Cancer

The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Petco Foundation, and Blue Buffalo renewed a grant that subsidizes the cost of cancer treatments for qualifying owners of dogs and cats.

The section of Oncology at the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine needs cats for a clinical trial on injection-site sarcomas (also known as a fibrosarcoma), a tumor that can arise following injections. Although the cause is unknown, treatments are available, such as the anti-cancer drug carboplatin.

A new treatment called microbrachytherapy, which is used to treat inoperable feline oral squamous cell carcinomas, may be gaining momentum, according to a recent study published in Veterinary and Comparative Oncology.

Cancer is a leading cause of death in cats, with tumors in the mammary gland, mouth, and skin being the most common. Currently, we rely on surgical removal of the tumor or a biopsy for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options. Since this procedure often requires anesthesia, we would like to find a way to use a simple blood sample to provide these answers.

Pumpkin is an excellent source of potassium—a mineral that is important for a variety of physiologic functions.

Pumpkin is an excellent source of potassium-a mineral that is important for a variety of physiologic functions.

Some cats are just naturally picky and like to have variety in their diet, but changes in eating habits can also be a sign of stress or major illness.

When it comes to leaping, landing and twisting in mid-air, cats earn accolades for agility, flexibility and acrobatic prowess. Its not unusual to witness your cat leap effortlessly to the top of the refrigerator and, when ready, to land softly and easily on the kitchen floor. But despite their grace and flexible physique, cats do not always land safely on their feet and can be at risk for painful sprains, broken legs, and other fractured bones.

Feline Injection Site Sarcomas (FISS) - which can grow in connective tissue months or years after an injection - continue to concern owners despite reports of low incidence. The reason for their development is the million dollar question, says oncologist Kelly Hume, DVM, ACVIM, at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. We dont know the exact mechanism of the trigger and how it progresses in FISS.

Thanks to medical advances and improved nutrition, our cats are living longer than ever. However, longer life increases the likelihood of age-related diseases, including cancer. The Animal Cancer Foundation estimates that 6 million cats are diagnosed with cancer annually. They present a challenge to owners and veterinarians to provide the best quality of life with a minimum of pain.

These tumors are often diagnosed in their advanced stages because of the cats exceptional ability to hide signs of serious disease. However, new research and emerging targeted therapies have the potential to improve lives. The advances may be able to provide a better outcome to patients stricken with these cancers, says Cheryl Balkman, DVM, ACVIM, Senior Lecturer and Chief of Oncology at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Two different disorders in cats - inflammatory bowel disease and a cancer of the gastrointestinal tract called alimentary lymphoma - have similar signs, including lack of appetite, weight loss, vomiting and diarrhea.