Lymphoma in Cats: Signs, Types, and Vet Care Options
Finding out that your feline family member has lymphoma is no doubt one of the toughest experiences that you can go through as a cat parent.
And if you're anything like most people, chances are you haven't got the slightest clue on what this disease really is as well as how to support your precious pet during this very serious health problem.
As a pet parent myself, I can relate how tough and demanding the whole thing can be.
To help you through this ordeal, I've put together this comprehensive yet simple-to-follow guide on lymphoma in cats so you can still give your feline family member the quality of life he deserves even when this disease suddenly gets in the picture.
(If you'd like a broader overview, please refer to our complete guide to common cancers in cats.)
Let's start things off by finding out what exactly lymphoma in cats is...
What Is Lymphoma In Cats?
Lymphoma in cats is a type of feline cancer that attacks the cells of the immune system, particularly white blood cells called lymphocytes. Compared to other types of cancers in felines, cat lymphoma is characterized as "systemic," which basically means that it tends to affect several parts of the body simultaneously.
This feline cancer mainly involves the lymph nodes, the intestines, the thymus gland, the bone marrow, and the spleen, among others. Another key attribute of lymphoma in cats you need to take note of is that its adverse effects often initially manifest in the eyes, kidneys, spinal cord, and the nasal passages.
Now we've got that covered, let's find out how common cat lymphoma is...
How Common Is Lymphoma In Cats?
Lymphoma in cats is deemed as one of the most common feline cancers worldwide. PetMD even highlights that it is "responsible for around 90 percent of blood cancers" in cats. And while this type of cancer can affect any feline regardless of breed, age, and sex, it is somewhat prevalent among older cats who are more than ten (10) years of age.
In addition, there's one significant difference when feline lymphoma either affects a younger or an older cat: this disease often starts in the chest cavity in the case of the former, while it usually begins in the intestines when the latter is concerned.
How about I walk you through the body parts that feline lymphoma affects the most for the next part of our discussion?
The Sites Lymphoma In Cats Affect The Most
Although cat lymphoma is considered as a systemic disease and can affect several parts of the body at once, it's not uncommon that it can specifically attack the following:
- Gastrointestinal tract - this affects more than 50% of the recorded cases of cats diagnosed with feline lymphoma and is widespread among older or senior cats ten (10) years of age and above
- Chest area - technically referred to as "mediastinal lymphoma," this is often observed in younger cats five (5) years of age and below, and primarily affects the thymus and the lymph nodes
- Kidneys - often closely linked with feline leukemia and usually triggers renal failure in the long run since cancer cells continuously take the place of healthy kidney cells
Now let's talk about the factors that can possibly set off lymphoma in cats...
What Causes Lymphoma In Cats?
Akin to all types of feline cancers, there are still no specific factors or causes that can be attributed to the setting off of lymphoma in cats. However, it is theorized that those exposed to the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) as well as the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) have significantly higher chances of acquiring this disease.
Next, I will walk you through the indicators that your feline family member may be afflicted with lymphoma...
Lymphoma Symptoms In Cats
Given that lymphoma in cats can either attack a particular part of the body or affect several areas at once, its indicators can vary from one feline to another.
However, I've listed the most common symptoms that you should keep an eye on when it comes to cat lymphoma below so you can have a checklist of the things to take note of should your feline family member become afflicted with this serious disease:
- Cats suffering from "alimentary lymphoma" - or the kind that affects the liver, abdomen, and gastrointestinal tract - usually experience recurring bouts of constipation and diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and unexplained lethargy. It's also not uncommon for these felines to have bloody or tarry stool.
- As for those going through "mediastinal lymphoma" - or the type that attacks the chest - these felines will typically manifest symptoms like continuous coughing and dry-heaving. They will also tend to breathe with their mouths most of the time due to the adverse effects of this disease in their lungs, as well as parietal and visceral pleural sacs.
- With regard to cats suffering from "renal lymphoma" - or the kind that strikes at the kidneys - they will tend to display indicators such as sudden weakness, frequent retching and vomiting, as well as an unexplained increase in thirst and urination. Traces of blood can also be observed in the urine in most cases.
Now we've got that out of the bag, let's find out if lymphoma in cats can be passed from one feline to another...
Is Lymphoma In Cats Contagious To Other Cats?
The short answer is no.
Cat lymphoma is not contagious and cannot be transmitted to another feline or to humans unlike some people suppose. However, as I've explained earlier, cats exposed to the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) as well as the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) have a higher risk of acquiring this disease.
It is important to take note, though, that both FIV and FeLV are very contagious since they can easily be transmitted from one cat to another by way of biting and being exposed to contaminated items like collars, food bowls, as well as litter boxes.
Next, let's check how aggressive cat lymphoma is as a health problem...
How Aggressive Is Lymphoma In Cats?
Interestingly, the "aggressiveness" of feline lymphoma depends on three (3) key factors, which I've outlined below:
- First, the particular type of lymphoma a cat is affected with
- Second, the location where it is present in the animal's body
- And third, how quickly the lymphoma was discovered and given proper veterinary attention
Just to emphasize, a lot of cat parents and animal lovers automatically think of "medical attention" as resorting to conventional medicines like steroids as well as oral or injectable chemotherapy agents. Those veterinary options matter, and your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist will walk you through what fits your cat.
Alongside that care plan, many pet parents also ask about everyday wellness support. We'll cover immune support next, then answer a few common questions.
Natural immune support alongside veterinary care
Many pet parents also look for natural options that can sit alongside conventional veterinary care. If you are looking for a natural product for daily wellness support, you can learn more about PiptoPet.
PiptoPet is a birch-polypore formula (Fomitopsis betulina) designed to support a healthy immune response in cats and dogs. It is meant to complement your veterinarian's care plan, not replace diagnosis, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or other veterinary care. Talk with your veterinarian before adding anything new to your cat's routine.
FAQs
Is A Cat With Lymphoma In Pain?
The short answer is often no severe pain compared with some other cancers, but discomfort can still show up. Unlike some other types of cancers in cats, lymphoma may lead to more limited discomfort in early stages. Abdominal bloat, breathing effort, or kidney-related illness can still make a cat uncomfortable, so ask your veterinarian about comfort care.
How Much Does It Cost To Treat Feline Lymphoma?
If you are referring to conventional veterinary care, the short answer is it depends. The price of prednisolone (corticosteroid hormone) and chlorambucil (oral chemotherapy agent) can vary depending on the source. As for radiation therapy, the definitive option can cost at least $4,000, while its stereotactic counterpart can set you back at a minimum of $5,000.
How Long Can A Cat Live With Lymphoma Without Treatment?
Being a serious disease, feline lymphoma can significantly shorten a cat's life without timely veterinary care. Statistics show that cats affected with this health problem tend to only survive less than two (2) months once diagnosed and in the absence of veterinary support.
Working closely with your veterinarian on a care plan is the most important next step. Everyday immune and wellness support can sit alongside that plan when your vet agrees it is appropriate.
What Do You Feed A Cat With Lymphoma?
Should your cat be afflicted with lymphoma, ask your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist about diet. Many care plans discuss higher-protein, moderated-carbohydrate meals tailored to the individual cat. Avoid DIY "starve the cancer" diets without veterinary guidance, because undereating can create new problems quickly.
Conclusion
Although lymphoma in cats is no doubt one of the most challenging diseases that your feline family member could be affected with, conventional veterinary care is the foundation of a responsible plan. Everyday wellness habits and immune support can sit alongside that plan when discussed with your veterinarian.
In case you're looking to learn more about supportive wellness options during lymphoma care, make sure you schedule an online consultation. Our team can walk you through products and wellness ideas that fit beside your animal's veterinary care plan.
Naturally with you and your pet, every step of the way!
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