Pets Care

There comes a life after a dog’s body has reached a certain size and maturity that the natural multiplication of cells by division stops producing new cells. Cells are then produced only to replace dead cells. The body produces new cells only in exceptional cases like a cellular injury.

Such replacement is the necessity of the body and the process of replacement or otherwise is natural. Sometimes there are instances when the controlling system that maintains a balance between the death and growth of cells is unsettled by internal or external factors.

This causes the cell production to start producing in an unregulated production mode. This results in a mass of cells (tumor) that perform no specific function and are not required by the body.

Not all tumors or cancers in dogs, are harmful for the body. Sometimes the cells that grow unnecessarily resemble the normal cells of the organ from which they grow. These are benign tumors.

A benign tumor cannot be identified merely by its shape and has to be examined by a number of diagnostic tests. A biopsy or a sample of the tumor is obtained by performing a simple surgical procedure. This is then examined under a microscope. Benign tumors are normally enclosed in a capsule of fibrous tissue. T

he tumor is benign if the microscopic examination reveals a resemblance of the cells in the tumor with those of the surrounding organs. Malignant cells do not resemble the normal cells of an organ.

Another difference is that normal cells would show as being inactive while the cells in the tumor would show a greater percentage of cells in the dividing stage. Malignant tumor may sometimes appear similar to benign tumors and can only be differentiated by the presence of an unnatural count of chromosomes.

All types of pet cancers, including feline cancer follow the same rule of prevalence and growth and therefore, can either be benign or malignant. Unfortunately it is difficult to unearth cancer in its early stages because the symptoms of cancer usually mimic symptoms of other conditions.

A typical example is that of liver cancer. Symptoms of liver cancer in dogs like a decrease in appetite or refusal to eat, a bloated stomach or excessive vomiting may be symptoms of an inflammation in the liver, a pus filled abscess, or an injury to the liver.

Benign tumors do not spread to other organs. Moreover, the fact that benign tumors are encapsulated in fibrous tissue, surgical removal of the entire tumor does not involve any major problem. Although malignant tumors may also be similarly encapsulated in their initial stages, in advanced stages they do not remain restricted to the organ from which they develop. Surgery poses a great challenge in such cases. Care has to be taken to remove as much of the tumor as is possible. Even experts cannot guarantee that there are no residual cancerous cells left after surgery. Sometimes a malignant tumor can metastasized to affect certain vital organs ruling out a surgical removal.

Lung cancer in cats may either be primary or secondary. Primary lung cancer originates in the lung tissue while secondary lung cancer is caused by metastasis from other cancerous sites. Like other cancers, the early signs of lung cancer are not easily detectible and its prevalence is evident only after a chest X-Ray has been done. As the cancer develops some of the clinical signs that emerge are phlegm or blood on coughing, weight loss and anorexia.

A typical primary lung cancer is a single mass but can appear as multiple tumors in its advanced stages. A secondary lung cancer that has spread from another part of the body would almost always appear as multiple masses in different lung lobes.

A confirmed diagnosis is of utmost necessity because some types of fungal infections can also appear as masses in the lungs. If fungal infection is suspected, it can be confirmed by the use of fungal titers or a microscopic analysis of samples taken from the site of the infection. Confirmation of lung cancer is possible only after microscopic examination of a sample obtained through biopsy.

Primary lung tumors can be removed with surgery. If the left lung is infected, a complete removal is also an option since the right lung can take over its functions by overworking. If the right lung is affected, total removal may cause problems for your cat. The tumor is usually removed by incising the side of the chest but in cases where both the lungs need to be viewed by the surgeon, he may divide the breast bone.

The following laboratory and histological tests are done to prepare the patient for surgery:

* Chemistry profile.
* Complete blood cell count.
* Urine analysis.
* Chest X-Rays for side and lateral views of both the lungs.

While it is normal that there will be delay in resumption of normal bowel movement after return from the hospital, cats usually develop some post-operative complications. You need to attend to these on priority basis.

Regurgitation

Acid reflux from the stomach while your cat is under anesthesia can cause heart burns and be a major discomfort. Feeding bland food for some time will take care of it but if it persists you need to check out with your veterinarian.

Loss of appetite

Most cats will refuse food for some time after surgery. Try feeding your cat with smelly foods that contain fish or other smelly cat foods. You may also try hand feeding, stroking and petting frequently to stimulate appetite.

Vomiting

This should not be mistaken with regurgitation as in both conditions the cat will be pouring our fluids from the mouth. Stomach upsets after anesthesia has been administered are normal and should be ignored for the first 24 hours.

Pain

Cats are different from dogs and show signs of pain differently. Discerning cat owners should look for signs like biting when they approach the operated area, refusal to eat or hiding from the owner.

Whether it is a case of feline cancer or cancer in dogs , all types of cancers reveal their prevalence only in later stages. Even where they do, like the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs , the symptoms mostly mimic other conditions, which result in a delayed treatment. If you love your pet it will be a good policy to educate yourself about cancer symptoms and consult a veterinarian whenever you are in doubt.

Generally, cancer occurs in older animals. Cats are destined to live long and the price they pay for it shows in the increased incidence of feline cancer.

Symptoms of cancer in cats and dogs do not present themselves in early stages. It requires a keen observation for an early detection and treatment. For example, the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs need to be evaluated after considering other conditions that throw up similar symptoms.

Cells normally multiply by division in a pattern. Initially there is a continuous increase in cells to achieve an optimal level of growth in cats. Once a particular level is achieved cell multiplication is automatically curbed and new cells are formed to replace dead cells. Certain unknown conditions cause cells to ‘rebel’ and multiply even when the body does not need them.

Characteristically, an unrestricted multiplication of cells is known as cancer. Normally a tumor or growth is formed in and around the affected organ or area, which may be localized or invasive and spread to distant organs as well. A tumor may be benign (harmless) or malignant (dangerous to health, often fatal and characterized by progressive and uncontrolled growth)

Benign tumors and certain malignant tumors can be removed surgically without harming the cat. Surgery is not recommended in cases where cancer has spread to vital organs and radiation or chemotherapy is used to treat cancer.

Chemotherapy is also used as a post surgical treatment where the tumor has not been removed totally. Chemotherapy is the use of drugs that are used singly or in a combination of different anti cancer drugs.

Although all conventional drugs have accompanying side effects, chemotherapeutic medication requires extra care during and after administration. Anti cancer drugs are normally expelled by the body via urine and stool within a period that may extend from 48 hours to 5 days.

Handling of urine or feces should only be with protective gloves or disposable heavy wipes. Better still, train your cat to eliminate away from the immediate yard or play area. Similar precautions need to be taken in instances of chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer in dogs .

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are some of the common side effects of chemotherapy. Nausea often leads to refusal to eat. Nausea is usually transient and does not require specific treatment. Adding smelly fish to the cat’s food or a favorite food normally tempts the cat to resume eating.

Persistent conditions are treated with anti emetics and appetite promoting drugs. Diarrhea too is mild and transient and treated with drugs that reduce intestinal discomfort.

The most serious aspect of chemotherapy arises from the inherent quality of these drugs to suppress the body’s own immune system that may lead to systemic infections. The cat may show fever. As the body become more susceptible to infections, pus forming bacteria and their toxins travel through the blood and tissues. This may lead to a condition known as septic shock, which needs to be attended to immediately to avoid risk of death.

Although the side effects of chemotherapy are mostly restricted and transient in nature, cat owners would do well if they learn about preventive measures. A healthy diet that is actually meant for cats can go a long way to avoid this life threatening disease.

Intestinal cancer throws up symptoms that are similar to symptoms caused by an inflammation or obstruction in the intestinal passage. This makes early detection a difficult task. Although they form a small percentage of all feline cancers and cancers in dogs, prognosis ranges from poor to bad depending upon the location of the tumor.

The common types of cancers that can develop in a cat’s intestines include:

* Lymphoma - A neoplasm of lymph tissue that is most predominant in cats.
* Mast Cell Neoplasia – A cancer that causes single or multiple lesions in the small intestines.
* Adenocarcinoma – A malignant tumor that originates from the glandular epithelium.
* Other Intestinal Neoplasms such as rectal and colon tumors.

Lymphoma is the most common form of intestinal tumors in cats followed by carcinomas and mast cell tumors. Like the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs, intestinal tumors in cats also remain concealed due to the general nature of symptoms. Tumors located in different areas of the intestine have different manifestations.

* Tumors of Duodenum and Small Intestines
* Vomiting - chronic or acute.
* Diarrhea - abnormally dark tarry feces containing blood.
* Weight loss.
* Colon and Rectal Tumors
* Painful spasm of the anal sphincter along with an urgent desire to defecate without the significant production of feces.
* Passage of stools containing blood.

As with most types of feline cancers, intestinal cancer is commonly treated with surgery or chemotherapy. Most of the intestinal tumors are difficult to remove surgically because of their size.

Even after surgery the survival time is limited. Local recurrence or metastasis leads to an early death. Chemotherapeutic drugs have a minimal affect on adenocarcinomas.

Lymphomas in cats are mostly treated by chemotherapy. But even expensive and systemic chemotherapy is unable to improve the median survival time of two months.

High doses of radiation are used for palliating rectal tumors. The rectum is prolapsed with sutures and rays are directed to the visible tumor that may increase the survival time to 12 months.

A vast majority of intestinal neoplasms are malignant. Abdominal serosa (a thin membrane lining with two layers filled with serous fluid), lymph nodes and liver are the most commonly affected sites when it spreads in cats. By the time the cancer is diagnosed it has, in most cases, already advanced to an incurable stage.

The cause of intestinal cancer is unknown but if you take good care of your cat by protecting her from ingesting carcinogenic food and substances right from the day you bring her home, it may, to a great extent, prevent the occurrence of this highly aggressive cancer. Although relatively less common it may give rise to thoughts of euthanasia once it develops in your cat.

Symptoms and signs of cancer in pets and humans depend largely upon the organ or the tissue that has developed cancer cells. For example, the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs and cats are far removed from the symptoms of oral cancer. Cats with cancer of the digestive system will show signs of vomiting, diarrhea and anorexia while a lump in the peripheral skin indicates lymph cancer.

Some cancers are highly progressive and spread very fast. The first tool in your hands is to educate yourself and be aware of all the symptoms properly. Timely approach to treatment is the only way to prolong and make life comfortable for your cat.

Cats should be groomed regularly. Stroking and petting all over the body serves two purposes - it lets you know of any abnormal changes that might be occurring in your cat’s body and it helps in building an emotional bond between you and your cat.

Older cats should be taken to a specialist for annual check ups. There are ten signs that are commonly understood to be indicative of cancer, including feline cancer and on noticing them they should be brought to the notice of a veterinary oncologist without fail.

* Swollen lymph nodes - lymph nodes are usually difficult to feel but if they are swollen they can be noticed while petting and stroking.
* A lump that is growing.
* A distended stomach that does not respond to treatment.
* Continuous weight loss.
* Chronic vomiting and diarrhea.
* Ulcers that refuse to be treated.
* Chronic cough.
* Alteration in gait.
* Bad odor from mouth.
* Difficulty in urination.

Cancer can occur at any age and in any organ of the body but older pets are more vulnerable. Actually cancer in dogs and cats is a leading cause of death in senior pets. Certain signs like lumps just under the skin or stubborn ulcers and lesions are visible to owners but most of the other symptoms must be checked and sorted out carefully to rule out any possibility of cancer.

Many tumors are benign and do not cause major problems and surgical excisions usually cure the cat. Malignant and metastasized tumors are dangerous and not all of them can be removed surgically. Total removal, if possible, helps to a great extent but requires chemotherapy and radiation therapy as follow up procedures. Some of the common types of cancer in cats include:

* Benign thyroid nodule - these stimulate production of thyroid hormones that speeds up the metabolism rate. Associated symptoms include increase in appetite, restlessness, weight loss and frequent and louder meowing.
* Osteosarcoma - cancer that begins in the bones.
* Hemangiosarcoma - cancer that begins in the blood vessels and normally spreads to the liver and spleen.
* Lymphoma - cancer of the white blood cells: usually treated with chemotherapeutic drugs.
* Squamous cell carcinoma - a malignant cancer that appears usually in the mouth.
* Mammary tumors or breast cancer - usually seen in un-spayed cats.

The most common surgeries performed by veterinarians are removal of tumors. Aggressive cancers that spread to other parts are difficult to treat in advanced stages and shorten the life span of the cat. Early removal of a small tumor often results in checking the spread of the disease and allows the cat to lead a normal life.

Cancer is a malignant, cellular growth (tumor). Benign tumors are harmless and only an abnormal increase in size of a specific tissue. Cancer can affect any organ in a cat’s body but cancer of the lymphatic tissue, skin and mammary glands are the three most common types of neoplasia (the pathological process that results in formation and growth of tumors) in cats.

Extensive research in human cancer diagnosis and treatment has changed the entire scene of cancer management. The good part is that the same protocols reflect in treating feline cancer and cancer in dogs and other pets. There has also been a concomitant awareness of the role played by nutrition and alternative therapies in developing resistance to cancer and recovery.

Treatment for tumors is basically a matter of removal, killing or curbing the process of multiplication of cancer cells. There are various treatment options that one can consider.

Medical treatment

It involves use of drugs that inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Some medicines also kill cancerous cells. In many cases cancer cells resemble normal cells and therefore are also killed in the process. Cancer cells can also develop resistance to drugs over time and lie dormant, only to surface again after treatment is over. Unless newer drugs that can differentiate normal and cancer cells are developed, drugs can only play a limited role in cancer treatment.

Surgery

Total excision of the tumor usually cures the cat totally. In many cases complete removal of the tumor is not possible due to metastasis to nearby vital organs. In such instances a partial excision is done to reduce the size of the tumor. A follow-up surgery, drug or radiation therapy is used to curb the growth.

Radiation therapy

Radiation is used nowadays in conjunction with other therapies. It is a complex technique that involves the use of intense X-Rays for targeting the area externally. The affected area is marked and rays are directed towards it. The process may have to be repeated at weekly intervals to minimize the risk of killing normal cells.

Cryosurgery

This is a procedure where extreme cold, usually liquid nitrogen, is applied to a tumor. A couple of rapid freezes and thaws with a contact applicator have given promising results in controlling malignant tumors, especially small nasal tumors.

Symptoms of different types of cancers like the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs usually mimic other mild conditions, delaying detection and early treatment. By the time it is detected the cancer has usually metastasized and treatment becomes ineffective. Irrespective of the therapy employed, some cats do not survive for long. However, a targeted therapy can improve the quality of life of your pet and give you satisfaction of having done all you could for the animal who has been your companion for years.

Nasal tumors occur primarily in the nasal cavity and may later extend to the frontal and paranasal sinuses. Nasal tumors form a very small percentage of feline tumors and are less common than nasal cancer in dogs . They are locally invasive and do not normally spread but are almost always malignant. They are not sex specific and usually occur at a young age.

In cats there is an indication that inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nose or one of the paranasal sinuses may be the trigger that leads to a growth in the nasal cavity. Symptoms of nasal cancer in cats can remain concealed for as long as five years till the disease presents itself as a serious threat. Unlike the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs, symptoms of nasal cancer seldom mimic symptoms of other conditions.

Nasal tumors and nasopharyngeal tumors reflect different symptoms. Nasal tumors often have a past history of nasal discharge and sneezing. Nasopharyngeal tumors on the other hand manifest as heavy breathing, often with a snoring sound and change in vocalism. Other signs include bleeding and facial deformity.

The veterinarian would look for clinical signs of a mass effect on digital palpation of the soft palate, inflammatory polyps and a history of bacterial or viral rhinitis. If the clinical findings point towards a nasal or nasopharyngeal tumor, laboratory tests and imaging is done to investigate further to confirm or rule out cancer.

* Complete blood tests some times reveal concurrent symptoms associated with nasal cancer, such as an abnormally low platelet count.
* Cytological examination of an aspirate of the local lymph node.
* Radiography of the thorax is done to obtain three views to rule out metastasis to the lungs.
* Biopsy.
* Imaging of the area with CT scan, MRI or radiography of the nasal cavity.

The two most common types of nasal tumors in cats are lymphoma (cancer of the lymph tissue) and carcinoma (cancer of the epithelial tissue). Chemotherapy is reasonably effective mode of treatment for nasal lymphoma but cats with feline leukemia virus are at a risk of systemic failure. An aggressive treatment for nasal lymphoma should thus be a combination of local radiation and systemic chemotherapy.

Studies reveal that carcinomas in the nasal cavity treated with surgery have resulted in an average survival time of 2 to 5 weeks. The results of irradiation on nasal tumors have not been studied extensively. The nasal cavity of cats is deep and nasal tumors may be difficult to approach for excision. Radiation alone may be effective for treating nasal tumors using orthovolatage and megavoltage radiation therapy. For accessible tumors surgery before radiation may be the recommended treatment.

Nasal cancer presents a poor prognosis irrespective of the stage it has advanced to. Side effects of radiation result in persistent change in turbinates, ophthalmic and corneal ulcerations. Surgery, on the other hand, does not improve the survival time and owners are often forced to consider euthanasia within two to eight weeks.

Although an uncommon occurrence, brain tumor is a relatively more common form of cancer in dogs than feline cancer . A head injury may result in accumulation of fluid in the brain or a cranial fracture - both of which may cause brain damage. Although both the conditions can be treated medically irrespective of whether it is a typical case or a severe instance, a brain surgery is required to relieve the pressure on the brain.

Brain tumors, however, are believed to have a genetic predisposition as they occur mostly in young cats. Brain tumors may be primary, occurring in the brain itself, or secondary, as extensions due to metastasis of a malignant growth in the nasal passage, skull or ear cavity and pituitary gland tumors.

Like all cancers, brain tumors too do not show early symptoms. However, unlike the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs and cats that are non-specific some of the symptoms of a brain tumor are specific and some of them are even indicative of exactly where the tumor is located.

General symptoms

* Loss of training.
* Decreased activity.
* Infrequent purring.
* Confusion.

Specific symptoms that indicate a tumor in a specific location in the brain

* Cerebral Cortex - seizures.
* Brainstem - facial paralysis.
* Cerebellum - tremors and/or wobbliness.
* Hypothalamus or optic nerve - partial or complete blindness.
* Olfactory system -loss of smell.

Apart from these, the very presence of a tumor and the accompanying edema and inflammation can cause:

* Irritability and Lethargy.
* Compulsive walking and walking in circles as if possessed.
* Pressing the head against hard surfaces.
* Loud meowing, mood swings and manic grooming.

Before the advent of new imaging techniques like CT scan and MRI, brain tumors were assumed and rarely confirmed. The most common form of brain tumor in cats is a tumor arising in the meninges (one of three membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord), which usually grows gradually and is sometimes malignant. If the tumor grows gradually and does not show specific symptoms, cat owners tend to get used to them after some time. This can further delay a diagnosis.

A biopsy remains the only way for ascertaining the benign or malignant nature of a brain tumor because even advanced diagnostic imaging cannot present a conclusive evidence of malignancy. Most brain tumors in cats remain a mystery till they are analyzed after a postmortem. The worrying part is that brain surgery is not common in veterinary medicine. It is a high risk surgery that requires the services of a neurosurgeon and specialty practices. Brain surgery is performed only if there is a reasonable surety of removing the entire tumor and avoiding any collateral damage.

There are always some cancer cells in the body, which the body can effectively kill on its own if the immune system is strong. Despite this fact pets still develop cancers that need treatment. Cancer in dogs and cats may not be a very common condition but it can be as problematic and fatal as in humans. Pets cannot speak about the discomfort that they are facing and therefore, it is upon the pet owners and veterinarians to use their observation and knowledge to establish prevalence of, say, symptoms of liver cancer in dogs and cats among other health conditions.

Feline cancer can occur in any part of the body. If cancer has been diagnosed in certain specific areas, radiation therapy is one of the treatment options that should be considered.

Radiation therapy involves the same X-Rays that are used for a normal X-Ray for clinical investigation. The difference is that the levels of the X-Rays that are used for the therapy are thousands of times more powerful.

Radiation is a localized therapy and used in cases where chemotherapy and surgery are not possible. It is also used where there is a need to reduce the size of the tumor before surgery or chemotherapy. Sometimes there may be some amount of residual malignancy in the body even post surgery. These cases occur when the growth of the cancer is so widespread that excision involves vital organs and therefore the entire tumor cannot be removed for obvious reasons.

Radiation therapy can be extremely instrumental in managing a tumor and in certain cases can even be used as a permanent solution. The therapy is given with the aid of a machine that is almost similar to an X-Ray machine. The size and location of the tumor determines the level of voltage that is used.

Like any other conventional cancer treatment, there are various side effects that come along with radiation therapy. There is every possibility of healthy cells being killed along with those causing the cancer. Moreover, there is a need for your cat to remain extremely still during the process and therefore anesthesia becomes necessary. Howsoever limited it may be, even general anesthesia exposes the cat to some amount of risk. However, it is felt that in many cases the benefits outweigh the side effects.

At the most, the specialist can take precautions to protect your cat from risks that accompany radiation therapy to some extent. For this purpose, he needs to target the rays to the exact spot of the tumor. Another mode employed for protection is to extend the sessions over several weeks. The target area is marked with ink so that the same area can be targeted in each session. Regular monitoring by a veterinarian is required to ensure that the cancerous cells are eliminated completely.

Despite the fatal consequences of cancer, medical science has still not been able to understand the causes behind it.

Breast cancer constitutes almost all of glandular feline cancers and up to 80 to 96% of all malignant tumors in cats. It is also the third most common form of cancer in cats after lymphoid and skin cancers. Although breast cancer in cats is not breed specific, Siamese and Japanese breeds are more vulnerable than others. Obesity too seems to be a high risk factor. Spayed cats, however, carry a significantly reduced risk of developing mammary tumors.

Mammary tumors may either be floating or attached to the skin or the underlying muscles and are commonly found in the front set of mammary glands. Swelling, pain or infection in the glands and fever are among the most common symptoms that may indicate prevalence of mammary tumors.

Unless your cat has developed a mammary gland hyperplasia, diagnosis is a simple affair as a mass arising out of the glands can be felt or seen around the nipples. The stage to which breast cancer has advanced is normally established with the aid of laboratory examinations, chest X-Rays or other tests that may be essential. Bilateral radical surgery, which is the removal of both the mammary chains, is the most recommended treatment for mammary tumors. Follow up of the surgery requires a consultation with a veterinarian oncologist as chemotherapeutic drugs require proper administration and regular monitoring of side effects.

Mammary tumors, like all other glandular tumors are aggressive in nature and tend to spread to lungs and surrounding lymph node. If not detected and treated early, a mammary tumor can even spread to distant organs. Like any other kind of cancer in dogs, the size of the tumor plays a significant role in the prognosis. Average survival time for cats with a mammary tumor of less than 3 cm is reported to be 21 months and 12 months for those with larger tumors.

It may be difficult to prevent breast cancer in cats. Sometimes it is caused by progesterone or similar drugs used to treat behavioral disorders and miliary dermatitis, a common occurrence in cats and other pets. The strong correlation between spaying and breast cancer suggests that an early spaying can help in prevention.

Prognosis of breast cancer, like any other type of cancer can improve with early treatment. Early treatment depends upon early detection. Signs of breast cancer are not as difficult to notice as other types, like the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs. Along with regular checkups by a veterinarian, owners should monitor the skin around the mammary area for unusual lumps. It may amount to saving the life of your cat.