Your location: Home > Wiki > Cat Health > Cat Metastatic Neoplasia >

Cat Metastatic Neoplasia

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

Cat Metastatic Neoplasia

This particular type of Cat Cancer is one that has spread from another part of the cat’s body. Many tumors metastasize to the lymph nodes and lungs. Metastasis can actually occur in any organ of the cat’s body.

The metastasis is usually spread through the cat’s lymphatic system or their blood stream. The prognosis will depend on the location of the primary tumor and where in the body metastasized to.

Signs and Symptoms

Your cat should be observed for any changes in their normal activity or health. Early diagnosis is always important, but especially important with cancer.

• Changes in elimination. Either Cat Diarrhea or Cat Constipation

• Lameness

• Change in appetite, such as Cat Loss of Appetite which leads to Cat Loss of Weight

• Persistent Cat Coughs

• Weakness

Cat Cancer Lumps either on or under their skin

• Any changes in behavior

If any of these symptoms persist, contact your vet.

Diagnosis

An accurate diagnosis of metastatic cancer is dependent on locating the primary tumor and also finding evidence of metastasis to other parts of the cat’s body.

An accurate health history is always important. Your vet will perform an extensive physical examination. This will be followed by lab tests and x-rays of the abdomen and other affected parts of the cat’s body.

Your veterinarian may also choose to perform either a fine needle aspiration or a biopsy. It will depend on the location of the mass and the affect it may have on your cat.

Treatment Options

Although Cat Cancer Chemotherapy and surgery are sometimes successful in treating cancers, once they have metastasized, the prognosis is poor at best. Metastasized cancers respond poorly to chemotherapy, and surgery cannot be done if the disease has metastasized to other organs within the cat’s body.

The only treatment that you may choose is fluid therapy, supplementing their diet with vitamins and minerals and treatment of infections that may arise. Cancer is painful. Your vet will order pain medication and it should be administered as frequently as your vet orders it. Pain can result from the disease process itself as well as the surgical treatment or chemotherapy. Keep your cat comfortable by following simple Cat Palliative Cancer Care guidelines.

Nutritional care is vital. Weight loss and loss of appetite need to be supplemented to maintain your cat’s comfort and energy status. Keep them well fed.

Home Care

All of the prescribed medication needs to be given. These can include antibiotics, pain medication as well as Cat Cancer Dietary Supplements.

Observe your cat for an increase in symptoms, such as lethargy and lack of appetite. If any of the signs of the original disease become worse, it is time to call your vet and take action.
Metastatic disease is difficult if not impossible, to prevent.
Early diagnosis helps and that will depend on early recognition.

It is important for the cat owner to observe and note any changes in the cat’s condition. If weight loss continues after a few weeks, or if there are new lumps on the skin or under the skin, it is time to call your vet for a complete physical examination.

While these steps may not prevent cancer, early diagnosis can slow down the progression of the disease and metastasis.

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

Read also: Cat Nasal Cavity Tumor
284 people found this article useful. Did you find this article useful? Yes

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

Related Posts