What are the symptoms of intestinal lymphoma in cats?

What are the symptoms of intestinal lymphoma in cats?

Some of the most common symptoms of intestinal lymphoma in cats include weight loss, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These symptoms can also be signs related to other diseases, so if your pet shows these signs, contact your veterinarian.

How Long Can cats live with intestinal lymphoma?

Cats with lymphoma who are not treated with chemotherapy have an average survival time of 4 weeks once the diagnosis has been made. Cats with intestinal lymphoma who are treated with prednisone alone have a life expectancy of 60-90 days. Other protocols using multiple drugs yield significantly better results.

What causes alimentary lymphoma in cats?

An infectious aetiology has been suggested because the risk of developing AL is greater in cats infected by feline retroviruses (feline leukaemia virus [FeLV] or feline immunodeficiency virus [FIV]).

How quickly does intestinal lymphoma progress in cats?

Cats with large cell gastrointestinal lymphoma tend to have a rapid onset of signs (days or weeks) versus cats with small cell gastrointestinal lymphoma that usually have chronic signs (months). Other signs include trouble breathing (nasal or mediastinal) lymphoma.

When is it time to put a cat down with lymphoma?

If your pet has rapid weight loss, is weak, starts to eat less, has vomiting or diarrhea, then it may be time to euthanize.

Is intestinal lymphoma curable in cats?

Most cases of gastrointestinal lymphoma are low-grade lymphoma. With treatment, approximately 70% of cats with low-grade lymphoma will go into remission. Lymphoma is never truly ‘cured,’ but remission is a term that is used to describe the temporary resolution of all signs of lymphoma.

What do you feed a cat with intestinal lymphoma?

While there are no specific diets for cancer patients, there are several therapeutic diet formulations, including some canned kitten foods, with nutrient profiles that are close to the cancer-specific recommendations. One such diet is Hill’s® Prescription Diet® a/d®.

Are cats with lymphoma in pain?

Intermediate to advanced lymphoma signs include: Abdominal pain or distention. Increased thirst and urination. Respiratory distress.

What causes intestinal lymphoma in cats?

Viruses FeLV and FIV often cause lymphoma in cats. Vaccination against FeLV and testing for both these viruses help with disease prevention and spread. Avoiding contact with FeLV or FIV-infected cats and areas with smoke can also prevent lymphoma in cats.

How can I help my cat with lymphoma?

Small cell lymphomas, which are not considered aggressive, can be treated at home. A steroid-based drug such as prednisolone and a chemotherapy drug your cat can take by mouth (like chlorambucil) are used for treatment. Cats usually tolerate these treatments well. Medication may help your cat survive for 2 to 4 years.

Why do cats with lymphoma stop eating?

Chemotherapy affects rapidly reproducing cells. Cancer cells are the intended target, but the cells that line the stomach and intestines are also rapidly dividing and can be affected. The result is often nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea which typically decreases a cat’s appetite and food consumption.

Why do cats get intestinal lymphoma?