Like with humans, cancer can invade nearly any part of a cat's body. Depending upon what part of the body is affected, what type of cancer it is and how early the disease is caught, some types of cancer in cats respond well to treatment. However, for other types, the only treatment is palliative. Because early diagnosis is key to effective treatment, it's important for pet guardians to be aware of the symptoms of cancer in cats. Symptoms include abnormal swellings, sores that don't heal, weight loss, offensive odor, persistent lameness and difficulty eating.
Surgery
Treatment for some types of cancer may involve surgery, either as the only treatment or as treatment before chemotherapy or radiation. If the cancer is in the form of a tumor on the skin, nose or leg, surgery is often quite effective. Surgery is also especially effective when the cancer hasn't spread, but remains localized in one area of your cat's body. Surgery is performed while your cat is under general anesthesia.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be used following surgery or may be used as the only treatment for your cat's cancer. Chemotherapy is a chemical medication that kills cancer cells. In some instances chemotherapy is used as a possible cure, in others it is used to slow the progression of the cancer in the cat's body. While cats sometimes have the same side effects as humans--vomiting, diarrhea and appetite loss--it is less common in felines. Cats rarely lose their fur because of chemotherapy. However, they may lose their whiskers. Chemotherapy is administered both in injectable and oral forms.
Radiation
Radiation may be used following surgery or used when surgery isn't possible. Radiation is designed to shrink your cat's tumor. It is occasionally used in combination with chemotherapy. Radiation is administered while the cat is under general anesthesia. The location of the tumor is found using X-rays, MRIs and CAT scan. A beam is then focused on the tumor. The first treatment lasts between 30 minutes and one hour. Later sessions last only 10 to 15 minutes.
Palliative
In some instances, the only treatments that will be effective are those that will make the cat more comfortable and improve quality of life. Talk to your veterinarian about pain management medications. Give your pet a warm and comfortable place to rest. The bed should be in a quiet location but near enough to you that your pet doesn't feel lonely. Providing heat is especially helpful in alleviating pain in cats. You might provide your cat with a heating pad. The heating pad should be on its lowest setting and covered with a towel. It should only used if the cat is able to get off the heating paid if it gets too warm.
Like with humans, cancer can invade nearly any part of a cat's body. Depending upon what part of the body is affected, what type of cancer it is and how early the disease is caught, some types of cancer in cats respond well to treatment. However, for other types, the only treatment is palliative. Because early diagnosis is key to effective treatment, it's important for pet guardians to be aware of the symptoms of cancer in cats. Symptoms include abnormal swellings, sores that don't heal, weight loss, offensive odor, persistent lameness and difficulty eating.
Surgery
Treatment for some types of cancer may involve surgery, either as the only treatment or as treatment before chemotherapy or radiation. If the cancer is in the form of a tumor on the skin, nose or leg, surgery is often quite effective. Surgery is also especially effective when the cancer hasn't spread, but remains localized in one area of your cat's body. Surgery is performed while your cat is under general anesthesia.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be used following surgery or may be used as the only treatment for your cat's cancer. Chemotherapy is a chemical medication that kills cancer cells. In some instances chemotherapy is used as a possible cure, in others it is used to slow the progression of the cancer in the cat's body. While cats sometimes have the same side effects as humans--vomiting, diarrhea and appetite loss--it is less common in felines. Cats rarely lose their fur because of chemotherapy. However, they may lose their whiskers. Chemotherapy is administered both in injectable and oral forms.
Radiation
Radiation may be used following surgery or used when surgery isn't possible. Radiation is designed to shrink your cat's tumor. It is occasionally used in combination with chemotherapy. Radiation is administered while the cat is under general anesthesia. The location of the tumor is found using X-rays, MRIs and CAT scan. A beam is then focused on the tumor. The first treatment lasts between 30 minutes and one hour. Later sessions last only 10 to 15 minutes.
Palliative
In some instances, the only treatments that will be effective are those that will make the cat more comfortable and improve quality of life. Talk to your veterinarian about pain management medications. Give your pet a warm and comfortable place to rest. The bed should be in a quiet location but near enough to you that your pet doesn't feel lonely. Providing heat is especially helpful in alleviating pain in cats. You might provide your cat with a heating pad. The heating pad should be on its lowest setting and covered with a towel. It should only used if the cat is able to get off the heating paid if it gets too warm.
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