Most lymphomas in cats are related to feline leukemia, but the alimentary form is usually not even though it's one of the more common form of cancers in cats. It concentrates on the lymph nodes surrounding the digestive system of the cat.
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Symptoms
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Symptoms include marked loss of appetite with vomiting, diarrhea, and very rough hair. Swollen lymph nodes are usually the first noticeable sign.
Prevention/Solution
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Keep cats that haven't yet been vaccinated away from those that are known to have the disease. Vaccinate your cat. The vaccine prevents it, but the cat may still develop this form of cancer in the later stages of life. Treatments usually involve chemotherapy.
Considerations
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If you find yourself in this situation, you will have the option to go for potentially expensive treatments. Seventy percent of cats usually respond to the chemotherapy with average life expectancy averaging less than one year afterwards.
Time Frame
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The most common ages cats develop this is around eight years old.
Warning
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Depending your situation and your stance on the issue, you may find yourself in the difficult decision of whether or not to put your cat down. This is a highly personal choice. Once the cat has the disease, it is too late to vaccinate.
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