Possible Lymphoma in 5 year old cat?

qklsong

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My first post here, but have been reading many threads.

I’ve been told that my 5 year old cat probably has Lymphoma.  It started with a bloated belly a little over a week ago.  Luna is a pretty skinny cat but started eating more about 6 months ago.  I waited a couple of days since I wasn’t sure if she was just getting bigger due to her increased appetite, but I ended up taking her to the vet over the weekend.  The vet pulled some fluid out of her body, heard a heart murmur on both sides, and suspected that she has right-sided heart failure due to her age and symptoms (cancer was brought up initially but quickly forgotten during this visit, mainly because she is a relatively young cat).  We couldn’t get blood results back right away since it was a Saturday, so the vet suggested that we make an appointment for a cardiologist to get an echocardiogram on Monday.

On our way to the cardiologist on Monday, I got a call from the vet saying she is very concerned over the results of the blood test, which showed a high white blood cell count.  The vet suggested we opt for an abdominal ultrasound instead, and we did.  The results showed enlarged liver and spleen, the vet isn’t completely sure but highly suspicious of Lymphoma, or could possibly be IBD but didn’t really seem to think that’s the case.  I’m not very into the idea of a biopsy, so we decided to get her fluids tested to see if that can tell us anything more (well aware that it’s highly possible it won’t confirm Lymphoma).  

I do have a couple of doubts on the Lymphoma diagnosis and have been reading many threads so wanted to see what everyone thinks about Luna’s case—she is a relatively young cat for cancer.  She has been acting completely normal, with eating, drinking, urinating, and producing stool.  She has been having slightly softer stool these two weeks, but has never had any problem with her stool all her life.  She also has not lost any weight at all (though she has always been a skinny cat), and I have not observed any change in energy level.  If it wasn’t for her bloated belly, I would never have noticed that something was wrong.

What do you guys think?  Could it be something like heartworms?  I suggested that to the vet but she seems to think there’s too many changes that she sees from the ultrasound to be heartworms.  I just find it a little hard to believe that she would be so normal if she was fighting such a horrible disease like Lymphoma. 
 

2Cats4everLoved

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I'm so sorry your sweet girl is having a hard time.

I know all to well what it's like having the vet tell you your loved one has cancer.

She seems young for any of these illnesses.  Mine also had a heart murmur, but we knew this from a very early age.

@mrsgreenjeens

@Margd  or @Kat0121  - Do you have any input.  I don't have any medical advice to offer.  Thanks for your time and advice.

Please keep us updated.

Thoughts and prayers for Luna.  

Best to you, Hope
 
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qklsong

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Thank you for your kind words.  She is such a sweet and happy cat even when she is supposedly very sick.  I should also add that she has not been vomiting.  I have not observed any vomiting in maybe at least 3 or 4 weeks now, but she has vomited only water at some point, not sure if that offers any clues.
 

2Cats4everLoved

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The only thing I can say from experience is, stay calm and don't get upset.  It does nothing for you or your wee one.

There are many member's who have much more experience on this than I.  I lost my two cats this year, my boy to cancer in June and my girl this past December due to stroke/heart attack but had some issues.  in truth I was spared trying to pinpoint the illness, and honestly I'm slightly grateful.

I have confidence someone will be able to point you in the right direction.

Best to you and Luna.
 

mrsgreenjeens

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So you're still waiting for the results of the fluids test?  I would say just wait and see what they are, even though they may not be conclusive. 

If it IS Lymphoma, depending on the type (small cell versus large cell) then you can decide on treatment.  Small cell treatment is pretty easy...no chemo involved.  Large cell is more involved, surgery if possible and chemo, but cats can handle chemo better than humans.

As far as it possibly being heartworm, is she showing any symptoms of that...coughing, labored breathing?  And how about any signs of tapeworms, which might explain the increased appetite and bloated tummy?  Does she or has she had fleas?  Does she get treated for worms?  Still I doubt they would explain the enlarged liver and spleen
.

I really think at this point you need to wait for the results of the fluid, and if they do come back inconclusive, then either get a 2nd opinion, or do the biopsy so you know what you are dealing with and can start treatment, unless your Vet is willing to start a treatment without knowing what it is.  That is, unless you want to just wait until she starts showing symptoms and then start treating.  I would ask my Vet what happens if you wait to treat if it IS Lymphoma, what if it's smell cell vs large cell, and you wait, etc.

 
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qklsong

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@2Cats4everLoved

I'm so sorry you lost 2 cats this past year.  Can I asked what kind of cancer your boy had?

My family lost a cat almost 10 years ago due to kidney failure, it was very hard as he was the star of the family and only 3.

Thanks for your advice.  I'm trying to learn as much as I can, though I know that these things can't always be explained.  
 
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qklsong

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@mrsgreenjeens

We're supposed to hear about the fluid results tomorrow morning.  Her belly is back to being bloated again after the vet took some fluid out on Sat.  I'm definitely worried.  But otherwise she seems to be feeling good with eating a good amoungand drinking.  Her stool continues to be a little soft, and she is not producing a lot of urine even though she's on Furosemide.

She had some coughing very occasionally maybe in the past 2 or 3 years.  The last time I observed it was probably at least months ago.  Her breathing has always been a little fast and shallow.  As far as tapeworms go, I haven't noticed anything in her stool.  She doesn't get treated for worms and she doesn't have fleas.

I received her full medical record from the vet today on what we know so far, her blood count does look like a high WBC count, and high lymphocyte count.

Thanks for the advice and support!
 

2Cats4everLoved

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My boy Simon had a tumor under his chin on the left side, SCC - although, they didn't run any tests, the vet took one look said there was nothing to do, so I gave him hospice care for 4 months.  I still teeter back and forth as to whether it was the right thing considering how deformed his poor little mouth got, but when I look back and think of some of the precious moments we spent, I believe I did.

The only thing the vet said that would save him would be to remove part of his lower jaw.  I didn't see this as an option.  I knew he wouldn't understand, and he used his mouth a lot to play, eat and his favorite past which was grooming.  My girl Chestnut, was a chubby gal, and the vet could never get a handle on why she was so big, she really didn't overeat, she was always congested and she had uti and crystal issues, I think her kidneys were an issue.  She also coughed and sneezed sometimes and that's when I knew her system was breaking down and she'd go on meds soon after.

My girl had a vet whom I didn't really trust and made me feel like a terrible mommy.  Simon saw the new vet for his first and last time but he was a no nonsense guy, bedside manners could have been more caring but he told it like it was.  Chestnut was just days away from seeing him.

It sounds like your vet is doing everything to pinpoint the issues.  I feel as if Chestnuts vet should have put her on Furosemide but we never got that far, they concentrated on the wrong issues, and unfortunately at that time I wasn't as educated on feline issues as i am now.  

When I adopt again, I'm going to be armed with questions, thanks to the education I've gotten from TCS.

How is Luna doing today?

Please update us when you can.

Warmest regards, Hope
 
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