Lymphoma

What is lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system that can affect the lymph nodes, chest, kidneys, or gastrointestinal tract in cats. Between 50% to 70% of cats with lymphoma have the gastrointestinal form. Lymphoma is classified as high-grade (i.e., more malignant), or low-grade (i.e., slower growth). Low-grade lymphoma is more common in the gastrointestinal form, and signs can mimic inflammatory bowel disease.   

What are common lymphoma signs in cats?

Early signs include:

• Unkempt appearance
• Reclusive behavior or lethargy
• Increased or decreased appetite
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Intermediate to advanced lymphoma signs include:

• Difficulty getting comfortable
• Weight loss
• Abdominal pain or distention
• Increased thirst and urination
• Respiratory distress

How is lymphoma managed in cats?  

Management depends on the disease type and stage, and the overall health of your cat. Treatment is not curative, but designed to improve your cat’s quality and length of life. Low-grade lymphoma can often be treated with oral chemotherapy, and intravenous protocols are used for high-grade disease. Surgery may be an option, as well as appetite stimulants, or anti-nausea medication. Cats with lymphoma need regular veterinary visits and diagnostic tests to monitor their status and prognosis. Discussing a personalized management plan with your veterinarian, and a veterinary oncologist, is important for the best outcome for your cat.

What is the prognosis for cats with lymphoma?

More than 70% of cats treated for low-grade intestinal lymphoma experience remission, and live a good quality of life for two to three years. The prognosis for high-grade lymphoma is less than 50% remission, and survival time is two to nine months. Unfortunately, most cats with lymphoma eventually relapse into a more drug-resistant form.

Management tips for cats with lymphoma   

At-home needs include:

• A warm, comfortable place to sleep
• Easy access to a palatable diet and water, and a clean litter box
• Consistency with medications
• Close monitoring of appetite, vomiting, urination, and bowel movements
• Watching for signs of worsening disease

For end-of-life care:

• Try to keep cat your safe and comfortable
• Ensure adequate nutrition and hydration
• Monitor for pain or discomfort
• Evaluate your cat’s quality of life with our scoring tool
• Track progression of their health with our calendar

In a crisis situation:

• Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat has uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhea, abdominal distention, or difficulty breathing, collapses, or vocalizes in pain. 

Before your cat‘s condition becomes unmanageable, or they begin losing their quality of life, beginning end-of-life care discussions is vital. Learn more about pet hospice, in-home euthanasia, and our teleadvice service, or contact a Lap of Love veterinarian in your area, so you can feel fully prepared for this progressive disease.