Cat Intracranial Neoplasia

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

Cat Intracranial Neoplasia

Intracranial neoplasia tumors are categorized with two different terms: primary and secondary.

The primary tumors start in the spinal cord, brain and other areas of the central nervous system of a cat. Although there is usually only on single tumor, there have been instances of multiple tumors as well.

Secondary tumors are tumors that have metastasized to a cat’s brain. The most common type of these secondary tumors originates in the cat’s nose, breasts or prostate gland as well as their lungs.

Signs and Symptoms

Changes in the cat may occur gradually over a long period of time, sometimes even years. Initially they will have headaches that they can’t tell you about, avoid noises and appear to suffer from Cat Lethargy.

Generally speaking, cats will experience less Cat Seizures than their canine counterpart. This is especially true if the seizures occur after the age of 4 in dogs and 10 in cats. Male cats are more likely develop this than females. The seizure can be either generalized, grand mal, or focal. You may notice that your cat appears to have an altered posture, or a change in their gait, circling, Cat Depression, Cat Diarrhea and/or Cat Increased Urination as well as failing to use their litter box, and behavior changes.

If the tumor is in the area of the brain stem, you may notice profound weakness, vision or hearing loss or smell. It there is weakness and lethargy, the tumor is usually located in the sensory motor region or the frontoparietal area. With visual changes, involvement of the optic nerve may be evident. Each sensory loss indicates a tumor in a different area of the brain.

Diagnosis

Laboratory tests such as chemistry panels, urinalysis and hemogram are initially performed. X-rays are only useful if the tumors are in the nasal cavity or the skull and extend into the cat’s brain.

Some analysis of cerebrospinal fluid will be done. Due to the fact that there is increased pressure within the spinal column, if drainage is not performed with an experienced hand, the change in pressure can cause the brain to herniate. This is the last test that will be performed because of its potential danger to the cat.

CT scans can tell you the size and exact location of the tumor. MRI is also used in treatment as they are advanced in their abilities compared to CT scans.

Biopsies can also be done and is very important. The biopsy is done while the CT is being performed which practically eliminates former complications of the procedure.

Treatment Options

Treatment is used to control other effects of the tumor. These include cerebral edema and intracranial pressure. This can be done by reducing the size of the tumor or eliminating it. This can be accomplished by radiation, chemotherapy, surgery or immunotherapy.
Surgery is often used in the treatment of intracranial neoplasia. Surgery will depend on the area of the brain that is involved, the size of the tumor and the rate of growth. In the event that surgery, gene therapy, and immunotherapy are unsuccessful in the treatment, palliative forms of therapy will be carried out. This can include medication and is temporary.

Prognosis

The poor supply of data does not lead to definitive diagnoses. Some relief is noted with surgery, but not always. Often combination therapies are used to achieve better results.

Read also: Cat Aggression
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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

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