Feline Lymphoma Treatment

Although, measures can be taken to control feline lymphoma, it is an incurable disease.  It is most often diagnosed in cats infected with the feline leukemia virus.  Currently, treatment methods can only control lymphoma and its related symptoms.  The main course of treatment for feline lymphoma is chemotherapy.  A series of injectable and oral medications are administered over a period of time. 

Chemotherapy treatment entails the use of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisone, and vincristine.  A combination of these drugs is given over a period of several weeks.

It is crucial to keep track of the number of red and white blood cells during chemotherapy treatment.  Surgery depends upon the severity of the condition along with the health and age of the cat.  If the tumor is easily accessible and restricted to one site, surgery may be an option. 

In some cases, the attending veterinarian may recommend chemotherapy in addition to radiation treatment to counteract feline leukemia.  The high rate of remission is evidence and positive response is indicative of the treatment procedure.  A cat in remission may have an increased life span of two or more years.  Cats that are left untreated have a very limited outlook for survival, with most only living a very short time.

Treatments using chemotherapy or radiation can cause a patient to show clinical signs of being very tired or weak.  During the treatment period, the patient’s owners should be prepared to provide added care for their cat’s health and comfort.