Cat Uterine Tumors

This type of tumor is rare in cats and can be benign. Most commonly they are malignant. They will appear in middle aged to older cats that are intact. They can easily be prevented by having your cat spayed before it is a year old.

The most common type of tumor is a fibroid tumor. Most of the tumors are benign and will have no clinical manifestations. If the tumors become large, they can cause pressure on other organs in the cat’s abdomen as well as the development of fluid in the area that is secondary to the tumor.

Occasionally it will appear with an infection in the uterus. It is with that infection that some symptoms may occur.

There are other conditions that cause similar symptoms. Vaginal tumors, vaginitis and infection of the reproductive area can cause discharge. The presence of other tumors in the abdomen may also cause a Cat Swollen Abdomen, distension and the accumulation of fluid.

Gastrointestinal, Cat Kidney Disease, Cat Liver Disease and metabolic diseases can produce many of the common symptoms that will also present with uterine tumors.

Signs and Symptoms

• There will be some discharge from the vagina.

• The abdomen becomes enlarged

• Cat Loss of Appetite

• Cat Vomiting

• Cat Loss of Weight

• Cat Constipation

• Cat Increased Urination, with difficulty

• Fatigue and lack of interest in common activities

Diagnosis

Diagnosis will be made by the usual steps. You should have a good history to present to your veterinarian. It is up to the cat owner to observe any changes in physical activity, behavioral changes or physical changes in their cats.

Your vet will need that complete history and will proceed to do a complete physical examination. This will include blood tests, CBC and chemistry, urinalysis, x-rays and ultrasound of the abdomen and a biopsy if anything is noted on the films.

Treatment Options

Surgery is the only alternative for removal of uterine tumors. The ovaries should be removed as well.

If the tumor is benign, no further treatment is necessary.
If the tumor is malignant, your veterinarian may suggest Cat Cancer Chemotherapy as well. This is intended to prevent the malignant cells from metastasizing to other organs. There aren’t enough studies to give an accurate instance of resolution with chemotherapy.

If infection is present in the uterus, antibiotic therapy will also be initiated.

Home Care

Your veterinary care does not end when you take your cat home. There will be critical follow-ups that the responsible cat owner will have to initiate. Most importantly, you need to observe your cat for the normal improvement that will occur after surgery. Observe your cat’s incision and be alert for signs of infection such as redness, swelling or increased pain.

Prognosis after removal of a benign tumor is excellent. Usually sutures will be removed in a couple of weeks and all will be well.
If malignancy is detected, you vet will need to do frequent follow up visits. In addition to physical examination your vet will take x-rays and ultrasounds of the abdomen to check for further growth. Metastasis is always a possibility with malignant tumors.

If chemotherapy has been initiated, more frequent visits will take place. Any problems with your cat’s health should be reported to your veterinarian immediately.

Once you have your cat home, ensure adequate nutrition and administration of pain medication that will be ordered. Any changes should be brought to the attention of your vet. Follow Cat Palliative Cancer Care guidelines and provide your cat with an adequate Cat Cancer Diets along with Cat Cancer Dietary Supplements.

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