Cat Gastrointestinal Neoplasia

Cancers that occur in the digestive system are called neoplasias. They can appear anywhere from the mouth to the stomach, large intestines and rectum as well as places in between. Often this type of Cat Cancer is a primary cancer but can also be one that has metastasized from another site.

Middle-aged to older cats are most frequently affected by neoplasia. It is a type of cancer that is neither breed nor age specific. Early in the disease process, there are few symptoms which can make it very difficult to diagnose during that time period.

Signs and Symptoms

• If you cat has difficulty eating, has bleeding from the mouth or very Cat Bad Breath, consult your vet.

• With esophageal involvement there will be Cat Vomiting, Cat Drooling and Cat Loss of Weight.

• In the stomach, your cat will have vomiting, possible with blood, Cat Loss of Appetite, black stools and weight loss.

• Within the small intestine, symptoms would be Cat Diarrhea, lack of appetite, vomiting, tarry stool, excessive gas and weight loss.

• Neoplasia in the colon will result in diarrhea, often with blood or mucus and constipation.

• The rectum involvement will result in Cat Constipation and red blood in the stool.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis can sometimes be difficult. The symptoms of intestinal neoplasia are similar to those of several other intestinal problems in cats. Lymphosarcoma is the most common in cats.

Your veterinarian will order a series of diagnostic tests.

• Blood tests that include chemical profile, blood count

• Urinalysis

• The stool will be checked for blood

• X-rays of the abdomen and chest

• Ultrasound of the abdomen

• A test called an endoscopy may be performed. These consist of inserting a small tube into the mouth and proceed down through the esophagus and stomach. This will be performed under sedation.

• Contrasting studies using dyes may be done

• Biopsy of any suspicious areas

• Abdominal surgery to explore the area and obtain biopsies

Treatment Options

Treatment may vary depending on the extent of the neoplasia and the location. Hospitalization is always in order. Cats will receive intravenous fluids and transfusions if the blood count indicates a need. The veterinarian will remove the malignancy and surrounding tissue to reduce the area of involvement and to improve the comfort of the cat.

This will be followed by Cat Cancer Chemotherapy and Cat Radiation Therapy, in an attempt to slow down or stop further metastasis. The diet of the cat will be changed accordingly. This will also depend on the location of the neoplasia.

Home Care

When your beloved cat comes home you will need to follow your veterinarian’s directions. Pain will have to be managed. The disease can cause pain and the surgery will most certainly cause pain. Administer pain medication as directed. It is best to address the possibility of pain before it becomes extreme. The first sign of discomfort will warrant the administration of the prescribed medication.

Administer the prescribed diet and keep your cat as well nourished as possible. You may choose to invest in a comfortable bed to assist in pain relief. Report any changes in your cat’s condition to your vet.

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 | Cat Palliative Cancer Care