GI Lymphoma in Cats

Gastrointestinal lymphoma is one of many different types of lymphomas that can affect cats. GI lymphoma is actually a term that may be used to describe a collective group of organs affected by lymphoma, including but not limited to the lymph nodes, the liver, the stomach, the small intestines or the colon. When GI lymphoma occurs, it can mean the cancer is affecting one or all of these organs. Dr. Kimberly Cronin of PetPlace.com notes that gastrointestinal lymphoma is the most common form of lymphoma affecting cats in the United States.

  1. Causes

    • Generally, the cause of any feline cancer is unknown. Feline gastrointestinal lymphoma is no exception and may occur for several reasons, including environmental factors such as pesticides or the types of food the cat has eaten. Veterinarian Arnold Plotnick of Manhattan Cats notes that infection with certain viruses, such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), may also contribute to developing GI lymphoma.

    Symptoms

    • Many of the symptoms of GI lymphoma are related to the gastrointestinal tract and can include issues such as vomiting or diarrhea. The affected cat may also suffer from a loss of appetite, which would subsequently lead to weight loss. The lymphoma may also cause swollen lymph nodes, though these may or may not be noticeable to the owner. Additional symptoms may include changes in behavior such as lethargy, increased thirst, difficulty breathing and increased urination.

    Diagnosis

    • There are a large number of potential illnesses that may cause the symptoms of GI lymphoma in cats, therefore several tests may be necessary to rule out these other potential causes. Once gastrointestinal lymphoma is suspected, the cat will undergo several diagnostic tests, including a complete blood count and blood panel, a urinalysis and x-rays or ultrasounds. Dr. Kimberly Cronin adds that the affected cat may also undergo a biopsy of the affected tissues or the bone marrow, both of which are done to see how advanced the cancer is.

    Treatment

    • Chemotherapy is one of the main treatment options for cats with GI lymphoma. Chemotherapeutic drugs are given over the course of several weeks and may include medications such as cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisone and vincristine. In the event of localized gastrointestinal lymphoma, radiation therapy may also be an option. Lastly, cats who have larger, accessible tumors may be able to undergo surgical removal of these tumors.

    Prognosis

    • The prognosis for a cat affected by gastrointestinal lymphoma will vary based on several factors, including the age and overall health of the cat, the route of treatment and the severity of the cancer. Some cats can survive for more than two years or more with successful treatment, while other cats may survive for 10 months or in some cases just a few weeks.