under general anesthesia in two ways: remote (irradiation occurs at a distance from the animal) and contact (the radiation source is injected into the tumor itself or the cavity in which it is located).

The third type is chemotherapy. It is often combined with surgical removal of affected tissues. The procedure consists in intravenous infusion of toxic drugs that have a detrimental effect on cancer cells.

Such infusions are carried out several times according to a certain schedule. Usually, the following drugs are used for treatment: Vincristine, Cisplatin, Epirubicin, Cyclophosphamide, etc. Only a veterinarian prescribes drugs.

Chemotherapy has serious side effects: hair loss, nausea, lethargy, and digestive disorders.

Is a feline tumor dangerous for humans?

Oncological diseases that affect cats are not at all dangerous to humans. Many people think that you can get cancer if the tumor opens up, but this is not true. Numerous studies prove that oncology is not dangerous to others.

Disease prevention

There are several effective preventive measures that will protect your pet from the development of oncology:

1. Sterilization. This measure will protect the cat from the development of breast cancer by almost 100%, and it is desirable to carry out the operation either before the first estrus or immediately after it.
2. Isolation of chemicals from the pet. It is believed that the development of oncology can be caused by prolonged exposure to chemicals on a cat. Therefore, it is necessary to keep fertilizers, detergents and other substances out of the reach of the animal.
3. . This procedure will protect your pet from such serious ailments as the immunodeficiency virus and coronavirus infection.
4. Balanced diet. It is very important to pay attention to the composition of the pet's diet. It is better to give preference to industrial feeds of a class not lower than super-premium. Such nutrition will save the cat from the development of pathologies such as diabetes, obesity, etc.
5. Removing from breeding animals whose ancestors suffered from oncology. It is believed that the predisposition to cancer is inherited, so you should not get offspring from cats in the genus that had sick pets.

Cancer is not always a death sentence.

In the early stages, this disease is treatable, but for this it is necessary to contact a veterinarian at the first sign of cancer. If your pet began to lose weight, refuse to eat, he had a fever, or he limped - immediately show the animal to a doctor.

If the veterinarian has diagnosed the last stage of cancer, you need to assess the quality of life of the cat and consider humane euthanasia if she is in severe pain.

Oncological disease is a terrible diagnosis that can be made not only to a person, but also to a pet. Cats suffer from neoplasms less often than, for example, dogs, but this is no reason to relax when the health of your beloved cat is at stake.

Cancerous tumors are an area of ​​infected cells that are constantly dividing and filling large areas of the pet's body. Under the influence of an increase in the number of dividing cancer cells, this area increases.

Cancer in a cat has many varieties, and identifying a specific cause of its development is quite difficult. There are many factors that can trigger the occurrence of this disease.

For example, frequent and heavy exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause the development of squamous cell carcinoma, which spreads to the nose, ears, eyelids, and paw pads of a pet. Feline leukemia can be passed from mother to kitten during pregnancy. It is also transmitted through direct contact between cats. It is one of the most common forms of cancer in cats and mostly affects young cats. Tumors of the spleen, intestines, stomach, as well as breast cancer and lung cancer are no less common.

Tumors in cats are becoming more common. Experts believe that this is due to the detrimental effect of human lifestyle on pet health. Many owners do not suspect that the actively advertised economy class food can cause a cellular mutation in the stomach, which, in fact, leads to the appearance of tumors in various internal parts of the cat's body.

According to another theory, cat cancer can be transmitted as a viral disease, which, when ingested, does not initially manifest itself under the influence of natural immunity. However, as soon as the immune system switches to fighting another irritant (worms, stress, etc.), the containment of the process can break through, and the virus will begin to actively spread throughout the body, developing into tumors.

Poor ecology, unhealthy diet, constant stress, sedentary lifestyle, lack of access to fresh air, radioactive radiation, poor genetics, underdeveloped immunity, other body diseases, the presence of a hairball in the stomach (called trichobezoars), etc., can contribute to the development of cancer in a cat. d.

Thus, it is difficult to establish the specific causes of cancer in a cat, although specialists are working hard in this direction. In addition to the causes, it is important to know how cancer manifests itself in cats.

Development of the disease

So, under the influence of certain factors, cell mutation occurs. Infected cells are distinguished by uncontrolled division due to the destruction of cells of a healthy tissue or organ of the body, which causes their destruction. In some cases, the mutation is transmitted to nearby sites and grows further.

The cancer cells eventually end up in the lymph node and are transported along with the blood to distant areas of the body, where they grow at the expense of other healthy cells. This growth of cat cancer is called metastasis.

The word "cancer" refers to a malignant formation that causes a severe deterioration in the health of a pet until his death. Benign tumors are distinguished by the fact that they are not transmitted to other areas of the body. It is easier and more effective to treat such formations.

Types of cancer

As already mentioned, a tumor in a cat can be benign and malignant. The first, as a rule, proceeds slowly and without pain. Since the disease in this case is not transmitted to other parts of the body, a complete recovery of the pet is possible after removal of the cat's cancer by the surgical method.

A malignant formation is manifested by rapid and aggressive growth, severe pain in the last stages of development, multiple metastases, bleeding and other symptoms. This cat cancer is difficult to treat.

A tumor in a cat can occur in any area of ​​the body. Depending on where the focus of abnormal cells is located, there are the following types of cancer:

• skin cancer in cats;
• squamous cell carcinoma in cats;
• sarcoma;
• lymphoma (damage to the lymphatic system), etc.

In the early stages of the development of the disease, it can be difficult to detect cancer in a cat, the symptoms of which are almost invisible. Therefore, the owner may not even suspect that his cat has a tumor inside the skin, caused by certain factors. In order to detect a tumor in a cat as early as possible, it is necessary to regularly attend general examinations at the veterinarian.

Symptoms

Depending on whether the tumor is located on the neck of the cat, the tumor is on the abdomen, in the stomach, intestines or mammary gland, the tumor is on the nipple or in the lungs of the cat and in other places, the symptoms may vary slightly. However, there are a number of common symptoms for all types of feline cancer.

1. Seals (mammary gland, gastric region, lower abdomen in a cat and other areas, depending on the focus of tumor development).
2. Tumors (a tumor in a cat inside the skin or in organs, such as lung cancer).
3. Lots of wounds that don't heal well.
4. Weight loss.
5. Unsteadiness of gait.
6. Violation of bowel movements (diarrhea, constipation, blood in the urine or feces).
7. Vomit.
8. Difficulty breathing (for example, with lung cancer).
9. Pigmented spots on the skin.
10. Unpleasant smell from the mouth.
11. Apathy and lack of appetite.
12. General deterioration in appearance (you can see the photo on the Internet) and other symptoms.

How long a cat will live depends only on the timeliness and quality of treatment. Therefore, to save a pet, it is very important to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible to diagnose the disease.

Diagnostics

Before the start of the examination, the standard procedure for asking the owner of the cat about the life of the pet, the manifestation of symptoms, changes in behavior and appearance, and other information is carried out. After collecting anamnesis, the patient is examined and standard procedures are prescribed: blood and urine sampling for tests, x-rays (in the case of lung cancer, a chest x-ray is taken), ultrasound, and it is also possible to take tumor material to examine its nature.

Only after the specialist makes an accurate diagnosis, treatment can begin, which can also be prescribed only by a veterinarian.

Treatment

Cancer is a terrible disease, so it is very important to strictly follow the course of treatment prescribed by your doctor. For the accuracy of the results, it is recommended to contact several specialists.

It should be noted right away that the treatment of cancer in cats is impossible at home, so it is necessary to refrain from various traditional medicines. So, garlic is one of them. Among people, garlic is often used to curb the development of oncological processes. Garlic contains useful substances that block the reproduction of abnormal cells, but garlic is absolutely not suitable for animals. Garlic also contains substances that are toxic to cats. A cat can die from home treatment.

With a mild course of the disease, chemotherapy, pharmacological correction of the disease, surgical excision of infected tissue and other procedures prescribed individually in each individual case are carried out.

At advanced stages, when the cat dies, being in a very serious condition, it makes little sense to apply many procedures. In such cases, veterinarians recommend euthanizing the animal so that it does not suffer.

For those cats that have been diagnosed with cancer, it is difficult to predict how long the pet can live, as it all depends on the severity of each individual case and how much the owner is willing to devote himself to treating the cat. In any case, cancer is not the end. Modern veterinary medicine boasts happy stories of recovery.

Cancer (malignant tumor) is the general name of a group of oncological pathologies characterized by uncontrolled growth and division of cells. Without timely treatment, this disease is fatal, as cancer cells invade surrounding tissues, squeezing and damaging them. A malignant tumor disrupts the functioning of the organ in which it develops, releases toxins that poison the body. At the same time, there is a strong weakening of the immune system and general physical exhaustion.

Many pet owners wonder if cats get cancer. Yes, this most dangerous disease affects not only people, but also animals.

Causes of Cancer in Cats

The exact causes of malignant neoplasms in cats have not yet been clarified. Most veterinarians believe that it is life in close contact with humans and eating dry and canned food containing preservatives and other chemicals harmful to the animal's body that cause cancer. After all, DNA damage caused by various carcinogens is generally considered the main cause of cancer. These substances affect the cell genome, causing mutations and uncontrolled reproduction.

Another version of the development of cancer in cats is the infection of an animal with oncoviruses (there are more than 100 types of them). During normal operation of the body's defenses, the vital activity of these viruses is neutralized by the immune system. If the immune system does not work well, the vital activity of oncoviruses leads to the development of malignant neoplasms.

Experts identify a number of predisposing factors that contribute to the occurrence of cancer:

• heredity;
• weak immunity;
• diseases of internal organs;
• low-quality feed;
• improper feeding;
• endocrinological disorders;
• frequent stress;
• exposure to radiation, poor environmental conditions.

The development of the disease does not depend on age. Malignant tumors are fixed in young cats up to a year old, and in older animals. Most often, oncology is recorded in cats after the age of five.

Types and stages of cancer in cats

Cancer cells can develop in any organ or tissue, most often cats are diagnosed with lung cancer, skin cancer, intestinal cancer, stomach cancer, blood cancer, breast cancer (in older animals).

There are four stages in the development of a malignant process:

• the first - the presence of a limited tumor nodule, metastases and severe symptoms are absent;
• the second - the growth of the neoplasm continues, the cancer grows inside the organ and metastasizes to the nearest lymph nodes;
• the third - the mobility of the tumor decreases, the number of metastases increases;
• fourth - the process is irreversible, cancer affects large areas and leads to the death of the cat.

Cancer symptoms in cats

Symptoms of cancer in cats can be different, they depend on the location of the malignant tumor:

• With lung cancer, coughing, shortness of breath, and respiratory failure are observed.
• With skin cancer - non-healing ulcers, bumps, swelling, most often on the nose, lips, inside the ears, in the genital area, between the fingers and on the pads.
• With cancer of the intestines and stomach - a sharp weight loss, anemia, poor appetite, drowsiness and general weakness, fever. With a tumor of the stomach, dark blood clots are visible in the feces; with bowel cancer, fetid stools with fresh scarlet blood are observed. Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract in a cat is accompanied by chronic constipation / diarrhea, putrid odor from the mouth.
• Blood cancer (leukemia) is considered a viral chronic malignant disease. The clinical picture is as follows: depression, poor appetite, impaired absorption of nutrients, vomiting, diarrhea, sudden weight loss, yellowness of the mucous membranes, respiratory failure.

Many owners are interested in whether it is possible to get cancer from a cat. The answer is unequivocal - no. Even when cancer cells are transplanted into healthy tissue, infection does not occur.

Diagnosis and treatment of cancer in cats

Symptoms of cancer can also be observed in other diseases, so if malignant oncology is suspected, it is important to make a diagnosis on time. For this, modern diagnostic methods are used - ultrasound diagnostics, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, x-rays, endoscopy, cytological and histological studies, blood tests.

Methods of therapy for malignant tumors are determined by the type of formation and the stage of development of the process.

There are several main ways to treat cancer in cats:

• Surgical removal of a malignant tumor gives a good result in the early stages.
• Chemotherapy is the introduction into the body of an animal of special drugs that inhibit the growth and division of cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy - kills malignant cells locally.
• Immunotherapy is used for all types of cancer, its main function is to activate the body's defenses, since it is impossible to defeat a tumor without strengthening immunity.

Based on the assessment of the condition of the animal, the comprehensive diagnosis of the disease and the diagnosis with the determination of the stage of oncology, the veterinarian develops an individual treatment plan.