Important Facts About Prostate Cancer In Cats That You Need To Know

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The prostate gland, as we know, is a very important part of any male reproductive system. This contains numerous essential and valuable enzymes, which include citric acid and calcium, and also plays a significant role in the motility and protection of the sperm. The liquid that’s secreted by the prostate gland may assist in the liquefaction of the semen once done in ejaculation, as well as in the protection of the sperm in the vagina. One condition that hinders the important function of the prostate gland is the prostate cancer in cats or adenocarcinoma. In this article, we will discuss some more interesting facts about prostate cancer in cats including its causes, symptoms, prognosis, and treatment. Read on to learn more about these!

What is Prostate Cancer in Cats?

As we have said above, the prostate gland, is an important part of the male reproductive system. It has numerous essential and valuable enzymes, which include citric acid and calcium, and also plays a noteworthy role in the motility and defense of the sperm. The liquid that’s secreted by the prostate gland may assist in the liquefaction of the semen once done in ejaculation, as well as in the protection of the sperm in the vagina.

Moreover, prostate cancer in cats is way more common in dogs, rather than in cats. Nonetheless, cat owners must, nevertheless, be well aware of this habitually deadly disease. The prostate cancer may spread rapidly once it shows in cats, hence treatment is frequently not effective. However, if you happen to notice the signs of prostate cancer, like difficulty in urinating, you need to bring the cat to a vet as immediately as possible.

In addition, cancer may also occur in so many areas of the body of the cat, including its prostate. Even though it is so small, it actually plays a significant role –supporting with the semen production. As the male cats age they’re at much higher risk of developing cancerous tumors in the prostate gland.

Causes

Just like with people, there are so many possible causes of the prostate cancer in cats. Further, genetics might play a huge role in the determination of whether the cat ends up having the condition, yet environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals, as well as diet might also affect the chances of the cat. Age might also be a factor, so the older the cat is, the more susceptible it is of developing prostate cancer.

Even though you may certainly lower the risk by having the cat neutered, there is actually no way to totally prevent the prostate cancer.

Symptoms

Cats are way better than some other animals, especially at hiding their discomfort and pain, so the owners need to pay a close attention to spot the symptoms of prostate cancer. Some of the symptoms of the condition include the following:

  • Pain when touched
  • Constipation
  • Lethargy
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Trouble urinating
  • Poor or interrupted urine stream
  • Bloody urine
  • Discolored urine

Prognosis

prostate cancer in cats

Vets may commonly check for the signs of prostate cancer throughout a mundane physical, particularly if the cat is older and intact. Nevertheless, owners frequently bring the cats in when they have a struggle in urinating. You must prepare for the answers to the questions on the normality and frequency of the urination of the cat. If you’ve noticed any rare signs, like the presence of blood in the urine or the cat getting in strange position to using the bathroom, you need to mention this to the vet.

Moreover, the veterinarian may perform a rapid rectal exam to feel the shape and size of the prostate gland. This might be somewhat uncomfortable to the cat, yet it should not last long. Also, the vet might tell if there is an issue with the cat’s prostate if it is unusually shaped or enlarged.

On this moment, the vet might suggest some tests to rule out possible medical maladies. Further, a urine test may also be conducted in ruling out a kidney or urinary tract infection. Lastly, ultrasound might be essential as well in determining if there are tumors or cysts in the prostate.

Treatment for Prostate Cancer in Cats

The treatment the cat may get will depend on the austerity of the prostate cancer in the cats. There are some prostate cancers, which are treatable with surgery to get rid of the cancerous tissue. Nevertheless, this may just be done if cancer hasn’t spread to some other parts of the body.

However, prostate cancer is greatly metastatic. This just means that it commonly spreads speedily all over the body and might not be treatable with surgery. If cancer has already spread, the vet might most probably recommend chemotherapy. This treatment is given to the cat via IV once in every three weeks the cat may also experience side effects of the treatment, including loss of appetite, fatigue, as well as nausea.

1 COMMENT

  1. Thank you for the information . How ever I’m just a lay person and some of the terminology was not as easy to understand perhaps you could put it im a format that would make it clearer for others . It would be so appreciative. T/Y once again

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