Feline lymphoma is a very common cancer in cats. It typically occurs in an old cat who has vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss.
The cause hasn’t yet been determined, but research has shown that being exposed to cigarette smoke can increase the risk of a cat developing lymphoma.
Feline Lymphoma can develop in any area where there is lymphatic tissue. There is lymphatic tissue almost everywhere in the body, but lymphoma occurs most frequently in the intestines.
There are two types of intestinal lymphoma. The first is when the cancerous cells spread diffusely through the intestinal wall. These cats go off their food, and show general signs of gastro intestinal disease such as vomiting and diarrhea.
The second type is when the cancer forms a distinct lump in the intestinal wall. This lump can cause a physical blockage of the intestine, and needs to be removed by surgery.
Treating feline lymphoma involves the use of chemotherapy, and this can lead to remission. The cat can appear quite normal for some time, and the lymph nodes get smaller. Unfortunately, this doesn’t last forever, and relapse is common. Chemotherapy may work again, but the time comes when there’s no response to treatment.
As the lymphoma infiltrates other body organs, it causes them to fail. When it affects the liver or the bone marrow, a cat will weaken and stop eating.
Most cats with feline lymphoma only live for a matter of months after diagnosis, even with treatment. The time comes where an owner has to think about quality of life issues, and may have to make the tough decision to euthanise their beloved pet.
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