Today we got a case, well we have been trying to find out what is wrong with this cat for a few weeks now, but today we had some final results...anyway...we had a kitty with pancreatic cancer that was confirmed by doing an exploratory surgery. This is what it says about pancreatic cancer in Small Animal Clinical Oncology by Stephen J. Withrow.
Incidence
Incidence is very rare (<0.5%)>, especially in cats.
In this case, we discovered the cancer through the exploratory surgery (photos shown below) and called the owner to let them know that it had metastasized and prognosis was bad. The owner elected euthanasia, which was probably the kindest decision they could have made.
Incidence
Incidence is very rare (<0.5%)>, especially in cats.
Pathology
In a majority of cases, malignant cancer has metastasized to regional or distant sites before a diagnosis can be reached.
Clinical signs
Vague and nonspecific. There is commonly weight loss, paraneoplastic alopecia, anorexia, vomiting, abdominal distension, icterus and depression.
Diagnostics
Hematology may show mild anemia, neutrophilia and bilirubinemia. Possible inconsistent elevations in amylase and lipase. In extreme cases there are signs of pancreatic insufficiency. Radiographs may show slowed gastric emptying and/or compression or invasion of the duodenum. Most tumors may not be palpable through the abdominal wall. Ultrasonography can be a useful tool, but most diagnoses are made by exploratory laparotomy.
Therapy
Excision via surgery may be attempted although if it has metastasized to other organs or systems, it is not recommended.
In a majority of cases, malignant cancer has metastasized to regional or distant sites before a diagnosis can be reached.
Clinical signs
Vague and nonspecific. There is commonly weight loss, paraneoplastic alopecia, anorexia, vomiting, abdominal distension, icterus and depression.
Diagnostics
Hematology may show mild anemia, neutrophilia and bilirubinemia. Possible inconsistent elevations in amylase and lipase. In extreme cases there are signs of pancreatic insufficiency. Radiographs may show slowed gastric emptying and/or compression or invasion of the duodenum. Most tumors may not be palpable through the abdominal wall. Ultrasonography can be a useful tool, but most diagnoses are made by exploratory laparotomy.
Therapy
Excision via surgery may be attempted although if it has metastasized to other organs or systems, it is not recommended.
Prognosis
Very poor, no cases reported of patients living for more than 1 year post-diagnosis.
In this case, we discovered the cancer through the exploratory surgery (photos shown below) and called the owner to let them know that it had metastasized and prognosis was bad. The owner elected euthanasia, which was probably the kindest decision they could have made.
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