Feline oncologists - colon cancer

missko

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Hi all, our cat Samantha likely has colon cancer. She is a 6 year old DSH. She had an acute kidney injury at 8 weeks and we have been very focused on her kidney health. She has been on phosphorus binders almost her whole life (lanthanum carbonate). The binder causes constipation so we have also been giving her miralax as needed. Earlier this year, we saw some blood in her stool. The family vets assured us this was likely not a concern. The frequency of the bloody stools increased so we had an ultrasound down at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists in Houston, TX. That revealed a mass in the colon and lymph node. Needle aspirate did not detect cancer in the lymph node although it did detect mast cells. She went into surgery yesterday to remove and biopsy the masses. The surgeon found and removed 8 masses, 7 in the colon and one in the lymph Area. The samples are being sent to pathology. We will get results in a week. The recovery process is tough too given the risk of infection from colonic surgery.

questions
- where is the best small animal veterinary oncologist in the USA? Ideally one that has expertise in cats
- does anyone have experience with torigen? They develop immunotherapy vaccines for animals based on the animal’s tissue.
- any advice and prayers are welcome
 

fionasmom

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I am sorry that your cat is facing all of this....and you and your family along with him. My GSD survived melanoma, received immunotherapy, so I know what this is like.

Hopefully others will respond, as I am going to make some educated guesses based on the fact that it sounds as if you want some consultation with them, either in person or via your vet.

UC Davis
Oncology Service
Colorado State Flint Animal Cancer Center
Homepage - Flint Animal Cancer Center Flint Animal Cancer Center
Tufts University
Oncology - Cummings Veterinary Medical Center
Cornell University
Cancer Care at CUHA

https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/2020-11/Accredited-Colleges-November-2020.pdf
A Look at Some of the Top Veterinary Schools in the United States

The two above are lists of veterinary schools.

I looked up Torigen. Interesting approach and I would encourage you to research it; I have no experience with it. My GSD received Oncept, which is only for dogs with melanoma. It works by introducing human melanoma cells into the dog's immune system, which they causes the dog's system to mount a fight against any and all melanoma.....in layman's terms.

Please let us know what you are able to find out. Your cat is very lucky to have you fighting for him.
 
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Mamanyt1953

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And let me assure you, Veterinary schools do not have new students "practicing" on animals. Moreover, they are teaching cutting-edge medicine with top-notch instructors, and the very latest in techniques and diagnostics. Given the chance, I'd take my baby to a well-known vet school any time for something serious. UC Davis, for instance, is pretty much a WORLD leader.
 
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missko

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We just got the biopsy results. No cancer detected. Sam has Feline Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Sclerosing Fibroplasia (FGESF). It is very rare and we are learning more about it. Often misdiagnosed as cancer or IBD.
 

nanniecat

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We just got the biopsy results. No cancer detected. Sam has Feline Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Sclerosing Fibroplasia (FGESF). It is very rare and we are learning more about it. Often misdiagnosed as cancer or IBD.
after 6 yrs, my cat no longer has FGESF. her onco calls it a christmas miracle! she is 19 yo
 
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