Cat Larynx and Trachea Cancer

Tracheal and laryngeal cancers are progressive, slow growing, invasive tumors that occur in a cat’s trachea, (windpipe) or larynx (voicebox). There is no known cause and are they very rare in domestic cats. When they do appear, the cat is usually either middle aged or older. It is also more common in male cats than in females.

Signs and Symptoms

The first thing that you will notice is Cat Lethargy. There will be a noticeable change in your cats voice and he or she may not be able to meow properly anymore. Cat Coughs and Cat Drooling are also common. Your cat will not be as energetic as usual and can have Cat Difficulty Breathing when they run around. They may also breathe solely through their mouth. In extreme cases a cat can also become cyanotic, (gums and other mucous membranes turn blue) and collapse.

Procedures for diagnosis

Laboratory tests will be performed by your veterinarian. Initially a CBC will be done along with a chemical profile. Urinalysis will also be done. Ordinarily your vet will also take x-rays of the neck and chest.

These procedures will normally be followed by acquiring a sample of the fluids in the lungs. Under anesthesia your cat will have an endoscopy. This is a procedure during which a tube is placed down your cat’s throat to see any potential abnormalities. A biopsy will be obtained at that time. If these tests prove to be positive, a surgical biopsy will be performed. This will allow examination of a larger amount of affected tissue.

Treatment Options

If the tumors of the trachea are small, they can be removed surgically. The removal of the larynx and surrounding tissue that is associated with the tumor is a more complex procedure. If this is done, there will have to be a tracheostomy performed. This is done in the neck and will allow your cat to breath fairly normally.

In some instances, radiation may be ordered. In an attempt to prevent secondary infection, your cat will be placed on antibiotics for a prolonged period.

Home care

Once your cat comes home, it is important to follow your veterinarians directions exactly as they were given. Medication should be given as directed as well. This will most likely include pain medication to keep your cat comfortable.

These types of Cat Cancer are very aggressive. The best prognosis will be a guarded one. It will depend on the size of the tumor and the location.

Proper nutrition is very important to aid in recovery. Your cat has had a lack of appetite prior to treatment and will be in pain after treatment. This may prohibit him or her from having a desire to eat. There are prescribed diets that may be available from your veterinarian. These highly nutritious diets will help you to maintain a healthier level of nutrition in your cat.

Prevention

Unfortunately there are no preventative measures that can be taken to prevent these chondrosarcomas. As with any disease process in a cat, the most important thing for a loving cat owner to do is to be observant of their cats behavior. If they are increasingly tired or you notice a Cat Loss of Appetite and consequent Cat Loss of Weight, you need to make arrangements to see your vet immediately.