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Why Your Cat Eats But Stays Thin
A cat that eats plenty yet stays thin can point to a weak digestive system, high activity, picky eating, illness, or genetics. If the cat is not naturally slender but eats well without gaining weight, a vet check is wise to rule out problems and adjust diet. Some cats are simply born lean and stay healthy that way, which is no cause for worry. Either way, forcing extra weight is unhealthy.
Myomas (Rhabdomyomas and Leiomyomas) in Dogs and Cats
Myomas are muscle tumors that include rhabdomyomas and leiomyomas and may be benign or malignant. In dogs the malignant rhabdomyosarcoma is most often seen, with an unclear cause that may be hereditary. They can occur in any muscle-containing organ and are hard to remove once invasive.
Chondromas in Dogs and Cats
Chondromas are benign cartilage tumors that arise in the long bones and affect the ribs, pelvis, and sternum. They are attached to bone and need surgery only when swollen or pressing on a nerve. Most cause no signs and need no treatment.
Cutaneous Fibromas in Dogs and Cats
Cutaneous fibromas are benign tumors that arise spontaneously or after injury and can occur anywhere on the skin of dogs and cats. They are well-defined, hairless, and rarely ulcerate, and small ones may need no treatment. Surgical removal cures most cases.
Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs and Cats
Cutaneous mast cell tumors can appear anywhere on the skin or internal organs, most often on the hind legs, perineum, and prepuce. They vary from slow soft lumps to fast hard nodules and may ulcerate. Surgical removal of well-defined tumors is the main treatment.
Fibrosarcomas in Dogs and Cats
Fibrosarcoma is a malignant tumor of fibrous tissue and the second most common mouth tumor in dogs. About 60 percent arise in the skull bones and 30 percent in the long bones. It is firm, invasive, and bleeds easily when sampled. Surgery is the main treatment.
Papillomas in Dogs and Cats
Papillomas are benign tumors of the skin's outer layer, among the most common epidermal tumors of dogs and rare in cats. They appear as cauliflower-like, often stalked warts that can bleed when injured. Many regress on their own, while others are removed surgically.
Melanomas in Dogs and Cats
Melanomas are pigmented tumors that may be benign or malignant, often in dark-skinned dogs such as Cocker Spaniels and Scottish Terriers. They favor the mouth, eyes, rectum, and perineum, with mucosal sites most at risk. Wide removal is used, but malignant forms carry a poor outlook.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Dogs and Cats
Squamous cell carcinoma is a skin tumor of the epidermal layer linked to long-term sun exposure and other skin irritation. It is the second most common skin tumor in cats and favors the head, ears, lips, and nose. Wide surgical removal is the main treatment, though it often recurs.
Sebaceous Adenomas in Dogs and Cats
Sebaceous adenomas are usually benign, curable skin tumors of older dogs and cats, most often on the back, sides, limbs, and head or neck. They appear as firm, movable, hairless lumps that may ulcerate. Complete removal or freezing cures the benign forms.