Causes of intestinal lymphoma in cats, types and symptoms of the disease, features of treatment and prognosis

One of the most prevalent cancers that affect cats, especially the elderly, is intestinal lymphoma. This kind of cancer, which usually starts in the intestines and spreads throughout the body, targets the lymphatic system. Even though it can be a dangerous and drastically changing illness, managing the disease can be greatly improved by being aware of its causes, symptoms, and available treatments.

Although the exact cause of intestinal lymphoma is unknown, a cat’s risk may be raised by age and preexisting medical issues. Early detection of symptoms such as weight loss, vomiting, and appetite changes can result in more accurate diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.

This post will discuss the different forms of intestinal lymphoma, warning signs to look out for, and available treatments. Many cats can still have a good quality of life after being diagnosed if they receive the appropriate care.

What is intestinal lymphoma, for what reason does it occur in cats?

Cat lymphoid tissues are impacted by this oncological disease called lymphoma. This kind of cancer cannot be effectively cured. The only thing the doctors can do is extend the cat’s life.

Although they are unable to identify the precise origin of the tumor, veterinarians can identify its contributing factors:

• poor ecology in the animal"s place of residence;
• hereditary predisposition (if the animal"s parents suffered from lymphoma, there is a high probability that the offspring may also develop such a neoplasm in the intestine);
• prolonged exposure of the animal"s body to ionizing radiation and the intake of heavy metals;
• blood infection with the leukemia virus (homeless animals are carriers of the virus).

The genome of lymphocytes may be negatively altered by any one of these causes. Cell division fails, leading to an uncontrollably high rate of cell multiplication. Their unchecked growth causes a malignant tumor (lymphoma) to develop. The animal’s condition rapidly deteriorates, the digestive system is disturbed, and metastases penetrate lymphoid tissues as a result of tumor growth.

Types and symptoms of the disease

There are four types of lymphoma: extranodular, multicentric, alimentary, and mediastinal. Each kind is distinguished by a unique lesion and distinctive symptoms:

• Alimentary lymphoma affects all layers of the walls of the stomach, intestines and mesenteric nodes. Localization of lesions can be focal or diffuse. Manifested by the following symptoms: vomiting, loose stools, bloating in the abdominal cavity, refusal to eat, pale mucous membranes, apathy and rapid weight loss.
• With the mediastinal (large cell) form, the mediastinal lymph nodes and thymus (thymus gland) are affected. Formed against the background of infection with the leukemia virus. Causes cyanosis of the mucous membranes, severe shortness of breath, cough. The heartbeat weakens, pleural effusion is observed, it becomes difficult for the cat swallow.
• Multicentric lymphoma affects the superficial lymph nodes, penetrates the liver and spleen. Has a latent form of the course. The main sign of the presence of the disease is a gradual decrease in the animal"s weight without changing the diet and feeding regime. Later, mild anemia and changes in the leukocyte formula of the blood appear.
• The extranodular form of lymphosarcoma differs from other types of the disease in that it does not affect the lymph nodes. Negative changes affect the animal"s skin, nose, eyes, central nervous system, abdominal region, liver and kidneys. Ulcers and weeping eczema form on the skin, the central nervous system responds to the disease with epileptic seizures and paralysis. The kidneys and liver enlarge, there are failures in their functioning. Glaucoma forms in the eyes, vision loss occurs.

See also: Reasons for unpleasant changes: Why did the cat’s nose turn black, white, or dirty and covered in crusts?

It is simple to identify the disease’s symptoms on your own when it comes to the first three types. The most important thing is to pay close attention to your pet and act quickly to address any changes in its appearance or behavior. Tumors with small cells grow more slowly. Veterinarians have noticed an increase in the diagnosis of lymphosarcoma in animals between the ages of 8 and 10. Experts advise owners to take their pets to clinics on a regular basis to have their blood tested.

Diagnostic methods

The veterinarian performs a thorough examination of the animal if lymphoma is suspected. The cat’s skin is found to have bumps and ulcers during the initial examination. The animal’s owner’s complaints are taken into consideration. Usually, the owner reports that their pet isn’t eating or has indigestion, which manifests as vomiting and diarrhea. Breathing difficulties and a pale nose are additional indicators of the illness.

The physician uses instrumental examinations in an attempt to establish an accurate diagnosis. These procedures are listed as follows:

• Chest X-ray – to identify changes in the thymus and detect a tumor;
• Ultrasound – to check the echogenicity of organs and detect their enlargement;
• Biochemical and viral blood tests help to identify negative changes;
• A cytological examination of tumor cells is performed using a puncture or imprint method.

The veterinarian establishes the kind and severity of the illness and creates a plan of care for the animal based on the findings of all the investigations. It is imperative that the owner understands that treatment for lymphoma does not result in the total removal of the malignant tumor. The goal of every treatment plan is to extend and enhance the patient’s quality of life.

Features of treatment

Chemotherapy is the cornerstone of treatment for lymphoma. The body of the cat responds favorably to this disease-fighting strategy in 60% of cases. Only 5 percent of animals show signs of improvement if the disease is advanced. During the four to six month course of chemotherapy, the pet receives weekly doses of the required medication. Periodically, laboratory tests are conducted to assess how effective the course is.

In monochemotherapy, only one class of medication is used. Usually, doxorubicin or cyclophosphamide are used. Since this kind of therapy is ineffective, a combination treatment consisting of multiple medications is typically prescribed for the animal.

See also: Why do cats get bald spots above and under their eyes, lose hair, and develop bald ears?

There are two ways that the drugs can be taken:

• SOR, which includes Cyclophosphamide, Prednisolone and Vincristine. Treatment is carried out without strong side effects and is inexpensive.
• ASOR with the simultaneous use of Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, Prednisolone, Doxorubicin. The scheme is indicated for the treatment of severe stages of the disease.

Surgery is used to remove the tumor if the patient with four legs has a large-sized lymphoma that is threatening their life. Following surgery, the animal is required to receive chemotherapy. The condition greatly improves when stable remission is reached, but this does not indicate that the patient is getting healthier. Every three months, the animal should be brought to the veterinarian.

Feline intestinal lymphoma is a grave cancer of the digestive tract that is frequently associated with genetics, viruses, or chronic inflammation. This illness comes in various forms, such as small and large cell lymphoma, each with unique symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. Though the prognosis varies depending on how advanced the disease is at the time of diagnosis, early detection is crucial because therapies like chemotherapy can help manage the illness. An early diagnosis and timely treatment can enhance a cat’s quality of life.

Prognosis based on the results of therapy

Depending on the organs the tumor affected, the stage of the disease at which treatment was started, and the appropriately chosen chemotherapy regimen, a cat with lymphoma may not live longer. Based on statistical data, 67–69% of patients have good tolerance to chemotherapy, and their survival time increases to six months. Three years are added to the life expectancy of 38% of the animals who experience complete remission. The animal dies if the illness is viral or if the lymph has a specific adverse reaction to the chemotherapy.

The doctor’s prognosis for the four-legged patient is no more than six weeks to live if treatment is not administered or is recommended for a severe form of the disease. Though the result is depressing, the owners are not giving up. When faced with a grave issue, many cat owners fight to the very end to save their pet: they adhere to all medical advice, keep their pet happy, and give him the best possible living environment.

Cats with intestinal lymphoma have a dangerous illness that needs to be treated with care. Knowing its causes, which include viruses and heredity, can make cat owners more mindful of the risks. Effective disease management depends heavily on early detection.

Lymphoma can present with a variety of forms and symptoms, but typical indications like weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea shouldn’t be disregarded. See a veterinarian right away for a comprehensive examination if you observe any strange changes in your cat’s health.

Chemotherapy and supportive care are among the available treatment options. Although each cat’s prognosis is unique, many can still lead fulfilling lives with the appropriate care. Taking care of your cat’s health and well-being on a regular basis is crucial to managing this condition.

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