Lymphoma in Cats
Lymphoma in Cats - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost
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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Lymphoma Average Cost
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Average Cost
$6,500
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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
From 531 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $10,000
Average Cost
$6,500
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Lymphoma Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
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Shorthair
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Harley
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3 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Lymph Nodes Suddenly
Hello, My three-year-old cat suddenly developed swollen lymph nodes in neck, behind ears and on legs. One lump was biopsied and the cat has normal blood results (no high white blood counts). He is a bit anemic, though. He tested negative for Feline lieukemia and had the vaccine two years ago. He is currently on an anti-biotic (Zithromax) for seven days. My vet thinks he may have cat scratch fever but we are awaiting biopsy results if lymphoma. My vet mentioned taking steroids if it is lymphoma and that it is treatable/curable. Can you confirm this? I would treat him if it is treatable/curable and did not put him through months of misery. He was a stray but is young and healthy, otherwise. He had a bad case of fleas and a possible allergy on skin from one lesion (eggs?). His fleas do seem to finally be gone, though. I read that cat scratch fever is carried by fleas. Thanks so much for your second opinion and advice!! Much appreciated, Laura
Jan. 25, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
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Thank you for your email. If Harley's biopsy comes back positive for lymphoma, steroids are a common method of treatment, with somewhat successful results. There are other protocols for chemotherapy that are tolerated quite well by animals, as well, and increase the success of treatment and remission. His lymph nodes might respond to the antibiotics if it is an infection vs lymphoma, but they don't tend to all enlarge suddenly with an infection, so it is good that your veterinarian sent the biopsy off. Once you get the results, you can talk with your veterinarian more about options, but animals do tend to tolerate chemotherapy with steroids and other drugs quite well. I hope that Harley recovers well from this.
Jan. 26, 2018
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Domestic shorthair
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Emma
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12 Years
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My cat was just diagnosed with lymphoma. She has fluid around her spleen, kindeys and a node in her liver. The vet said that she could send me to see a specialist but I’m wonder if she is just too old for this? She also has blood clots due to Saddle Thrombosis that recently happened in October.
Dec. 1, 2017
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An age of 12 years is old, but may not be too old; it really depends on the overall severity of the lymphoma. A visit to a Specialist may be valuable just for the consultation so that you will have a better idea of any surgical or medical options. This can be a stressful time for you and Emma but you should explore all of your options. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Dec. 2, 2017
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short hair ginger
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Taylor
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3 Years
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My cat was diagnosed and treated for biliary a year ago, treatment included use of cortisone and a drug called Primaquinine, today another vet diagnosed him with Lymphoma, i would like to know if the lymphoma could have been caused by the biliary
Oct. 27, 2017
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Biliary (or Babesiosis) and lymphoma are not related, one is parasitic and the other one is multifactorial (but not parasitic). Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Oct. 27, 2017
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Domestic Shirt Haired Moggy
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Izzy
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10 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Lump In Abdomen
My 10 year old cat Izzy has large cell Lymphoma, a lump was found in her abdomen at a routine vaccination appointment and Lymphoma diagnosed on needle biopsy on July 2nd this year. Its isolated to the one lymph gland She was very well at the time. Chemo started straight away with Vincristine and high dose steroids and three weeks later she had her first Lumostine dose. Two weeks after that the lump was no longer palpable, so the Vinicristine was stopped and steroids reduced. However; the Lumostine has knocked her immune system out after each dose, so after admission for IV fluids and antibiotics she’s recovered and we are now looking at tweaking her dose of Lumistine to prevent such a negative effect on her immune system. She has remained very well most of the time with only a couple of very short periods when she’s been slightly quieter. Its early days but the lump hasn’t returned and if you didn’t know her diagnosis you wouldn’t know she has cancer
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Siamese
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Frankie
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17 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Weight Loss
My cat has a mass on his colon which the vet believes is lymphoma. The vet didn’t feel the mass at his visit 6 weeks ago, so it’s grown quickly. He is 17 years old, and in good health otherwise. He has lost weight, and stopped eating and moving his bowels. The vet gave him a steroid injection, and he is eating and going to the potty again. The vet said cats usually live a few months with this condition. Unfortunately, we have a vacation planned in a few weeks and I’m miserable about going away knowing how sick he is.
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mixed
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Phidget
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17 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Weight Loss, Hematuria
Our sweet 17 and 1/2 year old kitty Phidget has been losing weight and has had "pink urine" for a few weeks. At first I noticed the weight loss, and even though its hard to see urine color in the sandbox, when a puddle formed I blotted it with paper and it was pink. So I went to out vet with a collected urine sample (not hard to do with a small snack size plastic baggie). He did some blood work to rule out thyroid issues, noted she was anemic, did an ultrasound (no visible tumors in her belly or kidneys), and gave her a long acting antibiotic shot. She also got 100 cc of saline subcutaneously in office. No change in the rose colored urine for 6 days, then for 24 hours, she had clear yellow urine! Relief. Until the rose tint cam back a day later. Back to vet, who is now trying to rule out lymphoma. Phidget seems happy, purrs, has a good appetite and except for arthritis, appears non-plussed about this problem. Physically, she has lost so much weight, but is still quite content. My biggest concern is her happiness and being comfortable. Any thoughts, MD's or friends with experiences w older cats?
Lymphoma Average Cost
From 531 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $10,000
Average Cost
$6,500
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