Tumors In Cats – Causes, 10 Basic Symptoms And Treatment

Tumors in the cats- a major problem for the cats
credit:firstvet.com

Tumors in cats – A tumor is the development of abnormal cells in your cat’s brain. Primary and secondary growths are the most common classifications. A meningioma or glioma is the most prevalent type of brain tumors in cats. Both sexes are equally vulnerable to cancer in older pets.

Primary brain tumors are those in which abnormal cells originate in the brain or its membrane, whereas secondary brain tumors are cancers that have metastasized from other parts of the body. It can also refer to cancer in a different part of the body, such as the nasal cavity, which has a local effect on the brain.

Tumors in cats make the cat to have short life existence
credit:mathews.carolinavet.com

Causes of tumors in cats

There are no recognized causes or risk factors for brain tumors in cats. Various nutritional, environmental, genetic, chemical, and immune system components are thought to be implicated, however, this is speculative. In relation to the etiology of feline brain tumors Genetics, environmental circumstances, food, some viruses, and trauma are considered to be variables that may have an influence. There is a new study that suggests that numerous cats from the same litter might acquire this common form of tumor, but further research is needed to corroborate this theory.

Symptoms of tumors in cats

The following are the symptoms of  tumors in cats

  • Seizures
  • Vision Loss
  • Changes in Food and Water Consumption
  • Restless
  • Neck pain
  • Unsteady
  • Unsteady
  • Loss of weight
  • Obesity
  • Cough that never stops
  • Wounds that refuse to heal

Diagnosis of tumors in cats

Some owners choose to conduct these diagnostic tests in order to determine the exact condition of their cat and to prescribe a treatment plan. Others choose not to test their cats and instead provide preventative care to keep them comfortable.

Tumors in cats symptoms at the back of the cat
credit:allabotcats.com

Taking your cat to the doctor is the first step in determining whether or not it has a brain tumor.  Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam on your pet, taking into account the background history of symptoms and possible incidents that might have precipitated this condition, and do a complete physical examination to look for any abnormalities.

You will need to provide a thorough history of your pet’s health leading up to the onset of symptoms. Other tests can be performed if a brain tumor is still suspected, such as X-rays of the chest to look for lesions in the lungs that indicate cancer has spread,  CT scans or MRI scans of the head to look for the actual tumor, and blood work to analyze organ function, blood cell and platelet counts and surgery or a biopsy to obtain a sample of the tumor for testing.

Treatment

The first step is to deal with the pain. Your pet may be in a lot of discomfort depending on the stage of cancer. Anti-inflammatory medications and opioids will most likely be provided to ease discomfort throughout therapy. The good news is that there are therapy alternatives. Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery may be explored as treatment options for your cat’s brain tumor.

A cat undergoing treatment for tumors in cats
credit:southeasternvet.com.au

Some of these choices may be accessible even if diagnostic tests are not performed. Palliative care is a treatment strategy that aims to keep the symptoms of a brain tumor under control for as long as feasible. It may contain pain relievers and steroids in order to preserve or improve your cat’s quality of life.

Although there is no cure for many brain tumors, various therapies can let you spend more time with your cat by slowing their growth and spread. Intracranial meningiomas account for more than half of all brain tumors in cats detected. Because this form of the tumor may be totally eliminated, surgery is frequently the best option for a cat. Although meningioma is considered a benign tumor since it grows slowly and seldom returns, it will nonetheless produce neurological symptoms in your cat.

Depending on the type of cancer and how early it was treated, cats’ survival duration following intensive radiation therapy ranges from 12-14 months for gliomas to 20-24 months for meningiomas. 1,2 As with any cancer, the sooner it is detected and treated, the higher the odds of a favorable outcome.

 

RECOMMENDED ARTICLES

Kehinde Ezekiel is a freelance writer who has covered many topics, including home improvement, gardening, pets, tech, and parenting.