Neoplasia Case Report

Dr. Shana Buchanan, MBA, Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture, Certified in Veterinary Chiropractic, Veterinary Food Therapist, Certified in Chinese Veterinary Herbs
"P", a 9.8 lbs (4.45 kg), 17.5 year old, MN DSH that lives inside and outside with several other cats that compete for food out of the same food bowl, was presented to a previous veterinary clinic in April 2010 for weight loss and decreased appetite.  Blood work, thyroid panel and blood pressure values were within normal limits.  Due to the past history of urinary tract infections (UTI), it was presumed that the pet could have an occult UTI or pyelonephritis.  A 14 week treatment of daily 12.5mg oral Zeniquin was dispensed. 

In August 2010, "P" weighed 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) and presented for continuing weight loss, blood in stools and hyporexia.  A diagnosis of gastritis and severe dental disease was made and a recommendation to have a dental as soon as possible to rule out dental problems causing the weight loss and hyporexia.  Twice daily of 25mg Clindamycin was dispensed to begin a few days prior to the dental and to continue 7 days after the dental.  Pre-anesthetic blood work revealed slight anemia and hypoalbuminemia.  The dental was successful with only one tooth extraction and an uneventful recovery.  In September 2010, "P" weighed 8.1 lbs (3.68 kg) and presented for a hyporexia, continued weight loss and hematochezia.  Giardia was diagnosed and twice daily dose of 80mg of Metronidazole, daily dose of 200mg of Fenbendazole and pro-biotics were dispensed for the bloody diarrhea.  A few days later, "P" boarded at the clinic and an appetite stimulant of twice daily 2mg Cyproheptadine was dispensed.  During the stay at the clinic, "P" ate Hill’s Science Diet a/d and did not exhibit any further diarrhea. 

At the end of September, "P" weighed 7.7 lbs (3.5kg) and presented again for continued weight loss and anorexia.  Abdominal palpation did not reveal any tenderness and the intestinal loops were easily palpated.  Anemia was the only abnormality on repeated blood work.  Radiographs of the chest and abdomen were performed.  The thoracic radiographs showed microcardia presumably due to dehydration and anemia.  Abdominal radiographs revealed a mass in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen under the rib cage and a lot of gas in the small intestines.  A diagnosis of abdominal cancer was made.  The mass was presumed to be partially obstructing the pylorus, thus causing the gas in the intestines and the decrease in the pet’s appetite. 

A TCM exam was performed and revealed a thin cat with a red tongue and forceful pulses.  With the past history of hematochezia, UTI, gingivitis and an abdominal mass, Blood Stasis causing Damp-Heat was diagnosed in addition to Qi deficiency.  Treatment options were discussed and the recommendation of Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang (Drive Stasis from Below the Diaphragm Decoction) since this formula not only moves Blood and Qi but also tonifies the blood and cools the patient.  Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) was recommended to help tonify the Qi in this geriatric patient and to help replenish SP Qi.  Additionally, high doses of fish oils and arginine were discussed, as well as a diet change.  Due to the ongoing problem and the late diagnosis of cancer in the patient, the owner elected euthanasia.