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Brain Tumors in Cats
What are Brain Tumors?
Tumors are a collection of cells that grow in an abnormal way. Veterinarians place brain tumors into two different categories. If a tumor originates in the cat’s brain and its membranes, it is known as a primary tumor. Tumors that begin elsewhere in the body and spread to the brain are known as secondary tumors.
Cats can develop medical conditions similar to humans. While most cats are generally healthy, there are some conditions that can pose a threat to their health. Brain tumors are such a condition. While this type of cancer is more common in dogs than cats, cats can still develop tumors that can be cancerous.
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Symptoms of Brain Tumors in Cats
Cats that develop brain tumors can exhibit a variety of symptoms. Below are some of the most common symptoms seen in domestic cats:
- Sudden onset of seizures
- Head tilt
- Pacing
- Circling or chasing the tail
- Increased or diminished hunger
- Increased or diminished thirst
- Pressing the head into the floor or furniture
- Decreased sensation on one side of the body
- Diminished vision
- Staggering
- Drunk appearance
- Vomiting
- Problems swallowing
- Tremors
- Swaying of the body
- Inability to move the eyes
- Increased vocal sounds
Causes of Brain Tumors in Cats
While some brain tumors occur with no known cause, veterinarians believe there are certain factors that place cats at an increased risk of developing them. Some conditions that are believed to contribute to brain tumors include:
- Genetics
- Diet
- Environmental factors
- Chemical exposure
- Taking certain medications
Diagnosis of Brain Tumors in Cats
In order to diagnose brain tumors in cats, doctors take a detailed history from the cat’s owner. This questionnaire includes information such as unusual birth history, pre-existing conditions and when symptoms first appeared. After taking a medical history, the doctor will examine the cat thoroughly. He will observe the cat’s gait, demeanor and motor skills. Most veterinarians suspect brain tumors in cats over five years of age if they exhibit neurological symptoms.
A sample of blood will be taken from the cat and examined for any abnormalities. Routine tests such as a biochemical profile and a CBC, or complete blood count, are performed. A urinalysis will also be performed and examined. Doctors typically take an X-ray of the head to see if a tumor is visible. However, many tumors are difficult to see on routine X-ray films. Additional images may be taken of the chest and abdomen to see if cancer has spread to any vital organs. If additional images of the brain are necessary, doctors may order an MRI or CT scan to help confirm the diagnosis. Doctors often perform a biopsy of the tumor if possible to determine if it is malignant.
Treatment of Brain Tumors in Cats
The treatment recommended for brain tumors in cats depends on several factors, such as the location and type of the tumor. If the veterinarian feels the tumor can be successfully removed, he may perform surgery. Meningiomas are the easiest type of tumor to remove and typically offer the best outcome for the pet. Gliomas are the most problematic, because they often lie deep within the tissues of the brain.
Radiation and chemotherapy can also be performed in an attempt to treat brain tumors in pets. Again, the type of tumor dictates the outcome of the treatment. Typically, cats that have advanced symptoms will not have as favorable an outcome as those who just began exhibiting symptoms. Larger tumors also have a reduced success rate. In cats that are very ill, doctors may opt to use palliative care to keep the symptoms under control. This may include medications to control seizures or administering steroids. Palliative care does not provide a cure, it merely keeps the cat comfortable and gives him time with his owners.
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Recovery of Brain Tumors in Cats
The recovery of this condition depends on the placement of the tumor, the health of the cat and whether it is benign or malignant. If caught early and the cat is young, treatment may have a favorable outcome. Cats that are older or in poor health, often do not recover as well from this type of condition. In some cases, veterinarians may recommend euthanasia as the most humane way to treat very sick animals. While this is not the desired outcome, it keeps owners from watching their beloved pet suffer from an incurable condition.
Brain Tumors Average Cost
From 591 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $10,000
Average Cost
$8,000
Top
Brain Tumors Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
domestic short hair
Sam
1 Year
14 found this helpful
14 found this helpful
July 29, 2018
14 Recommendations
July 29, 2018
short hair
Cracker
15 Years
22 found this helpful
22 found this helpful
July 27, 2018
22 Recommendations
July 28, 2018
Thank you for your input.....I do know that until we get an MRI, if they can do one, we won't know for sure....and if I'm faced with making a decision about surgery, I wont be able to make that decision without guilt no matter what I decide to do. I think at this point, prayer is my only hope...but thank you anyway. The vet here was very cold and demeaning....I will NOT be euthanizing her....I have experienced that choice and have brought a cat home to pass with their family....the latter was a much better way to handle it....animals are much calmer and happier at home...they shouldn't have to die in a sterile hospital environment surrounded by strangers. I read many success stories about brain tumors in cats of all ages including older ones than mine...that doesn't mean I will opt to go that route if faced with that decision...but I will not let her die away from her family. The vet here indicated just having a brain tumor was cause to put her down and i totally disagree. I know someone personally who had an 18 yr old cat that had a brain tumor and was advised to put her down and she just couldn't do it...not could she afford surgery or any other treatment....6 mos later she took her in for her check-up and the tumor had shrunk all on its own...she lived another 4 yrs until she was 22. I realize that is probably a very unrealistic hope to have for my cat...but not all brain tumors are cancerous and she shows nothing else anywhere in her body...I won't put her down...I won't end her life prematurely just because I (or the vet) "thinks" she might die. No offense...but I disagree with that way of thinking. Animals can't talk...so they can't tell us their level of pain...so who am I to decide that they would rather die that live with some pain. I suffer from lupus and am in pain every day...I am not ready to call it quits. I will continue to pray and hope that she will continue to be with us for a long time.
July 30, 2018
Cracker's Owner
It is quite interesting you mentioned flea medication. Within the last 2 months I had given my 8 yr old big boy (17 lbs) frontline for the first time. He is an indoor cat 90% of the time, but I do allow him outside supervised if I am out in the backyard. Wanted to prevent any fleas and ticks just in case those 20 mins a week he was outside, caused any critter hitchhikers.. Well after about a week from putting the frontline on him he became very lethargic, his vision seemed off and he was not himself. Two months later and now his vision is clearly not as reactive to light and he is circling like crazy, never before. I truly believe i poisoned him with that freaking frontline. I feel awful and I cannot stress to other pet parents to stay away from those medications
Aug. 1, 2018
Kate K.
My cat was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor last week, and I've been giving him revolution also for the first time the last two months. He was completely healthy before and I noticed that it wasn't really working but gave it another try a month later and within a couple days he was in a very bad state. I wish I had seen this sooner because this makes me very concerned.
Aug. 22, 2018
Emilie C.
Brain Tumors Average Cost
From 591 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $10,000
Average Cost
$8,000
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