Feline Bone Disease

Osteosarcoma, a cancerous tumor mainly affecting the long bones, is one of the most common forms of cancer and bone disease in felines according to pet-health-guide.org.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms associated with this bone disease include stiffness, limping, and obvious pain as a result of walking. Because symptoms typically are not present until the disease has started to progress, owners should immediately take their felines to a veterinarian upon noticing the signs.

    Diagnosis

    • Veterinarians will immediately perform tests in order to accurately diagnose osteosarcoma, as well as eliminate any other disease. Examples of the tests performed include radiographs of the chest and lungs, urinalysis, and a biopsy of the suspected tumor.

    Prevention

    • Unfortunately, bone cancer in cats is difficult to prevent. However, cats exhibiting symptoms of bone cancer should be limited in activity and be closely watched in order to prevent any further damage.

    Treatment

    • Depending on the stage of the disease, veterinarians will often prescribe either chemotherapy or radiation treatment. In extreme cases, the cat's affected limb may need to be amputated in order to spare its life. Check with your veterinarian for explanations of services the practice provides. If cancer treatment is available, obtain a list of fees and charges as the costs to you can be high.

    Prognosis

    • Feline bone cancer is completely treatable depending on the stage of the disease and whether or not the tumor is able to be extracted. In cases where initial treatment has failed, other treatments can be suggested by veterinarians in order to prolong the life of the feline.