Cat Spleen Tumor

Spleen tumors are very aggressive. Hemangiosarcoma, a type of spleen tumor, is more common in dogs than in cats. There is little time after diagnosis that can be spared before treatment is begun. The spleen is a very vascular organ. It is the storehouse of blood. Its job is to remove damaged and old cells and this helps the immune system. It is also one organ that a cat can actually survive without. Hemangiosarcomas are usually formed within a cat’s blood vessels. Unfortunately, this type of Cat Cancer is very aggressive. It can also rupture which would cause your cat to bleed to death.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of spleen tumors are not specific. They may have weakness, Cat Loss of Appetite and consequently Cat Loss of Weight. Your cat may also have a Cat Swollen Abdomen; and in some cases, sudden death, if it ruptures.

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis is very important to improve the prognosis. The physical examination by your vet may reveal a mass in the abdomen. If so, x-rays and other imaging studies may be ordered if necessary.

Treatment Options

Surgery is the only treatment that proves to be successful. It may be followed by Cat Cancer Chemotherapy to slow the rate of metastasis in other organs. After surgery has been completed, most cats will be able to return to their homes within 48 hours. Bleeding is the most common complication and therefore your cat may receive blood transfusions before surgery. Often when the vet opens the abdomen their visual examination may reveal a significant amount of metastasis. It is then your decision as to whether or not the surgery should proceed. Realizing that the metastasis will continue to cause undo pain for your cat may lead you to the decision to euthanize your cat rather than put them through follow up treatment and continued pain. However, you may also decide instead to offer your beloved cat Cat Palliative Cancer Care in order to prolong the quality and quantity of their life.

If surgery cannot be performed for whatever reason, chemotherapy may be the only course available. In some cases this is often not successful. It is at these times that loving cat owners must decide if they are there for their cat, or if their cat is there for them.

Pain in Cats with cancer

There is no doubt that any type of cancer in your cat will cause pain. The degree of pain varies with the location of the cancer and the treatment that you decide to pursue with the recommendation of your veterinarian. Cancer is not the only thing that causes the pain, but the treatment can cause pain as well. Post operative treatment will include a considerable amount of pain. Your vet will give you a prescription for analgesics to relieve pain. They should be given as directed. Prevention of the severe pain will enable your cat to continue with some of their normal activities.

A cat’s normal reaction to pain is a defense mechanism which will cause them to retreat and become distant from their normal activities. You, as their caring owner, can prevent this by controlling your cat’s pain. Things can happen quickly and so you should always observe your cat closely.

Diet during cancer and treatment

You need to discuss an adequate nutritional state for your cat. They will need adequate nutrition to maintain their immune systems which will help them fight the disease and maintain some of their normal activities. There are many different types of Cat Cancer Diets and Cat Cancer Dietary Supplements that can enhance your cat’s wellbeing.

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