What Causes Feline Osteosarcoma?

Feline osteosarcoma, although rare, is the most common type of bone tumor found in cats. Cats older than 10 years old are more susceptible to feline osteosarcoma than younger cats.

Symptoms

Because feline osteosarcoma most commonly develops on long bones, such as hind legs, cats with feline osteosarcoma may exhibit signs of pain while walking. For this reason, cat owners frequently mistake feline osteosarcoma for arthritis.

Diagnosis

Feline osteosarcoma is visible on x-rays. Your vet will remove a small piece of the affected bone for a biopsy to confirm that the tumor is feline osteosarcoma.

Treatment

Treatment usually consists of surgery to remove the tumor and radiation therapy. If the tumor is on a limb, your vet might recommend amputation of the limb. Chemotherapy may be used if the tumor has spread to other organs.

Prognosis

With treatment, the average survival rate for cats with feline osteosarcoma is two years.

Warning

Although treatable, feline osteosarcoma is a serious, fast-growing cancer. Take your cat to a vet right away if she exhibits symptoms of feline osteosarcoma.

Feline osteosarcoma, although rare, is the most common type of bone tumor found in cats. Cats older than 10 years old are more susceptible to feline osteosarcoma than younger cats.

Symptoms

Because feline osteosarcoma most commonly develops on long bones, such as hind legs, cats with feline osteosarcoma may exhibit signs of pain while walking. For this reason, cat owners frequently mistake feline osteosarcoma for arthritis.

Diagnosis

Feline osteosarcoma is visible on x-rays. Your vet will remove a small piece of the affected bone for a biopsy to confirm that the tumor is feline osteosarcoma.

Treatment

Treatment usually consists of surgery to remove the tumor and radiation therapy. If the tumor is on a limb, your vet might recommend amputation of the limb. Chemotherapy may be used if the tumor has spread to other organs.

Prognosis

With treatment, the average survival rate for cats with feline osteosarcoma is two years.

Warning

Although treatable, feline osteosarcoma is a serious, fast-growing cancer. Take your cat to a vet right away if she exhibits symptoms of feline osteosarcoma.