Bone Tumors/Cancer in Cats

Osteosarcoma

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 visit this page in the PetMD health library.

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.

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prognosis

The prediction of a disease’s outcome in advance

remission

The disappearance of the signs and symptoms of a particular disease; this is often used in association with cancer

metastasize

The occurrence or invasion of pathogens away from the point where they originally occurred

lymph nodes

Small structures that filter out the lymph and store lymphocytes

lameness

Any type of pain or tenderness or lack of soundness in the feet or legs of animals

genetics

The study of the laws of inheritance n living things; may also be referred to as breeding

Courtesy of petmd.com Original Article