Feline Bone Cancer: Risks, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Life Expectancy

Feline bone cancer, osteosarcoma, is both common and devastatingly aggressive. The disease is a tumor that affects the bones. These are some facts about the disease.

Who it Affects

Despite the name, feline bone cancer actually affects both dogs and cats. However, in cats the progression is slower, which is a relative term in what is otherwise a fast-moving disease. In addition, although younger animals can be affected, usually it is older ones, ten years and above, that will develop the disease.

Symptoms

Because feline bone cancer is such a fast-moving disease, it is important to seek treatment early. However, symptoms do not usually develop until the disease is in its later stages. Some of the symptoms to look for mimic those of arthritis in humans: joint stiffness, limping, and bodily pain.

Diagnosis

Like the symptoms, the diagnosis of osteosarcoma, mimics that of humans. Doctors will x-ray the animal and if tumors show up (usually in the form of a dark shadow), they will perform a biopsy. Biopsies are when a portion of the bone is removed and then tested to see if the tumors are malignant (cancerous) or benign (harmless). If the tumors are found to be malignant, then the veterinarian will perform x-rays on the animal's chest and abdomen to see if the cancer has spread. Diagnosing whether the cancer has spread is an integral part in discerning the next course of treatment.

Treatment

Depending on the stage at which the feline bone cancer is caught, some of the options for treatment include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. As with other forms of cancer, this cancer is most treatable when caught earlier. This is where cats, whose progression is slower, are more fortunate than dogs. When surgery is performed, the tumors will be removed as much as possible, sometimes leading to amputation of one or more limbs. Chemotherapy will follow as a way to get rid of all cancerous cells. Radiation is another option that is sometimes more effective than chemotherapy because it treats specific areas as opposed to the entire body. After surgery, amputation, or chemotherapy, the animal will most likely be in a lot of pain and/or nausea, so medication will be prescribed. In addition, while there is no absolute preventative measure against this disease, Cat-Health-Guide.org mentions that some herbal ingredients such as PetAlive C-Caps have shown promising results in clinical trials of contributing to animals' overall health. They recommend discussing that product with your veterinarian as a possible preventative measure and treatment.

Life Expectancy

Fortunately, since feline bone cancer is treatable, the earlier the cancer is caught and if the entire tumor can be removed, the better the chances are that the cat will recover. If the cancer is not caught early or the tumor cannot be completely removed, then treatment can be given to prolong the animal's life. Overall, eighteen months to two years is the average survival rate for a cat with feline bone cancer, with many animals living longer.

Sources:

"Feline Bone Cancer". Cat-Health-Guide.org.

"Feline Bone Tumors". Max's House.