Gastric or intestinal tumors in cats: causes and treatment

[Kvet Forum]

Gastric or intestinal tumors in cats​

When we talk about gastric or intestinal tumors in cats, we can associate several types of gastrointestinal cancers that include lymphomas, adenocarcinomas, leiomyosarcoma, and mast cell tumors. More specifically, when the tumor is gastric or intestinal, we are referring to a leiomyosarcoma. This condition is more common in older cats.

However, gastric or intestinal tumors in cats are not very common. In fact, they only represent less than 1% of all the cancers reported in cats. Let’s take a look at what are some possible causes for this type of tumors in cats.

Causes of gastric or intestinal tumors in cats​

The exact cause of this type of tumors is currently unknown. It originates within the smooth muscle and it can be benign or malign. The malignant tumor has the tendency of metastasizing fast and spreads to the liver and lymph nodes.

Symptoms of gastric or intestinal tumors in cats​

Most of the symptoms caused by these type of tumors affect the gastrointestinal tract. This means that your cat will show changes in their eating habits because of the tumors present. It is important that, even though these type of tumors are not very common, they are identified in time in order to treat it in early stages.

This is why you should be aware of the signs that your cat might be developing such a tumor. If your cat is exhibiting any of the behaviors below, seek your veterinarian as soon as possible.

• Lethargy in cats
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting in cats
• Diarrhea in cats
• Weight loss in cats
• Depression
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Blood in vomit and feces
• Difficulty defecating
• Pale gums
• Signs of anemia

Treatment​

The type of treatment that your cat needs will depend on the type of tumor and how advanced it is. This type of tumor requires surgery for removal. However, the metastasis of the tumor will determine what is the prognosis.