Tag Archives: oncology

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Can my cat have breast cancer?

Did you know that feline mammary cancer is one of the most common cancers in cats over the age of 10? Mammary tumours are common in domestic cats, and most of them are malignant, meaning they can grow and spread to other organs like the lungs, liver or kidneys.

Unfortunately, most of these will be fatal without treatment, so keeping a close eye on your cat is essential! The sooner treatment starts, the better the chances of him or her being treated without more significant consequences.

Learn more about this common type of cancer below and help your pets live long happy lives!

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a malignant form of a mammary tumour, and it arises from an out-of-control proliferation of the cells of normal tissues of the mammary gland. As these cells multiply and change, the body cannot stop this process, which means they will invade the space around them and do the same in distant organs like the lymph nodes, lungs, liver or kidneys.

In cats, most of these cancers affect females, and as we mentioned, the vast majority of these tumours are serious problems that can be deadly if not caught in time.

One of the first signs is usually a small, non-painful lump near the mammary glands on the skin of your cat’s abdomen, and it may progress to:

  • Less energy;
  • Less appetite;
  • Losing weight without any other reason;
  • The lump getting bigger and spreading;
  • Other nodes appearing nearby on the mammary glands;
  • Painful skin ulcers if the mass (or masses) is/are big enough.

Male cats can also have breast cancer, so if you spot a lump on your cat (regardless of gender), have a chat with your vet without delay!

Can my cat’s mammary tumour be treated?

When your vet finds something that is concerning, he or she will collect the needed samples and ask for other exams such as blood exams, X-rays, a CT scan or abdominal ultrasound in order to diagnose the type of cancer and its stage of development.

As soon as cancer is confirmed, your vet is likely to suggest surgery to remove the tumour and, depending on the severity of the problem and the likelihood the cancer has spread to other places, chemotherapy.

How this disease will progress depends on how early it is detected and it carries the best prognosis if the lump is less than 2cm and has not invaded any other places like the lymph nodes or blood vessels.

If caught in time, your cat will most likely have a good chance of survival with treatment!

How can I help prevent this disease?

While we still don’t know exactly what causes mammary tumours in cats, we do know that unneutered females are more likely to have these types of cancer due to the hormonal environment in their bodies.

To help reduce the chances of breast cancer, vets recommend that you neuter your cat before her first heat cycle in order to remove the chances of hormones causing the development of tumours.

In addition to this, keep an eye on your cat’s mammary glands and feel the area regularly. If you spot anything that feels unusual, like a lump or a skin ulcer, don’t delay – talk to your vet as soon as possible!

 

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline courses

 

Horses, The Pet Professionals

Squamous cell carcinoma in horses

As we’ve mentioned in our previous blog post, horses are prone to several skin cancers, one of the most common being squamous cell carcinoma.

These tumours appear mainly in the skin, around the eyes, genitals and mouth due to overexposure to the sun and unfortunately they can quickly invade surrounding tissues.

Keep reading for important information about squamous cell carcinoma and how to keep your horses safe from this severe skin problem.

What is a squamous cell carcinoma?

Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of malignant skin cancer that is the second most common type of equine cancer.

While many cases do not have an apparent cause, we do know that exposure to UV rays from the sun is a significant risk factor. Due to this, horses with white coats or light hair around the eyes and mouth are at a higher risk of developing this form of cancer.

When these tumours arise, they are likely to invade the surrounding tissues and cause severe damage, which is especially important when they show up on the eyelids. Fortunately, they do not tend to spread to far away organs, but they can still be challenging to treat.

How can I help my horses?

As with all types of cancer, the sooner squamous cell carcinoma is diagnosed, the better, so inspecting your horses regularly will help you spot any lesions early.

For horses at a higher risk, such as light-coloured horses or the more susceptible breeds such as Belgian, Haflingers or Holsteiners, it’s essential to:

  • Use protective eye coverings that block UV rays during the times they are out in the sun;
  • Limit their sun exposure and avoid the hours that are the most dangerous;
  • Pay close attention to any changes of colour in the skin or unexplained growths, especially on the eyelids, genitals and mouth.

Once detected, several treatment options exist, such as surgery, cryotherapy or radiation therapy.

Your vet will evaluate the type of carcinoma and its location and decide on the best course of action to ensure your horse gets an effective treatment with the least amount of side effects.

 

If you’re unsure about a lesion on your horse’s body, don’t hesitate to contact your vet! Getting a proper diagnosis as early as possible is crucial for successful treatment and remission.

Would you like to know more about horses? Check our Equine Courses:

Equine courses