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Small tumours
in older pets to be removed early.

"Be Kind to Pets" community education of pet owners and animal doctors, sponsored by asiahomes.com. Case study: Elbow tumour in a 13-year old cat.

In Singapore, one common condition of some old bitches is the presence of small breast nodules (around 0.25 inches). Such owners seldom bother about getting the lumps checked for cancer or to remove them. Some grow into large golf ball sizes.

The case below illustrated how Fuzzball, a 13-year old cat in Canada is treated by veterinarians and how much its owner loved it as he surfed the net to contact vets as far away as Singapore. Some Singapore pet owners do contact internet vets to get advices too.

The procedures of general examination, biopsy to check for cancerous cells, X-rays to see whether there are secondary tumours in the lungs and internal organs and surgical removal had been done.

Give chemotherapy (drugs) to the cat or radiation would cause the cat to suffer loss of appetite. These procedures were not recommended.

Fuzzball had a good quality of life after surgery but passed away some weeks later.

"13 years" is considered a ripe old age for a cat in Singapore.

Somehow, I feel that earlier detection of the tumour would have been easier as it would not have involved the nerve and would be easier to remove. Details of the case are below:

David McIntosh wrote:

Dear Doctor .......
(name of doctor not permitted to be advertised)

Thank you for your reply to my Email about our friend Fuzzball. I wanted to bring you up-to-date on his condition. On September 17th, 1998 I took Fuzzball to the University of Guelph, Ontario Veterinary College, Small Animal Clinic. He was first seen by 4th year student Tanya Ross and then by Dr. Lynne Sandmeyer.

After a thorough check up, Fuzzball had an abdominal radiograph and ultrasound that showed no abnormal findings. Copy of the report below.

"CASE SUMMARY: Fuzzball presented to OVC on September 17 for evaluation of a mass caudal to his right elbow. The mass had been present for 3 months and was progressing in size. The referring veterinarian had performed a biopsy of the mass. It was diagnosed as a scirrhous adenocarcinoma.

On Physical examination, the mass was found to be round, firm, and 4cm diameter. Fuzzball was not using the right leg during ambulation. He was unable to extend or flex the carpus or elbow. This likely indicates damage to the radial nerve caudal to the elbow. the elbow joint had severely decreased range of motion. This could be a consequence of the mass. A smaller subcutaneous mass, approximately 1cm was present cranial to the shoulder joint. This mass is likely a tumor of the same type.

Radiographs of the chest showed no abnormal findings. An abdominal Ultrasound showed no abnormal findings as well. This suggests that the mass on the elbow is likely the primary tumor, and there is no macroscopic evidence that metastasis has occurred to the lungs or abdominal organs.

It is our recommendation that Fuzzball undergo amputation of the right forelimb. This may decrease the likelihood of spread of the tumor and prolong the survival time.

Prognosis with removal is fair as we cannot be sure metastasis to other areas has not occurred."

Dr. Lynne Sandmeyer.

Fuzzball underwent surgery to remove the forelimb this morning. (September 23) It was performed by our vet, Dr. Kristina Wiebe and assisted by Dr. Dave Yates. The surgery lasted 70 minutes and went very well. Fuzzball was awake right after surgery. He is heavily sedated and resting comfortably. He has some adapting to do but I know he will do fine. He may be home on the 24th or 25th. I had complete confidence in Dr. Wiebe when I asked her to perform the surgery and she proved me right. The care he is receiving is second to none. I am thankful that my friend Dr. Yates was able to attend for support.

I am very fortunate to live just over 1 hour away from the University of Guelph, one of the finest animal care facilities in North America, perhaps the world. Thank you again for your response, and I look forward to receiving any suggestions you have for after surgery and future care I can provide.
Dave McIntosh, London, Ontario

Dr.K.Wiebe , Stoneybrook Animal Clinic, Date Reported: 8/28/98
Case Number: H7900-98
Owner: McIntosh
Patient: Fuzzball
Breed: D.L.H. Sex: C.M. Age: 13 yrs.
Tissues: subcutaneous mass

I examined 6 different sections from your 3 biopsies. Your concern about neoplasia is absolutely justified because this is a mass of induced fibrous tissue in response to numerous islands of invading adenocarcinoma. In this location, I presume this is a primary skin tumor. This leaves sweat gland carcinoma as the only option. Matastatic disease certainly is not out out of the question, and a bronchial adenocarcinoma would be the leading candidate. The primary lung tumor is often quite small and usually is clinically silent.

For unknown reasons, the skin is the favored metastatic location.

DIAGNOSIS:
1. SCIRRHOUS ADENOCARCINOMA, CANNOT DISTINGUISH PRIMARY FROM METASTATIC

Brian P. Wilcock, D.V.M., Ph.D., Veterinary Pathologist > Questions about this report? Call or fax me at 1-800-853-PATH

Please, if you have any suggestions, or know of anyone that could help, let me know. We don't have anything to lose. Fuzzy came home from surgery the same day and immediately started chasing birds off our lawn. He eats well and shows no signs of discomfort, but I know he will get worse and that's unbearable for me to accept. Radiation or chemotherapy, I was told would not help and only cause him discomfort and stress.

Our Vet has told me that there is nothing further that can be done for Fuzzy. But I just cannot sit back and do nothing. I have to try and find someway to help my friend. Thank you again for your time. Dave McIntosh, London, Ontario