Cat Nail Tumor

Nail tumors in cats appear in the nail bed. The nail bed is that part of the nail that contains blood vessels and the cells that produce melanin. These tumors are not specific to any particular breed of cat. In cats, they rarely appear as primary tumors, but other types of Cat Cancers can metastasize to the nail bed.

Signs and Symptoms

The obvious symptom is a mass in the cat’s nail bed. There can be ulceration and usually some degree of Cat Limping will exist. The bone is usually destroyed at the site and there is a risk of metastasis. In cats, the tumors are usually the effect of metastasis.

Diagnosis

A physical examination by the veterinarian is in order. A needle biopsy should be performed to properly diagnose the tumor. Often the inflammatory state of the lesion will lend itself towards a diagnosis of osteomylitis, which is an inflammation of the bone. Biopsy of the tissue, aspiration examinations and x-rays will all be part of the diagnostic procedure. If the mass is diagnosed as malignant, there will also be x-rays of the chest to see if there is metastasis to the lungs. Blood test, ultrasound and additional lab tests will be done to determine the stage of the disease.

Treatment

In order to prevent re-growth of the mass, the affected digit will be amputated. This is usually sufficient treatment and the need for Cat Cancer Chemotherapy or radiological treatment is not necessary unless there is metastasis. Recently there has been a vaccine specifically designated for Cat Oral Melanoma. There are some veterinarians that will use this option for the treatment of nail bed tumors as well. There have been no studies done, however, to prove that this is a beneficial form of treatment.

Prognosis

There is a thirty to fifty percent chance that the nail bed tumor will metastasize to other organs. Usually it will affect the lungs and lymph nodes. Even with amputation, there is a chance that the tumor will recur in another digit. The prognosis for cats with metastatic nail bed tumors is very poor. On the other hand, mast cell tumors of the bed are very aggressive and the prognosis is not as optimistic as that of a melanoma.

Pain and nutritional management

All forms of cancer or its treatment will cause pain. Your veterinarian will prescribe pain medication for your cat and it should be used as directed. The pain can be debilitating and treatment is a must.

When pain strikes your cat, the result is the same as for people. There will be Cat Loss of Appetite, Cat Loss of Weight and your cat can become emaciated. You veterinarian may have to order a specific Cat Cancer Diets that are high in the nutrients to allow your cat to heal and thrive during the course of treatment.

Cat Palliative Cancer Care is always a necessity. Your cat will be uncomfortable and measures need to be taken to allow time for rest, provide love and comfort, and to treat the pain.

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 | Cat Oral Melanoma