Cat Smooth Muscle Tumor

Smooth muscle tumors can be benign (leiomyomas) or malignant (leiomyosarcomas). These tumors arise in the smooth muscles of cats. This is the muscle that makes up the cat’s bladder, uterus, GI tract, skin and blood vessels.

Leiomyomas

Leiomyomas are usually small and encapsulated. Those that appear in the female cat’s vagina or vulva usually require removal of the ovaries and uterus. This type of tumor is hormone dependent.

Leiomysarcomas

Leiomysarcomas are apt to appear anywhere in the cat’s body. Most commonly, they appear in senior cats and can metastasize to a cat’s other internal organs. The rate of metastasis for tumors in the liver is 100%. Those within the abdominal cavity have a 50% metastasis rate and those on the skin or subcutaneous do not generally metastasize. Surgical removal is the recommended treatment for leiomysarcomas. Survival rate for intestinal tumors is far greater than some of the other locations. Those that appear in the liver have no chance of survival.

Prognosis for intestinal leiomysarcoma

If the cat survives the surgery, their prognosis is somewhat fair. They may have anemia, polydipsia(frequent urination due to diabetes isipidus) or hypoglycemia in association with the tumors. Cats in which liver involvement is found during surgery (as in the case of Cat Liver Cancer are usually euthanized during the surgery.

Pain in Cats with Cancer

Any cat that has cancer is also apt to have pain as well. The pain can arise from the disease itself or from the treatment. Surgery takes recovery time. There will be pain during the recovery. Your vet will probably prescribe pain medicine that should be administered before noticeable signs of pain arise. By keeping your cat comfortable you are enabling the body to better heal itself.

Your cat may attempt to hide the signs of pain. This is a protective mechanism that goes back to the days before feline domestication. The best way to assess the pain in your cat is by keeping close track of their behavior. If their activity level decreases or they seem to be avoiding interaction with you and have a poor appetite, the chances are good that they are in pain. They will also have a tendency to lick or scratch the affected area.
Tumors of the kidney and bladder as well as the esophagus, colon, rectum and Cat Stomach Tumor are very painful. All of these areas can have leiomysarcomas.

The importance of maintaining good nutrition in your cat with cancer

Severe Cat Loss of Weight in cats that do have any type of Cat Cancer is quite common. This is especially true in cats with cancer of their digestive tract. Part of this is loss of appetite and part because the nutrients are not absorbed as they should be. Other reasons are problems chewing and swallowing.

Malnutrition in your Cat with Cancer

Your cat’s quality of life is greatly diminished when they cannot eat enough to maintain a satisfactory nutritional status. Their immune system can become compromised which will decrease their ability to recover. It can result in delay of healing after surgery and lack of interest in normal activity. Low levels of protein are especially damaging to pets that are in the healing process.

Consultation with your veterinary oncologist and a Cat Cancer Diets and Cat Cancer Dietary Supplements plan that is high in protein and easy to digest is vital for your cat’s continued good health.

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