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Diagnosing Cat Bone Cancer

also see Bone Cancer

also see Cancer in Cats

also see Cat Cancer

also see Cancer in Cats

also see Cat Skull

also see Cat Skeleton

also see Feline Fibrosarcoma 

Cat bone cancer is rare, and occurs much less frequently than in other animals, such as dogs. Still older cats, and cats with certain vitamin deficiencies can be at risk for developing bone tumors.

Types of Cancer

Bone cancer in cats is more commonly reported in males, and the hind limbs are twice as much at risk than the front. Osteosarcoma is the most frequently diagnosed. It is a primary bone tumor, that is, it originates from the bone. Osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone tumor that will spread throughout the cat's body. However, it has a slow metastatic rate and survival can be expected with a complete removal of this cancer.

Fibrosarcoma is the second most common type of bone tumor, though still exceedingly rare in comparison to osteosarcoma. A primary tumor as well, these are locally aggressive and generally do not spread until the tumor is of high grade. It often arises from connective tissue and its cause is largely unknown.

Chondrosarcoma occurs least frequently of the primary bone tumors, and usually occurs singularly. It is not an aggressive form that can be treated often with surgery.

When a cancer originates in another part of the body then migrates to the bones, it becomes known as metastatic. This is usually seen with osteosarcoma, but metastatic bone tumors in cats are rare.

Symptoms of Bone Cancer

The first clinical sign of cancer is lameness in the affected limb. At first it may be subtle, but then will progress. This lameness will be unaffected by most treatments, particularly anti-inflammatory medication. The limb may also swell and the cat may be witnessed limping. Cats with cancer will be in pain, though with their stoic nature they may hide it. Other symptoms can include loss of appetite followed by weight loss.

The Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing cancer is a several-step procedure that involves an extensive check up of the cat's bones, internal organs and blood. The process may look something like this:

After this, most animals will be placed in surgery for amputation of the infected limb. Radiation therapy can sometimes play a role in treating any remaining cancer in the cat, but due to its slow metastasis, this is a case by case decision.

Cats have a much higher rate of survival when faced with cancer than do other animals, and most cats can be cured of it if the proper treatment is received soon enough.

also see An Introduction to Feline Lymphoma

also see Feline Fibrosarcoma Explained

also see Cat Bone Cancer Treatment With Feline Radiation Therapy

also see Preventing Joint Injuries in Cats

also see First Aid For A Broken Cat Bone

also see Feline Cancer Treatment

also see Spleen Problems in Cats

also see Fibrosarcoma - Vaccine Related