Cat Heart Cancer

Tumors of the heart are rare in cats. The heart is very vascular, pumping blood to all of the other organs in the body. Growths can occur in several parts of the heart. They can pop up in the base of the heart, the pericardium (covering) or the muscle of the heart itself (myocardium). When these tumors do occur, the animals are usually 7-15 years old. Tumors in an around the heart can be benign or malignant. Hemangiosaarcomas and aortic body tumors are most common.

Symptoms of hemangiosarcoma

The symptoms of this type of tumor usually manifest due to the obstruction of blood flow within the cat’s heart. There is also the possibility of a rupture that causes hemorrhage. Disruption of the rhythm of the heart is also evident. Some signs that may be observed by cat owners are shortness of breath, Cat Difficulty Breathing, fainting, Cat Loss of Weight due to Cat Loss of Appetite and lack luster activity. If the tumor ruptures abruptly, the cat can immediately die.

Symptoms of aortic body tumors

Showing all of the same symptoms as hemangiosarcoma; Aortic body tumors add the threat of bleeding into the pericardium the sac around the heart. This will severely compromise the efficiency of the heart, which causes the same symptoms.

Diagnosis

By giving an extensive history of the onset of symptoms, physical exam including lab studies and clinical signs, your veterinarian can evaluate your cat. Further studies of the heart, including EKG will evaluate the function of the heart and consequently the extent of the malady.

Treatment of hemangiosarcoma

Cat Cancer Chemotherapy and surgery are the two treatments available for this type of tumor. Surgery is only advised if there is one tumor, rather than a mass of tumors.

Treatment of aortic body tumors

The surgical removal of tumors is the treatment of choice. What limits the possibility is the characteristics of the mass and the location. In either case, surgery is difficult. There are minimal times when radiation can be used. In some instances, removal of the pericardium relieves many of the symptoms. It also extends the life expectancy of the cat.

Prognosis

A prognosis for hemangiosarcomas is poor at best. As a rule, cats do not respond favorably to the available medical treatment. By initiating chemotherapy, the life span can be slightly increased.

Prognosis for aortic body tumors is not as dismal as hemangiosarcoma, but still will rate only fair. It all hinges on the type of treatment received. Cats that have had the pericardium removed can live up to nineteen months.

Home treatment

Treatment at home will depend on the condition of your cat. With a dismal prognosis for your cat, you may want to consider euthanasia. You are there for your cat and it is important to keep that in mind. Are you prolonging the inevitable for your sake or your cats? What is the quality of life that your cat is experiencing? These are not easy decisions, but are necessary ones in determining your Cat Palliative Cancer Care.

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 Palliative Cancer Care