Question:
I have a 13-year-old male cat I adopted about 10 years ago. He has recently been diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, which was found through routine blood work and which I am told is rare. He is asymptomatic and is a happy cat. His recent ultrasound came back normal, showing no problems with his lymph nodes or internal organs. I am reluctant to start him on a course of Leukeran/Prednisone because he has no symptoms. Two veterinarians (both in the same group that has treated him) have differing opinions on the proper course of treatment. One agrees with me that we should wait; the other feels it's best to start him on the chemotherapy before he begins to exhibit some symptoms, when the leukemia will be more difficult to get under control. I'm told cats tolerate Leukeran rather well with minimal side effects. Can you tell me if I'm doing more harm than good by waiting to treat him with chemo? Is there another alternative?
D.F., Trumbull, CT Mar 14, 2010
Answer:
I would vote on the side of the cautious "wait and see." While chemotherapy (with or without Prednisone) could lead to a "cure," your cat's immune system seems to be doing a good job all by itself. So it may be best to do nothing at this stage. This entails avoiding any stress in your cat's life -- such as getting another cat, having to board your cat, getting booster vaccinations, chemotherapy or spot-on anti-flea treatments.
Considering your cat's age and happy disposition, I would do nothing more than add a few drops of top-quality fish oil to his daily diet, like Nordic Naturals or New Chapter's Wholemega human dietary supplement.
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