Vaccine Related Fibrosarcoma

We just found out that our oldest cat, Hobbs, has bone cancer in his front leg. The results of the biopsy will be back in a week. At that time the Vet will make a decision regarding the extent of the amputation required.

We're not sure if it is vaccine related but I wanted to share the news about this threat to all. Use the link below to read more about Vaccine Related Fibrosarcoma:
http://shorti-online.org/

This is Hobbsie;

Poor Hobbs!!!
Is it osteosarcoma or fibrosarcoma?

The Vet thinks it's fibrosarcoma

Originally Posted by Andrew G

The Vet thinks it's fibrosarcoma

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Ahhh... you threw me when you said "bone cancer" in the first post- they are quite different, and the prognosis for fibro's is 100% more positive than that for osteo.

Good luck!

Results of the Hobbs' biopsy:

Biopsy\t\t\t\t
\tMicroscopic Description:
\tThis bone biopsy has atypical mesenchymal cells proliferating between
\ttrabeculae. The cells have oval nuclei, 1-2 small nucleoli, and scant
\teosinophilic cytoplasm. One mitotic figure is identified. The cells
\tsurround small cords of osteoid and cartilage.
\t
\tMicroscopic Findings:
\tOsteochondrosarcoma, proximal ulna.\t
\tComment:
\tMorphology is consistent with a primary bone tumor which shows osteoid
\tand chondroid differentiation. Bone tumors in cats are reported to
\thave 15% potential for metastasis with metastasis occurring early or
\trarely. If there is no evidence of metastasis at this time, amputation
\tmay be curative.

Awww... I don't know what to say aside from I'm so sorry and Hobbs will be in my thoughts.

I don't think there is a link between vaccines and bone cancer

I hope everything goes okay and he's on the road to recovery soon.

I have osteosarcoma experience in dogs, and I can tell you that I would have a lung xray done today (if not sooner), and if there is no evidence of metastasis, then get that leg OFF. As fast as is possible. It is nothing to fool around with.

A cat can live quite a perfect life with three legs, and none of any of the alternative therapies or bone sparing procedures are worth much IMO.

Originally Posted by Cearbhaill

I have osteosarcoma experience in dogs, and I can tell you that I would have a lung xray done today (if not sooner), and if there is no evidence of metastasis, then get that leg OFF. As fast as is possible. It is nothing to fool around with.

A cat can live quite a perfect life with three legs, and none of any of the alternative therapies or bone sparing procedures are worth much IMO.

Click to expand...

We had an x-ray of the lungs done on 7/17. Here is an excerpt from the vet's notes:

"We took an X-Ray of his leg and lungs as well. The lungs were clear; there is no sign of metastatic disease".

He is having the leg removed today.


Thanks for your note.

Oh- good job- the sooner the better.

I know this is a terribly traumatic time for your family, but getting that leg off is the best way to handle it. The cat won't know he is handicapped and they seem to get around just fine after a bit of adjustment.

Good luck- I would really like to get updated on this from time to time. Bone cancer is a terrible disease.

I'll be keeping Hobbs in my thoughts and hoping he has a quick recovery. Please post an update and let us know how he's doing after he has the surgery.

oh my! Hobbs will be in our thoughts and prayers.
When I saw "Fibrosarcoma" come up, I did a double take. Fibrosarcoma is what my mother died of - it's a very , very rare muscle cancer, as opposed to osteosarcoma of the bones. She had her leg amputated, but it did no good. She was only 54. I have been nervous about this my entire life, but they said that Fibrosarcoma is so rare that I'd have a better chance of being struck by lightning -twice- than to get if from my mother. They can't even track it, it's so random.

Aside from this, BIG HUGS AND VIBES for your dear Hobbs!!!!!! Please keep us posted when you can.

Thanks everyone for your kind words. We'll keep you posted.

Hobbsie is doing quite well after his surgery this afternoon and is under pain management. The Vet feels he should make a good recovery. He also mentioned that he was amazed that Hobbs didn't feel pain from the tumor.

We'll keep you updated and, at the appropriate time, post some pics of our boy.

Thank you for the update, Andrew G.
I'll be thinking about Hobbs all day!

Kiss him on the lips for me

Just wondering how Hobbsie is doing??

Yes, please update us on his recovery when you get a chance. I'm sure he's doing great - sounds like quite the trooper!

I hope Hobbs is continuing to do well.

As you know, our 12 year old cat's front leg and shoulder blade were amputated due to osteosarcoma, in July. He recuperated well but he still doesn't want to walk much, although he goes down the stairs with no problem.

Do you have any ideas to make him more active. He used to go for long walks and was a very active cat. (He's an outdoor cat).

Thanks
Andrew

Andrew has he been rechecked by the vet? That would be my first thought.

I am so glad to get this update!
I have thought about this cat so much.