For anyone who owns a pet, being aware of certain types of diseases is crucial to maintaining their quality of life in the event that they’re sick. Lymphoma is a type of cancer frequently diagnosed in cats, however lymphoma in dogs is also quite common as well.. Invading the blood cells, it is a cancer that originates in the lymphocyte cells, which play a vital part in the body’s immune system.
Because they comprise the majority of the cells found in the lymph nodes, they are integral to your cat’s natural defenses against disease. This article will explore the causes, signs, and types of treatment for feline lymphoma so that you can provide the best care for your beloved cat in the instance he or she is ill.
What Is Lymphoma?
A network of nodes and vessels that are capable of transporting disease organisms and foreign proteins, the lymph system is found in blood and tissues throughout your cat’s body. Consequently, they perform an important role in the immune system, such as manufacturing antibodies and other biological substances that stave off disease and infection.
In the instance of lymphoma, the cancer cells attack and destroy normal healthy tissues throughout the body. Although lymphoma can manifest itself anywhere in your cat’s body, certain sites (such as the lymph nodes, GI tract and mediastinum) are more frequently affected by the disease than others.
Additionally, there are two forms of lymphocytes: B and T cells; lymphoma may involve abnormal or malignant cell growth that occurs primarily in the lymph nodes, bone marrow, and visceral organs (such as the heart, lungs, liver, pancreas or intestines). Responsible for nearly 90% of blood cancers in cats, lymphoma is also accountable for roughly 33% of feline tumors, as well as the most frequent cause for hypercalcemia.
As lymphoma progresses, the disease can affect other organs within the body. Signs may include chronic fatigue/lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea, and a decrease in appetite. However, due to the different types of feline lymphoma and anatomical site of the disease, physical symptoms may vary. Below, a list of commonly-diagnosed forms of feline lymphoma along with corresponding symptoms:
