 |
FELINE
LYMPHOSARCOMA Lymphosarcoma, sometimes called lymphoma, is
a malignant tumor (or tumors) derived from lymphoid tissue (lymph nodes, tonsils,
thymus, spleen, etc.). It is an illness that affects humans as well as cats,
dogs, and other mammals. Lymphosarcomas are probably the common tumors of cats.
Although often caused by the leukemia virus,
the cases we have experienced have occurred in FeLV negative Oriental
Shorthairs, which have been strictly indoors in FeLV negative catteries. Since
these cats are related we suspect a genetically inherited cause instead of
viral. Some of the lymphoma cats were diagnosed too
late for treatment to be effective so we feel it's important to share our
discussions about the symptoms to alert other cat owners and breeders. We have
found that by talking about it openly, sharing experiences and pedigrees, we
have been able to let go of the pain and continue as cat fanciers. After our first cat died, I phoned all over
the country. I was amazed at how many people would not talk about it. People
would tell me about their experiences, but promised to deny the conversation in
the future. Some, unfortunately, were all too willing to blame other cats many
generations past. I also went through a long period of denial
during this time, which is very common when faced with a disease like this.
Even after we lost three cats, I still couldn’t accept that our cases could be
genetic. I kept searching for other possibilities. Was it environmental? Water,
radon, power lines, or just random bad luck? Were humans affected? It just
couldn’t be genetic! I was frightened. I did not want to hear of
any new cases and dreaded answering the phone. I was even afraid to sell
kittens. Once we got over the denial, we decided to be proactive. We researched
and altered those we believed might be passing it on. Some of our friends
thought that we were overreacting. After all, some of the cats had produced
beautiful babies and the books said it was viral. We were also very fortunate to find Dr.
Fred. He recognized the symptoms and knew how to treat the disease. Seeing
several cats die because they were not treated in time has taught me why it is
advisable to start therapy immediately. It’s also important to note that onset
of the tumors is rapid, so it is important to get the cat to the vet as soon as
possible once symptoms begin. Lymphosarcomas have been found in Golden
Retrievers for years. Rarely do we visit Dr. Fred without seeing one in the
waiting room. Lymphoma is also been seen in Boxers, Basset Hounds, and St
Bernard's. Lymphosarcoma has also been well-documented in cats. However, until
recently, it was thought that all lymphomas were only in FeLV positive cats.
This is not true as we, unfortunately, found out. Many veterinarians also
believe that lymphoma means death and will advise euthanasia. Many cat owners
believe that their cats will be sick from the chemo. Neither of these is true
either. Treatment of Lymphosarcoma in Felines Most combinations include Vincristine,
Cytoxan, and Prednisone (COP protocol). One combination used with success is
Vincristine Cytoxan, Methotrexate. Some have added Prednisone and/or L-asparaginase (Elspar) Dr Fred’s chemotherapy protocol includes
Prednisone, Elspar, Vincristine, and Cytoxan. Idarubicin
both parenteral and oral routes of administration are
possible. Side effects include gastrointestinal toxicity, leukopenia,
and anorexia. This drug has limited availability, but seems to have good
results in feline lymphoma. Most oncologists agree that total chemotherapy
lasts two years. Case Histories To help others understand lymphosarcoma that
appears to be genetically caused, I’ve included several case histories below.
You will see that it is a disease of the young presenting very subtle symptoms.
Algebra's Simon
Algebra's Pantera
of Teshari (Simon's brother aka
10/96: Owner noted regurgitation, coughing,
and dyspnea. Chest X-ray revealed mediastinal mass. Euthanasia. No necropsy
report. SGC Mitsumews Chip
N Dale of Algebra Chip had a show career, was neutered and
living in GP Algebra's Calypso of Y-NOT
CH Algebra's Esmerelda
GC Algebra's QT Pi
December,
2002 addition. QT did very well with chemo, finished two years of L-COPP and
was declared cured of cancer. A follow up six months after completion of chemo
confirmed that there was no mass. In May, 2002, QT was seen by her regular vet
and was doing well. Within a week, she was not eating and just not doing well.
A visit to Red Bank to confirm that it wasn’t cancer, revealed chronic renal
failure. She was given subq fluids until August,
2002, when she was euthanized. CH Algebra's Equal
December,
2002 addition. Equal finished chemo in April, 2000, and was declared cured. She
continues to do well. Roisin 10/88: vomiting, diarrhea, coughing,
dyspnea, acting depressed. Treated with amoxidrops,
and then prednisone. X-ray revealed mediastinal mass. Vincristine given.
Prednisone continued. Antirobe started, Serex given. GC, RW FelitanMick Jaguar of Y-NOT 12/95: Initially thought to be thymoma
(after seeing two vets due to not being able to eat) and scheduled for surgery.
Diagnosed with lymphosarcoma. Mediastinal mass was found on x-ray. Cat was sent
to referral hospital. He had been unable to keep food down because his
esophagus was being compressed by the tumor. Notes: 1. Alvin and Simon's brother, Theodore is
alive and well and living in Studies Dr. Leslie Lyons is doing a study on cats
with lymphosarcoma. It is possible that it is genetic. Blood samples are being
collected. Most vets will draw the blood for free and National Institute of
Health will pay for shipping charges. Write to her at: lalyons@ucdavis.edu Dr. Heather Lorimer
is collecting pedigrees of the cats with lympho. She
has viewed several common denominators. Write to Helorimer@cc.ysu.edu USEFUL LINKS ON WORLD WIDE WEB  Chemotherapy Side effects (this site no longer exists)Lymphoma InformationDr. Hahn -- Caring for Pets with CancerLymphoma in Cats -- Australian StudyLymphoma InformationIOSG Home Page (this site no longer exists)Lymphoma Resource Pages: Hodgkin's Disease and Non-Hodgkin's LymphomaLymphoma Resource Pages - Lymphoma GlossaryLymphoma Resource Pages - What is Lymphoma?Ferret Lymphosarcoma FAQ
Talk About Lymphoma Many of us have been living with cats with
lymphosarcoma. They have chemotherapy for up to 2 years before they are
declared "cured". We have formed an on line support group to
discuss any and all aspects of the disease. You must be a member to read our
files, see our photos, and talk to us. Sign on at
felinelymphoma@yahoogroups.com. This is not a disease of just cats or just
Orientals. Several oncologists have been treating felines with lymphoma
successfully. If you even think that your cat has lymphoma, please contact one
of us for help immediately. It is a fast growing tumor and chemotherapy needs
to be started immediately -- even if it is a weekend. December,
2002 Notes Cats
continue to be diagnosed with feline lymphosarcoma. Young ones treated with
long-term chemotherapy continue to do well. Short-term therapies do not seem to
have equal results. There are still vets out there who recommend euthanasia
instead of consultation with an oncologist. Textbooks continue to talk about
feline lymphosarcoma being related to FeLVe and being
a lethal disease. There are still vets out there who are so interested in
testing and staging that the cat dies before treatment is started. There are
still vets out there interested in their wallet and not in the cat or their
caretaker. This would be the only explanation for people paying $20 to $125 for
the same treatment. As of now, there are 525 members of the
feline lymphoma on-line support group. Click
here to send mail to Lynn |