How to Save Your Cat from Feline Cancer

My cat recently died of Myxosarcoma. It is an extremely aggressive form of feline cancer that is often caused by vaccination. Here is some information regarding sarcoma and hygroma (non-cancerous growths that sometimes mask cancer), what to look for, how they grow and what to do if you suspect your cat has one.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Stong will
• Tenaciousness
• Ability to speak out
• A good vetrinarian
• Love

1. It is believed that aluminum in some vaccines may cause cancer. There is also increasing evidence that sarcomas grow rapidly around implanted microchips that doctors recommend for animals. Be wary. These things that you think are helping your pet may ultimately kill them.
2. Sarcoma is a rapidly growing invasive tumor that often occurs at the vaccination site on your pet. It may develop in particular after the FELV vaccine. (Feline Leukemia)
   It is generally irregular in shape and may be firm or ulcerated.
3. The only diagnosis is a biopsy and treatment is surgical removal.
4. Fuzz-Hygroma/sarcoma The tumor is extremely aggressive and invasive and often encompasses large amounts of muscle and bone and because it often occurs in the area around the leg where the vaccination is given, amputation is often needed to completely remove it.
5. When you take your cat for any vaccination, express your concerns to the veterinarian about this cancer. If he/she dismisses this as inconsequential I would find another vet.
6. Cats that never go outdoors do not usually need leukemia or FIP immunization. Test every cat in the household for leukemia and FIV so we do not have to worry that they will catch these diseases from each other. Test new cats before bringing them into the household.
7. A growing body of evidence is linking pet vaccines to sarcomas. Tumors are growing where the vaccines were injected in anywhere from 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 10,000 vaccine injections. While most sarcomas are in cats, dogs can also be victims.
8. A study in 1993 links a growing number of cancers in felines to rabies and leukemia vaccinations
9. Felines who are outdoors only need a rabies vaccination every 3 years
10. Know where the veterinarian vaccinates your cat. Request that the exact spot be marked or shaved so that you can keep an eye on it
11. Cow hygroma Look for a lump. It may take several months to appear. Be aware of the area for at least a year after vaccination.
12. Sarcomas may be masked by a hygroma, which is a benign growth. If the vet takes a sample of the growth and finds only a hygroma, do not stop there. Follow up with a bone test. It is a little painful, but may save your animal.
13. The older the cat, the more likely they will develop a sarcoma. Vaccinations are not usually necessary in older cats, especially if they are indoor. If your vet insists, find another vet
14. Fuzz-hygroma/sarcoma Do not allow your vet to vaccinate near or around the joints, or on the leg. The vaccination should be in a broad part of the body where,if a lump develops, it can be removed easily. This will help you avoid amputation
15. If you must amputate, just do it. Do not waste time. If you get the tumor in its beginning stages, your cat will have some chance of survival. With sarcomas, the rate of survival is about 50%
16. Cats can survive and thrive even with 3 limbs. If you do not amputate a limb that has a sarcoma, you can be sure, they will die. The tumors travel to the lungs, and they eventually die of suffocation
17. If you notice a small lump develops at the site of a vaccination site contact your vet immediately. Here is a checklist of possible warning signs of some pet cancers:
18. Some signs that there may be a cancer
19. The litter box has a worse smell than usual
20. Your cat eats in a different manner. May even chew differently or have difficulty swallowing
21. Your pet eats, but is losing weight
22. If the sarcoma is in the joint, your animal may limp
23. There is a sore that does not heal
24. Bleeding or discharge from any bodily opening
25. Your cat tries to get your attention. Lies in unusual places that block your way
26. Bear-survived a tumor Your cat gets tired quickly, runs out of breath, and does not want to play
27. Your pet has stopped eating
28. If your vet suggests you allow your pet to live out their last days in peace (if they are old) and the cancer is still relatively small, please get a second opinion.
29. Tumors can be removed relatively quickly and painlessly on cats when they are on the body. It costs on average $250 and is local anesthesia
30. Amputation requires general anesthesia and some tests may be required before this surgery is done. It is invasive and should only be used as a last measure. However, do not hesitate for fear your animal will not be functional. Most cats are fine on three legs.
31. DO NOT WAIT!! If you do, your animal will die.
32. Fuzz-hygroma/sarcoma If the tumor is caught too late, and your cat is going to die, do not wait until the last minute, or think you are doing your cat a favor by letting it die at home. It is a horrible death. If I would have known then what I know now, I would have taken Fuzz in to be put to sleep peacefully.
33. Most of all, forgive yourself if you do not catch it in time. Most people have no idea until it is too late. These tumors grow rapidly and are difficult to stop.

Tips & Warnings

• Get insurance for your pet. It will take the edge off the bills
• Make sure you have a good vet before this happens. Talk to them about this issue
• If you choose not to vaccinate do not let your pets outside