經過 TCMVET | 2024 年 10 月 10 日 | 貓癌症和腫瘤
身為貓主人，注意到寵物飲食習慣突然或逐漸改變可能會令人震驚。雖然牙齒疾病是貓咪拒絕食物的最常見原因，但必須意識到口腔癌也可能是潛在原因。根據康乃爾大學獸醫學院的數據，口腔癌是貓咪中第四大最常見的癌症類型，如果不及時治療，可能會造成嚴重的健康風險。
了解貓的口腔癌
貓的口腔癌通常表現為口腔內的腫瘤或病變，這可能會帶來疼痛並導致行為的顯著變化，包括拒絕進食。口腔中可能發生的腫瘤類型包括鱗狀細胞癌、纖維肉瘤和黑色素瘤等。這些腫瘤不僅會引起不適，還會擴散到身體的其他部位，因此早期發現和治療至關重要。
需要注意的徵兆和症狀
作為寵物主人，對貓的行為和健康變化保持警惕至關重要。可能表明口腔癌的常見跡象包括：
- 拒絕進食：如果您的貓突然停止進食或表現出不願意咀嚼，這可能是疼痛或不適的跡象。
- 口臭：貓嘴裡發出異常強烈或惡臭的氣味可能表示潛在的健康問題。
- 流口水過多：流涎增加可能是對口腔疼痛或刺激的反應。
- 可見的腫瘤或病變：檢查口腔中是否有任何異常生長或持續存在的潰瘍。
- 減肥：如果您的貓飲食不當，可能會出現體重減輕，導致進一步的健康併發症。
- 行為改變：煩躁加劇或迴避社交互動可能表示不適或疼痛。
診斷和治療方案
如果您發現任何這些跡象，請務必諮詢您的獸醫進行徹底檢查。診斷可能涉及：
- 體檢：獸醫會檢查貓的口腔是否有任何明顯的異常。
- 活檢：可以採集組織樣本進行實驗室分析，以確認癌症的存在。
- 影像學：X 光或超音波可以幫助確定癌症是否已擴散到其他區域。
貓口腔癌的治療方案根據腫瘤類型和階段而有所不同。可能的治療方法包括：
- 手術：可能需要手術切除腫瘤以減輕疼痛並防止進一步擴散。
- 放射治療：這種治療可以幫助縮小腫瘤並減少不適。
- 化療：在某些情況下，可能會建議針對癌細胞進行化療。
了解貓口腔癌的跡象對於及時介入和治療至關重要。如果您通常健康的貓突然拒絕進食或出現任何上述症狀，請立即聯絡您的獸醫。早期診斷和治療可以顯著改善貓的生活品質並增加獲得積極結果的機會。
經過 TCMVET | 6 月 1, 2024 | 貓癌症和腫瘤
Cancer in cats is a significant health concern, particularly for older cats. Here are some key points about the prevalence and impact of cancer in cats:
患病率：
- Commonality: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in older cats. It’s estimated that about 1 in 5 cats will develop cancer in their lifetime.
- Age Factor: The risk of cancer increases with age. Most feline cancers are diagnosed in cats over 10 years old.
Common Types of Cancer in Cats:
- 淋巴瘤: This is the most common type of cancer in cats, affecting the lymphatic system. It can occur in various forms, including gastrointestinal lymphoma, which is prevalent in older cats.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): This skin cancer often affects the mouth, ears, and nose, particularly in cats with lighter skin.
- 乳腺腫瘤: These are more common in female cats, especially those that are unspayed. Approximately 85% of mammary tumors in cats are malignant.
- 纖維肉瘤: This cancer affects the connective tissues and is sometimes associated with injection sites (injection-site sarcomas).
Symptoms and Impact:
- 減肥: Unexplained weight loss is a common symptom of cancer in cats.
- Appetite Changes: Cats may lose their appetite or become picky eaters.
- Lumps and Bumps: Any new lumps or bumps should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
- 行為改變: Cats with cancer may become more lethargic, less playful, or show signs of pain.
- Vomiting and Diarrhea: These symptoms can be associated with gastrointestinal cancers.
- Breathing Difficulties: Respiratory issues can arise from cancers affecting the lungs or other parts of the respiratory system.
診斷：
- 獸醫檢驗: Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for early detection.
- 診斷測試: Blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, and biopsies are commonly used to diagnose cancer in cats.
治療：
- 手術: Often used to remove localized tumors.
- 化療: Can be effective, particularly for lymphoma. Cats generally tolerate chemotherapy better than dogs and humans.
- 放射治療: Used for certain types of cancers like SCC.
- 安寧療護: Focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life, especially in advanced cases.
Holistic and Supportive Care:
- Diet and Supplements: Nutritional support and supplements may help improve a cat’s overall health and well-being.
- 疼痛管理: Pain relief is an important aspect of care for cats with cancer.
- 替代療法: Some pet owners explore herbal remedies and other holistic treatments to support their cats’ health.
預後：
- The prognosis for cats with cancer varies widely depending on the type, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as the cat’s overall health. Early detection and treatment can improve the chances of a positive outcome.
Regular veterinary check-ups and being vigilant about any changes in your cat’s health are essential for early detection and effective management of cancer.
