Multiple Myeloma in Cats

Cause

• White blood cells protect the body from infection. Plasma cells, in particular, make antibodies to combat viral or bacterial infection. A plasma cell can short-circuit and copy itself over and over again creating a multiple myeloma tumor. These tumors reside in the blood and bone marrow.

Significance

• The cancerous plasma cells produce too many antibodies that abnormally thicken the cat's blood. This stresses the feline's heart and prevents adequate oxygen delivery to the tissues. Heart disease, damage to the kidneys and eyes and infection are all effects of multiple myeloma.

Symptoms

• Cats with multiple myeloma refuse to eat, yet drink and urinate more. They also demonstrate lameness and weakness, might bleed from their nose or gums and, much to the owner's dismay, lose consciousness and suffer seizures.

Diagnosis

• Blood work, urinalysis, x-rays and bone marrow biopsies aid veterinarians in diagnosing multiple myeloma. Common test results for feline multiple myeloma reveal, "atypical plasma cell morphology, hypocholesterolemia, anemia, bone lesions, and multi-organ involvement," reports the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology. In other words, the vet will see the abnormal morphing of plasma cells and the damage inflicted upon the feline's various organs.

Treatment

• Treatment for multiple myeloma is drastic. Felines undergo chemotherapy and, in some cases, require blood transfusions to remove excess antibodies produced by the overactive plasma cells. Disease-related kidney damage requires hospitalization and intravenous therapy.