Frequently Asked Questions about Cancer in Pets

Common questions regarding caring for your pet with cancer.

Cat

Cancer Symptoms in Cats Question Do cats have different symptoms of cancer than dogs? Erika Krick, VMD, DACVIM Veterinary Medical Oncologist, University of Pennsylvania, responds: Answer Cats sometimes act more ill compared to dogs, but overall the common signs of cancer are similar between the 2 species. Cats are more likely to have intestinal tumors, so they are
Do Cats Lose Hair from Chemotherapy? Question Will my cat loose her hair from chemotherapy? Erika Krick, VMD, DACVIM Veterinary Medical Oncologist, University of Pennsylvania, responds: Answer Cats often lose their whiskers from chemotherapy, and we don't usually see any problems as a result. In addition, cats that are receiving chemotherapy can lose some of their coarse guard
Visceral Mast Cell Tumor in Cats Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My cat was diagnosed with a mast cell tumor in his abdomen and prescribed cyproheptadine twice a day. I would like to know how this drug works against this disease. Lili Duda, VMD, Section Editor of the OncoLink Veterinary Oncology Menu, responds:Mast cells are white blood cells that play a role in allergic
Use of Prednisone in Cats' Cancer Treatment Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My cat was diagnosed with mammary cancer 3 years ago and had surgery but no other treatment was suggested. Tumors recurred with a second surgery recently. She is now on a chemotherapy schedule but prognosis is poor. One of the drugs she is taking is prednisone (daily) and I would like to know what
Peritoneal Mesothelioma in Cats Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My cat has a peritoneal mesothelioma. My vet says that this pathology is very rare in cats and is studying a protocol for the chemotherapy (possibly intracavitary chemotherapy). My vet attended two dogs with cisplatin, with good results, but this drug is lethal for cats. Can you send me information
Mast Cell Tumors in Cats Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I need specific information on mast cell tumors in cats. My cat was presumed to have a mammary tumor, and your information was very helpful. After surgery and biopsy, however, she was diagnosed with a mast cell tumor and I am now unsure as to what more should be done. The borders appeared to be free
Treatment and Prevention of Skin Cancer in White Cats I am a cat lover and owner of two geriatric cats. I have a question about how to prevent and treat skin cancer for a white kitty. Can you help us to help our feline friends? Lili Duda, VMD, Section Editor of the OncoLink Veterinary Oncology Menu, responds: Skin cancer in white cats is due to excessive sun exposure
Multiple myeloma in cats Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Our 15 1/2 year old cat recently has been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. Can you tell me a little about the diagnosis and possible treatments? Lili Duda, VMD, Section Editor of the OncoLink Veterinary Oncology Menu, responds:Multiple myeloma is an uncommon cancer of a type of white blood cell known as a
Kidney Cancer in Cats Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My 12.5-year-old cat was just diagnosed with cancer in his right kidney. Apparently there is a tumor, and the kidney biopsy showed that the kidney tissue was dying. What is the best next step to take? We were told it was carcinoma. Does Prednisone help at all? I have read a lot about that medication. Lili Duda, VMD,