What is Lymphoma?
Cats diagnosed with lymphoma tend to be middle-aged or older, although cats can develop lymphoma at any age. While there are no breed dispositions for lymphoma, cats who have had either leukemia or immunodeficiency virus have a higher risk of developing lymphoma.
Lymphoma is a common type of malignant cancer that forms when there is an uncontrolled growth in the number of lymphocytes in the immune system. The primary function of lymphocytes is to protect the cat from foreign bodies or substances that may cause harm. The cancer is most commonly found within the gastrointestinal tract, though it may affect any and all parts of the lymphatic system.
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Symptoms of Lymphoma in Cats
Since lymphoma can occur in various parts of the body, including the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes, symptoms may vary depending on the location of the cancer. It is imperative that you take your cat to the vet immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Enlarged or swollen lymph nodes
- Weight loss associated with loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Lethargy or weakness
- Panting
- Insomnia or restlessness
- Muscle atrophy
- Depression
If the following severe symptoms are present, the cancer is in a crisis stage and requires immediate veterinary attention.
- Seizures
- Labored breathing
- Excessive meowing
Lymphoma that is left untreated has a rapid and high mortality rate. Consult your vet immediately in order to ensure the best prognosis possible.
Causes of Lymphoma in Cats
Lymphoma is caused when lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, begin to proliferate, or multiply rapidly at an uncontrolled rate. These cells produce antibodies that help fight disease. Lymphocytes travel through a network of blood vessels through several parts of the body, including the kidneys, chest, gastrointestinal tract, nose, spine, and skin. This network is known as the lymphatic system.
There is also a predisposition for lymphoma in cats who have previously suffered from leukemia or the immunodeficiency virus, though this link is not fully understood. Cats who live in homes with an active smoker also have a higher risk for developing gastrointestinal lymphoma.
Different forms of the cancer will reflect different symptoms; if the lymphoma occurs in the skin, you may notice redness, flakiness, or excessive itching. If it occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, a mass may form or the abdomen may become distended.
Diagnosis of Lymphoma in Cats
Your vet will first carry out a physical examination to identify protruding tumor masses. They will likely ask you questions about the cat’s disease history, so be prepared to answer any questions they may have about this or your cat’s symptoms.
Your vet may also use a number of tests in order to confirm a diagnosis of lymphoma. These include blood tests, cell count, urinalysis, and biopsy. If cancer is suspected in the gastrointestinal tract, chest, liver, or spleen, your vet may also perform chest x-rays and ultrasounds. The vet may also test for feline leukemia and immunodeficiency viruses.
Treatment of Lymphoma in Cats
The most effective treatment for cats diagnosed with lymphoma is chemotherapy. This will involve the use of several types of chemotherapeutic drugs. Chemotherapy has the highest chance of putting affected cats into the remission stage.
In some cases, particularly with lymphoma located in the gastrointestinal tract, surgery may be required to remove a physical mass. Radiation treatment may also be used in cats that are unable to undergo chemotherapy.
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Recovery of Lymphoma in Cats
Unlike chemotherapy for humans, chemotherapy for cats will not cause hair loss, but may cause unwanted side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and fever. Your vet may prescribe additional palliative treatment methods to reduce these side effects, including nutritional therapy, and pain management medication.
You will need to ensure that your cat gets plenty of rest during the recovery period. If your cat has had surgery, do not allow it to irritate the surgery site. Always follow your vet’s instructions or recommended courses of treatment to the letter.
There is no cure for lymphoma, but with early detection, immediate action, and swift treatment, your cat will have a better chance of surviving the disease. Your cat will also have a reduced risk for developing lymphoma if you have them vaccinated against feline leukemia and immunodeficiency virus. Ask your vet about these vaccinations, especially if your cat is middle aged.
Unfortunately, due to the aggressive nature of the disease, cats affected by lymphoma generally have a poor prognosis. This is why early detection and treatment are key when it comes to maximizing survival time as well as quality of life. Cats that are older than seven years should have their blood tested by a vet every six months as a preventative measure.
Lymphoma Average Cost
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Average Cost
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Top
Lymphoma Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
tabby
Tessy
13 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Weight Loss, Eating A Lot, Unkempt
My sisters cat was diagnosed with lymphoma 21 mths ago and has not received any treatment. If she has the slow action lymphoma can she survive this long. I am concerned she was misdiagnosed and actually had hyperthyroidism. Is this possible? My understanding is that hyperthyroidism is quite treatable however left too long it can be rater. I appreciate you must suffer from many fools who misdiagnose, but from everything I have read it is virtually impossible for this cat to still be eating (large amounts) and playing almost two years after being diagnosed.
July 16, 2018
0 Recommendations
Twenty-one months without any treatment is a long time, however without examining Tessy myself I cannot say whether or not a misdiagnosis was made; if you suspect that Tessy my have been misdiagnosed you should contact your Veterinarian or another Veterinarian (for a second opinion) for an examination. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 17, 2018
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Calico
Negro
8 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Seizures Walking
My kitty who is 8’has lymphoma. We been tearing him for 3 months with steroids. 48 hours ago he started walking and falling and having petite seizures. I am giving him
Neurontin which helps with the seizures but he continues to walk or try to wal nonstop. I don’t know what to do. I hate to think of euthanasia as I don’t believe in it for animals but I don’t want him to suffer.
July 15, 2018
0 Recommendations
Euthanasia is something which whilst not pleasant to think about, does stop the suffering of an animal and relieves the psychological burden of an owner; it does have its place in veterinary (and human) medicine. Without examining him I cannot determine whether any further treatment would be of benefit and would recommend that you follow up with your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 16, 2018
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short hair
Smokie
16 Years
19 found this helpful
19 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Weight Loss, Decreased Appetite, Nt
Our cat was just diagnosed with lymphoma found in the spleen and liver. We have consented to chemotherapy treatments but are second guessing ourselves. She is 16 years old and we were told her treatment would take 16-20 weeks and her lifespan expectation would be 9-10 months. They didn't say after treatment or including treatment time. We are very confused as to what to do. We don't want her to suffer anymore than necessary. We want to help her as much as we can but not suffer. We could use your suggestions please.
May 27, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
19 Recommendations
That is a very hard decision to make, and I am sorry that that is happening to Smokie. If the chemotherapy is relatively stress free, it may be worth doing to have her around a little while longer, but if she is stressed by visits and the chemotherapy involves many veterinary visits, it may be kinder to her to let her enjoy the time that she has left. Prednisone is a stress free type of minimal chemotherapy, and I'm not sure what other treatments were discussed. It would be best to contact your veterinarian, ask what will be involved with her therapy, and decide whether the extra time is worth any stress for her.
May 27, 2018
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Black Tabby
Mili
6 Years
8 found this helpful
8 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
No Appetite, Short Breathing,Cancer
This Tuesday 5/22/18 my cat mili was diagnosed with cancer (lymphoma) I believe that's how it's spelled. And she has a huge bump on her nipple. An they said it spread to her lungs. An that once it does nothing you can can do about it. An they also removed a small amount of fluid, to
Help take pressure off lungs. My cat is only 6yrs old. She started having breathing problems 2 days before I took her to vet.. like shortness of breath which they said was cause of less room in her lungs. Well they suggested that this Friday I think about euthanization cause I guess it spread to far.. I just wanted someone else's advice. On if I could save her or not. With treatment or somthing .. Been reading up as much as I can to se what I can do.. But I wanna make sure she won't stop breathing in the middle of the night.. Do cats breath like that for a while
With the cancer before they pass? Or
Does that mean she doesn't have much time.. She won't really eat nor
Drink. I use a syringe to help
Her drink.. And eat. Any advice on what to do to help her be comfortable , or if you know if her breathing will
Just keep getting worse then I'll know when to take her to vet. Or will she stay shortness of breath consistent.
I guess I wanna know if her breathing like this means either she is dying or If it's just part of the cancer disease .
May 24, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
8 Recommendations
I'm sorry that that is happening to Mili, that is very sad. Her breathing is probably related to the cancer being in her lungs, and if she has fluid building up, I think she may be suffering and not able to breathe. It is important that she doesn't suffer, and you may need to make a decision for her.
May 24, 2018
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tabby
Sushi
12 Years
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pacing
Meowing
My cat was diagnosed with either lymphoma or something similar (I couldn't afford the biopsy but the specialist was pretty sure it was advanced lymphoma) there is a giant mass in her stomach, smaller ones in her throat, kidney & spleen. She is still eating a lot but recently started meowing a lot & pacing, which recently she's been more quiet & lethargic. Should I be considering pain pills or euthanasia? Or something else? I'm hoping pain pills or something else.
April 28, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
4 Recommendations
If Sushi isnt on any medications, your veterinarian may be able to prescribe somethinng to help keep her comfortable a while longer. Since I can't examine her, it would be best to either call or visit your veterinarian, let them know what is going on, and see if there are any medications that might help her stay comfortable.
April 28, 2018
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dsh
Biggie
15 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Weight Loss, Lethargy
My cat was diagnosed with likely large cell lymphoma after an ultrasound found several enlarged lymph nodes, a mottled spleen and thickened jejonum. He had lost several pounds in the last month and eating about half of what he should. He has a history of pancreatitis. Will prednisolone help? If so, are there any side effects?
Lymphoma Average Cost
From 531 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $10,000
Average Cost
$6,500
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