My Cat Has Multiple Mast Cell Tumors

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Bearwolf56

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First off, I am so thankful to have found this site. Last October a large mast cell tumor was removed from my cat, Baxter's side. The pathology showed it was stage one, which was a great relief. Then two months ago I found small bb sized balls on him. All together 8 of them. Some on his shoulders, one on his head, etc. I was about to go into the hospital so it was about a month before I could get him to the vet. By that time three had grown to about 1cm and were more flattened out some and no longer the "ball" they were before. The vet aspirated one and the pathology confirmed it was mast cell tumors. I had three choices, chemotherapy, radiation, or we could try prednisolone. The vet said that there were too many to consider surgery. I opted for the prednisolone since it was the least invasive as well as the easiest on Baxter. After two weeks of 5mg of prednisolone, twice a day, the tumors seemed to have shrunk some. He's now on 5mg once a day. I have a appointment with the vet in two days and would like to discuss what options I have now for him. That's why I'm here. I've read some of the posts and saw that there were so many informed and kind people on here that maybe some of you might have any suggestions. I don't want him to end up covered in these things. I shudder to think of him being on prednisolone the rest of his life. I've also read about new chemotherapy using Pallidia, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in the treatment of dogs with mast cell tumors. Unfortunately, it hasn't been approved in cats but studies sound promising. So I aplogise for the long post. Any and all comments, suggestions, personal experience with mast cell tumors in cats, or any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all for being here.
 

Furballsmom

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I have no information for you, but until more knowledgeable members see your post, I just want to send my thoughts to you both.
 

fionasmom

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My Cat Charlie - Pancreatitis? Lost alot of weight and Little appetite
Post from member who considered Palladia

Palladia® (toceranib) in Dogs & Cats - The Pet Oncologist.
Use of Palladia in cats

Eight is a lot of surgery and your vet has ruled that out, which is understandable. Do you have the option of consulting with a veterinary oncologist, or can your vet do so on your behalf? Is Palladia the only option for chemo for mast cell tumors or are there other options? Cats often tolerate chemo much better than humans. Often a specialist can offer a perspective that another vet may not have.

The number of lesions, coupled with the fact that they cannot be removed, which is usually the first step in treating this condition, then followed with radiation/chemo complicates your course of action.
 
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Bearwolf56

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Thank you. I will talk to the vet about talking to an oncologist. A search on Google showed the closest one is 25 miles from here but I'll see what she says. Thank you again. 😼
 
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Bearwolf56

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Thank you all for your well wishes and information. I saw the vet today. She was happy with how the prednisolone is working. The tumors are getting any bigger and she couldn't find any new ones. I have another week of 5mg once a day then cut it down to half of that after another week to see how that does. It's hoped that the low dosage will keep it under control and if we're really lucky it will go into remission. Fingers crossed. Once again thank you all for your help and I gladly welcome any other experience or suggestions any of you might have.
 
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Bearwolf56

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I want to thank you all for your help. My cat's condition worsened over time and discovered though an ultrasound scan that he had tumors not only in his intestines but also on his liver. He was losing weight, vomiting, and miserable. I didn't want to put him through chemo if it wasn't going to cure him. So, I thought the best thing to do is to let him go and put him to sleep. Thank you all again. I wish I had better news to give you.
 

fionasmom

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I am so sorry for your loss of Baxter. You fought the good fight beside him and made the hardest decision possible in order to let him pass peacefully. When a cat passes, we close the thread after a couple of days out of respect for him. You are more than welcome to post any stories, memories, or accounts of your time with Baxter in our Crossing the Bridge forum if you would find comfort in doing so.

Crossing the Bridge
 
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