Gastrointestinal Lymphoma in Cats

Gastrointestinal lymphoma is a condition that can occur in cats. It is the most common type of lymphoma in cats and usually occurs in cats over the age of 9. Gastrointestinal lymphoma is more common in males than females. The breed that has the highest incidence of gastrointestinal lymphoma is domestic short-hairs.

  1. Identification

    • According to The Free Online Dictionary.com, lymphoma is defined as any form of malignant tumors that arise in the lymphoid tissue or lymph nodes. Lymphoma involves cells known as lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are found in various parts of the body, such as the gastrointestinal tract, lymph nodes, skin, kidneys, liver, spleen, bone marrow, nervous system and nose. Gastrointestinal lymphoma occurs in the gastrointestinal tract of the cat, such as the small intestine or the large intestine.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms of gastrointestinal lymphoma in cats may include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, weight loss, excessive urination and increased thirst. It is possible for cats to have gastrointestinal lymphoma with no noticeable symptoms. According to the Cat-Health-Guide.com, cats may have little to no vomiting or weight loss and be quite ill with lymphoma.

    Diagnosis

    • A biopsy taken by a veterinarian may confirm the diagnosis of gastrointestinal lymphoma in cats. A biopsy is a sample of tissue taken from the intestine and examined under a microscope. Endoscopy is another way veterinarians can diagnose gastrointestinal lymphoma in cats. This involves sedating the cat, passing an endoscope down the throat, through the stomach and into the intestine. A sample of the tissue may be obtained and examined. The veterinarian will grade the lymphoma according to how quickly the cells are multiplying and growing, and how malignant they appear. Veterinarians use the terms low, medium and high in grading lymphoma, with high being the most malignant.

    Treatment

    • Severe cases of gastrointestinal lymphoma in cats may require surgery to remove the tumor. However, according to the Cat-Health-Guide.com, surgery alone will not cure gastrointestinal lymphoma in cats. Chemotherapy may also be performed to reduce the likelihood of recurring tumors. Chemotherapy is usually well tolerated by cats, but some side effects may occur as a result of the treatment. These side effects may include vomiting, fatigue and loss of appetite.

    Prognosis

    • The prognosis for cats with low grade gastrointestinal lymphoma is fair with chemotherapy. High grade lymphoma has a poor prognosis, as many cats are quite sick before treatment. Cats may live a few months to a year after the diagnosis of lymphoma, depending on the grade of lymphoma and severity of symptoms. If your cat has symptoms of gastrointestinal lymphoma, consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Early detection is the key to your cat's survival.