Feline Cancer Treatments are Advancing
Feline Radiation and Chemotherapy for Cats Becoming More Common
Aug 12, 2009
Cancer in cats used to mean a quick death, but with recent advances in veterinary science, many feline cancer patients can live for several more months, or even years. Feline tumors may be treated with surgery, feline radiation, and chemotherapy for cats.
Tumor Staging is the First Step
After a cancer diagnosis, the vet will need to determine how big the tumor is, and if it has metastasized, or spread, to another location in the body. This process is called tumor staging.
Many tests are necessary for tumor staging, including x-rays, urinalysis, a thin needle aspirate, blood tests, and a biopsy. The information these tests provide will help the vet to determine the cat's prognosis, or what can be expected as the disease progresses.
Once the vet has learned how extensive the tumor is, and if it has spread, he or she can formulate a treatment plan. The vet will explain what treatments are available for the feline, and will also determine the treatment goals. The vet may offer three ways to treat the pet.
Surgery
The tumor may be removed surgically, especially if it hasn't spread. Cats with feline lymphoma may need surgery to remove a tumor that is blocking the bowel.
Surgery isn't always possible. The tumor may be located in a place where it's impossible to operate, or the cat may have feline leukemia, which affects the bloodstream.
Feline Radiation Treatments
Radiation treatments stop cell division by damaging cancer cells. Radiation is sometimes used if the cancer is inoperable, or to kill any cancerous cells remaining after surgery.
Radiation treatments for cats are very effective for stopping some types of cancer, but may not be helpful at all against other types.
Chemotherapy for Cats
Feline chemotherapy can be a useful therapy option for cats. One point to keep in mind though, is that the treatment goals are different in people and in cats. For cancer in cats, the goal isn't to cure the disease, but to slow it down.
The same chemo drugs that are used on people are also used on felines. Some cats will suffer from vomiting and diarrhea, just like people do, but most pets do well during treatment. Cats usually don't lose their fur, although they sometimes lose their whiskers. If a cat was shaved for surgery, it may take longer than usual for the fur to grow back.
Are Holistic Treatments Effective for Feline Cancer?
Some owners want to try holistic remedies for their pets, including herbs, homeopathic treatments, and dietary changes. These treatments may help the cat to feel better and may improve the quality of the pet's life, so most vets are quite open to these treatments. The owner should always check with the vet before starting any alternative treatments to avoid possible interactions with cancer drugs.
There are No Easy Answers for Cancer in Cats
Treating a pet with feline cancer is a very expensive proposition. Treatment requires many time-consuming trips to the vet, and it may be needed for the rest of the cat's life. Not all pet owners have the financial means, or the time, to commit to treatment. Others feel that it's not worth putting the cat through treatment to extend his or her life for a few more months.
The owner may decide not to treat the cat, but to keep the feline friend comfortable for as long as possible. Euthanizing the family pet is always a difficult decision. The owner doesn't want to do it too soon, and miss out on any remaining time with the pet, but it's important not to wait so long that the pet suffers.
It's essential to explore all treatment options with the vet, including surgery, feline radiation, and chemotherapy for cats, so that the owner can make a wise decision regarding whether or not to treat this disease.
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