Types of Bone Cancer in Cats

Bone cancer is often a fatal disease that can affect cats, dogs and other pets. Bone cancer typically strikes cats that are 10 years or older, but it can affect younger cats as well. Cats that have bone cancer may show symptoms that can easily be confused with arthritis, such as pain and stiffness. Limping is also an early sign of bone cancer. Bone cancer is a fast-acting disease and needs to be treated as early as possible. Chemotherapy, radiation treatment and surgery are the most common treatments for feline bone cancer.

  1. Osteosarcoma

    • Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone tumor found in cats. Seventy percent of all cases of feline bone cancer are related to osteosarcoma. This type of bone cancer affects the long bones, usually in the hind legs. Tumors can cause bones to disintegrate. Typically, osteosarcoma advances more slowly in cats than in dogs. Female cats are more likely to be affected than male cats, and domestic shorthair cats are the most likely breed to develop the disease. Cats with osteosarcoma may experience lameness, stiffness or pain in the affected area.

    Fibrosarcoma

    • These tumors are aggressive and metastasize to other organs throughout the body very quickly. One in every 3,000 cats develops fibrosarcoma. Most of these tumors grow at the site of a vaccination, although some do grow naturally. Because the tumors are aggressive, a large portion of the skin and even bone around the tumor is removed during surgery. Surgery is the most common treatment for fibrosarcoma, though it is only effective about 50% of the time.

    Liposarcoma

    • Liposarcoma tumors are localized and spread more slowly than other types of bone cancer. Liposarcoma originates in the fat cells of older cats. If left untreated, it can spread to bone and organs such as the kidneys or liver. Liposarcoma tumors are removed surgically. Because they are slow to spread throughout the body, cats with Liposarcoma have a higher rate of survival than those with other types of cancers.