Osteosarcoma refers to a type of bone tumor that can be
found in cats. Although it is rare, the disease is extremely aggressive and has
a tendency to spread rapidly into other parts of the animal's body
(metastasize). There are treatment options available, but generally the long
term prognosis for the animal is poor.
The condition or disease described in this medical article
can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how this
disease affects dogs please use the link Osteosarcoma in Dogs
Symptoms and Types
Many signs of bone cancer are subtle. They can include
swelling, lameness, and joint or bone pain. In some cases, cats suffering from
bone cancer will appear tired or have anorexia. Occasionally, cats will exhibit
a mass growth on their body or a painful inflammation around the sight of the
tumor.
Causes
Current knowledge of the disease has not linked genetics or
gender to the condition, but bone cancer does appear more often in large to
giant breeds of cats.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will use X-rays to view the mass, often
using several angles to get an accurate picture. Other tests include biopsies,
blood tests, bone scans, and CAT scans to view the bone areas, and the mass, if
discovered. If the diagnosis is bone cancer, it is important to note that the
prognosis is often unfavorable and that there are numerous side effects to the
treatment options. Management on your part will be required.
Treatment
Chemotherapy is often used as a supplement to any surgical
options to ensure that the disease has not spread into other areas of the cat's
body, particularly the lymph nodes. In severe cases, limbs may need to be
amputated to completely remove the bone cancer.
Living and Management
Activity will be restricted following any surgery. A pain
management program and medications are frequently prescribed for the animal
following surgery. Medications commonly work to manage pain and reduce
inflammation. Ongoing management and monitoring of the cat's white and red
blood cell counts will be recommended, and chest X-rays are often used to
determine remission.
Prevention
There are currently no known prevention methods for bone
cancer.
Credit: PetMD
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