Conditions/Oncology/Feline Lymphoma
Oncologycats

Feline Lymphoma

Lymphoma is the most common cancer in cats, and gastrointestinal lymphoma is the most prevalent form. Unlike in dogs, feline GI lymphoma has two dramatically different subtypes — small-cell (low-grade) and large-cell (high-grade) — with completely different prognoses and treatments. Critically, small-cell lymphoma is frequently misdiagnosed as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), leading to incorrect treatment.

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At a glance

ConditionFeline Lymphoma
Speciescats
SpecialtyOncology
Typical treatment cost$2,000–$8,000
The complexity

What makes feline lymphoma hard to diagnose correctly

GI lymphoma subtypes (large-cell vs small-cell) have dramatically different prognoses and treatment approaches; misclassification as IBD is common. Small-cell lymphoma and IBD can look virtually identical on ultrasound and even on biopsy if the pathologist is not experienced with feline GI disease. The distinction requires careful immunohistochemistry — and getting it wrong means treating a treatable cancer as inflammatory disease.

Specialist advantage

What a specialist catches that your GP might miss

Accurate immunophenotyping, correct protocol selection (COP vs chlorambucil/pred), and nutritional support guidance. An oncologist confirms the diagnosis via PARR testing or immunohistochemistry, distinguishes IBD from small-cell lymphoma, and selects the appropriate chemotherapy protocol — decisions that meaningfully affect both response rate and quality of life.

Diagnostics

Common diagnostic tests

  • Abdominal ultrasound with intestinal wall layer assessment
  • Fine-needle aspirate or core biopsy of intestinal wall
  • Histopathology with immunohistochemistry (CD3/CD79a)
  • PARR (PCR for antigen receptor rearrangement)
  • Complete blood count and chemistry panel
  • Serum cobalamin and folate levels
Treatment

Treatment options

  • Chlorambucil and prednisolone — small-cell lymphoma
  • COP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisolone) — large-cell
  • CHOP protocol — large-cell with good performance status
  • Supportive care: cobalamin supplementation, appetite support
  • Immunosuppressive therapy (if IBD cannot be excluded)
Typical cost range: $2,000–$8,000
Why it matters

Why get a second opinion for feline lymphoma?

Diagnosis confirmation

Feline Lymphoma can be difficult to diagnose correctly. A specialist second opinion confirms, or revises, your pet's diagnosis before treatment begins.

Treatment optimization

Treatment choices for feline lymphoma have significant cost and outcome differences. A specialist review ensures your pet gets the most appropriate protocol.

Peace of mind

Knowing a board-certified specialist has reviewed your pet's case gives you the confidence to make treatment decisions without second-guessing.

Every opinion is written by a board-certified oncology specialist, not a general vet. You get a detailed written report to share with your own vet, and if it does not address your case you can request a refund within 48 hours.

Board-certified specialists. Written report in 24-48 hours. 48-hour refund window.

Get a specialist review for feline lymphoma

A board-certified oncology specialist reviews your pet's complete case and delivers a written second opinion in 24-48 hours.

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Request a refund within 48 hours if the opinion doesn't address your case