Feline Lymphoma

photo by Debbie Schiel

Feline lymphosarcoma

Lymphosarcoma, sometimes called lymphoma, is a malignant tumor (or tumors) derived from lymphoid tissue (lymph nodes, tonsils, thymus, spleen, etc.). It is an illness that affects humans as well as cats, dogs, and other mammals. Lymphosarcomas are probably the most common tumors of cats.

Symptoms of Feline Lymphoma

The cat with lymphoma may demonstrate only very vague problems. Progressive lack of appetite, lethargy and weight loss are most common. Depending on which organs are affected, other signs such as chronic diarrhea, vomiting and difficulty in breathing may occur. Many diseases can cause these signs, and as with any problem, diagnosis should be based on examination by your veterinarian and appropriate tests.

Feline Lymphoma Treatment

Many forms of lymphoma in the cat are treatable with surprisingly good initial results. Cure, however, is unlikely. Unfortunately the average survival of the cat with lymphoma is only six months. Chemotherapy is the most common form of treatment for lymphoma in the cat. If the cancer involves only limited sites radiation therapy, laser treatments and surgery can be performed in addition to chemotherapy. Chemotherapy treatments can be administered in a fairly convenient manner, generally as outpatient procedures during a scheduled visit. The drugs are usually given by injection, intravenously. Some can be given orally at home.

Investigative treatments using immunotherapy and nutritional supplementation may also be available. According to the Leahy Animal Hospital in New York, immunotherapy involves using agents to stimulate the defense system or initiate normal sequences of development in the immune cells of the body or in some cases, the cancer cells themselves.

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