Feline Small Intestinal Lymphoma (Small Intestinal Cancer in Cats)
- Occurrence: No further information is known
Content
When to visit the vet?
Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days
?
If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.
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Definition
Symptoms
Very common symptoms:
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. What is Feline Small Intestinal Lymphoma in Cats?
Feline small intestinal lymphoma is a malignant tumor of the lymphatic tissue in the small intestine. It is the most common feline gastrointestinal lymphoma and occurs primarily in older cats.
2. What symptoms do affected cats show?
Chronic vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, loss of appetite, palpable intestinal wall thickening, and general weakness. Symptoms often develop gradually over months.
3. How is small intestinal lymphoma diagnosed?
Ultrasound shows intestinal wall thickening. Endoscopic or surgical biopsy with histology and immunohistochemistry confirm the diagnosis and determine the grade.
4. What forms exist?
Low-grade (small-cell/lymphocytic) and high-grade (large-cell/lymphoblastic) lymphoma. The low-grade form is more common in cats and has a better prognosis.
5. How is the lymphoma treated?
Low-grade lymphoma: chlorambucil + prednisolone (oral chemotherapy). High-grade lymphoma: more intensive protocols such as CHOP-based chemotherapy.
6. How common is small intestinal lymphoma in cats?
Gastrointestinal lymphoma, especially in the small intestine, is the most common tumor of the gastrointestinal tract in cats, predominantly in animals over 9 years of age.
7. Can small intestinal lymphoma be cured?
Complete cure is rare. Low-grade lymphomas respond well to treatment, with a median survival time of 2–3 years. High-grade lymphomas have a poorer prognosis.
8. What dietary measures help?
Highly digestible, calorie-rich food, small frequent meals, and supportive nutritional therapy in cases of significant weight loss.
9. How does low-grade lymphoma differ from high-grade lymphoma?
Low-grade lymphoma grows slowly, responds well to chlorambucil (median survival time 24–36 months). High-grade lymphoma is aggressive, less responsive to treatment (median survival time 3–6 months).
10. What is the prognosis?
Depends on the grade: low-grade lymphoma has a good prognosis with adequate treatment. High-grade lymphoma has a more serious prognosis despite chemotherapy.