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Cat Liver Cancer

Veterinarian Reviewed on April 2, 2014 by Dr. Janice Huntingford

Cat Liver Cancer

Taking your cat to the vet for regular checkups is very important as it not only can ensure that they are getting the care they need but also detect any serious illnesses. Certain Cat Liver Disease can be life threatening if you do not detect them early on and liver cancer is one of these. The earlier you find out about it then the more chance your vet has of treating your cat and the higher your cat’s survival rate is. It can be heartbreaking when your cat is ill and you will want to do everything you can to try and cure them.

What is Liver cancer?

Like many other forms of Cat Cancer, the cells in your cat’s body mutate and multiply, killing the healthy cells in their bodies. Often these cells will then form tumors which will then harm your cat. If you do not catch this form of cancer very quickly then your cat is very likely to die from it. When a mass or tumor grows inside the liver it stops it from functioning properly and can also spread to other vital organs as well. Although this form of cancer is quite uncommon it can occur and you need to ensure that you keep on top of your cat’s health.

Symptoms of liver cancer

There are several non specific symptoms that can be linked to this form of cancer and these include Cat Loss of Appetite, Cat Increased Thirst, Cat Vomiting and tiredness. Your cat may also be experiencing Cat Increased Urination more than usual which is an indication that their liver is not working as well as it should. Your cat may be suffering from all of these or simply some of them and if you are worried or unsure then you should take them to a vet immediately. They will be able to determine what is wrong and can formulate an ideal treatment for your cat.

Diagnosis and the way forward

When you take your cat to the vet, they will run a series of tests including blood tests to determine what is wrong with him. Deficiency of red blood cells and high platelets will often indicate your cat has a liver problem. There may be other reasons as well, so the vet will take x-rays to determine if there is a mass in or around your cat’s liver. Ultrasounds are often used as well as these are effective and noninvasive to your cat. Your vet will then need to do a biopsy to determine what the mass is and if it is cancerous or not.

Treatment of liver cancer

Surgical treatments are the most effective with liver cancer and removing the problem is the first stage. There is however several side effects to having this done and you will need to decide if it is in the best interest to have the surgery. Radiation therapy is often performed on cats with this form of cancer and can have good results. Whatever course of treatment you decide on, you will need to be quick in deciding as time is very important when your cat has liver cancer.

Additional Cat Cancer Pages

Cat Cancer | Cat Skin Cancer | Cat Lung Cancer | Cat Pancreatic Cancer | Cat Cancer Prevention | Cat Cancer Diagnosis | Cat Gastric Cancer | Cat Lymphoma Cancer | Cat Squamous Cell Carcinoma | Cat Mouth Cancer | Cat Brain Tumor

Read also: Cat Bladder Tumor
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Our Expert

Dr. Janice Huntingford
Janice Huntingford, DVM, has been in veterinary practice for over 30 years and has founded two veterinary clinics since receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. She has studied extensively in both conventional and holistic modalities. Ask Dr. Jan

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