Last updated may 2022
While cancer in cats is not as typical as it in dogs, it is still one of the leading triggers of death in older cats. as well as since cats are masters at concealing illness, it is frequently harder to detect.
Cancer utilized to be a death sentence for cats, however advances in feline cancer research study have made treatment possible in many cases. just like with human cancers, early detection is key to successful treatment.
Treatment choices for cats are almost as different as treatment choices for human cancers, as well as will depend upon the type of cancer. surgical treatment is the most typical treatment for any type of lumps or growths that requirement to be removed. In some cases, surgical treatment can be curative. other cancers may need chemotherapy or radiation.
How chemotherapy works
Chemotherapy utilizes drugs with the objective to kill cancer cells with the least possible amount of damage to normal, healthy cells. In human medicine, the goal of chemotherapy is to accomplish a cure. In cats, chemotherapy is aimed at controlling the illness as well as achieving a period of remission for the cat. Chemotherapy is generally utilized for cancers that impact several sites. Lymphoma is the most common type of feline cancer that is treated with chemotherapy. The medications utilized in veterinary chemotherapy are often the exact same medications utilized in human medicine.
Most cats tolerate chemotherapy well
Most cats tolerate chemotherapy well. Some cats may experience side impacts such as vomiting, diarrhea or bad appetite, however these side impacts are usually moderate as well as can be handled with supportive care. only a extremely little number of cats on chemotherapy will need hospitalization because of the side impacts of chemotherapy. Unlike humans, cats will not lose all their hair. most cats will lose their whiskers, as well as shaved hair will be sluggish to grow back, however considerable hair loss is uncommon.
Support your cat’s immune system
It is important to support your cat’s immune system while she is undergoing chemotherapy. one of the foundations of a healthy immune system is diet. Typically, veterinarians suggest a high protein, low carb, moderate fat diet plan for pets with cancer. A high high quality grain-free canned diet plan will most likely be your finest option for your feline cancer patient.
Even though I’m a proponent of raw feeding, I’m on the fence as to whether raw diets are appropriate for cats with cancer. On the one hand, there are numerous anecdotal reports of miracle cures when pets with cancer were fed a raw diet, on the other hand, I don’t understand whether feeding a raw diet plan to an immunocompromised pet is necessarily a great idea. inspect with a veterinarian who is familiar with raw feeding whether a raw diet plan is appropriate for your feline while she is undergoing chemotherapy.
Supplements as well as herbs
Supplements as well as herbs can provide immune system support during treatment. Probiotics not only assist preserve a healthy gut flora, however likewise boost the immune system. Anti-oxidants as well as increased amounts of omega-3-fatty acids may likewise be indicated. inspect with your veterinarian to determine which supplements are suggested for your cat.
Supportive therapies such as acupuncture, Reiki or other develops of energy healing can support your feline with her treatment. These therapies will not interfere with traditional medical treatment.
How will you understand whether chemotherapy was successful?
A feline in remission doesn’t look any type of different from a cancer-free cat. Typically, a successful remission means that lymphnodes will go down to typical size, as well as if there were any type of indications of illness that were associated to the cancer, they will disappear. Remission can last anywhere from weeks to months, as well as for some lucky cats, even a number of years.
My personal experience with feline cancer
My first cat, Feebee, was diagnosed with intestinal lymphoma in 1999 when he was 15 years old. He tolerated his chemotherapy protocol of a combination of Vincristine injections as well as oral Cytoxan as well as prednisone well. He was a bit subdued for about 24 hours complying with treatment. His appetite wasn’t that fantastic during that period, as well as he slept a great deal more than usual, however the rest of the time, his high quality of life was good.
After seven months, he stopped responding to the chemotherapy. My vet provided me the choice of continuing with more aggressive medications with the prospective for more serious side effects. I elected euthanasia. My bit guy verified that I made the right decision: he died in my arms while my vet was on the method to my house.
Being dealt with with a cancer diagnosis is a devastating strike for feline parents. Making a decision about treatment is as private as the impacted feline as well asnullnullnull
