🐾 Vet-Approved 2025 Guide: Myeloma-Related Disorders in Cats—Diagnosis, Symptoms & Survival 🧬🐱

By Dr. Duncan Houston, BVSc

Myeloma-related disorders are rare but serious cancers in cats that affect plasma cells—specialized white blood cells responsible for making antibodies. These disorders can show up in bone marrow, organs like the liver and spleen, or even the skin. Early detection and a thorough diagnostic work-up are crucial for improving comfort and extending quality of life 🧠🩺

🔬 What Are Myeloma-Related Disorders?

Plasma cells become cancerous and multiply uncontrollably, producing excessive amounts of abnormal antibodies (paraproteins). These disorders fall under several categories:

• 🧪 Multiple Myeloma
• 🧫 Cutaneous Extramedullary Plasmacytoma (CEMP)
• 🩺 Non-Cutaneous Extramedullary Plasmacytoma (NCEMP)
• 🦴 Solitary Plasmacytoma of Bone (SPB)
• 💉 Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia (IgM type)
• 🧬 Immunoglobulin-secreting lymphoma
• 🔴 Myeloma cell leukemia

⚠️ Signs and Symptoms in Cats

Signs vary based on the affected organ systems, antibody overload, and degree of immune suppression. Common symptoms include:

• 😴 Lethargy and weakness
• 📉 Anemia (pale gums)
• 💧 Increased drinking/urination (from kidney damage)
• 🦴 Bone pain or fractures (osteolysis)
• 🧠 Neurological signs from thickened blood (hyperviscosity)
• 👁️ Vision loss or eye changes
• 🩸 Bleeding issues (bruising, nosebleeds)

📊 Systemic Effects of Myeloma

Because paraproteins affect many body systems, cats may develop:

• 🧪 Kidney failure from protein overload
• 🩸 Bleeding disorders due to impaired clotting
• 📈 High calcium levels (hypercalcemia)
• 🧬 Suppressed immunity → infections
• 💉 Thickened blood → damage to brain, eyes, and heart

🧪 Diagnostic Testing

Diagnosis is complex and requires multiple tests:

• 🩸 CBC & Biochemistry – checks anemia, calcium, kidney values
• 🧪 Serum protein electrophoresis – detects abnormal antibodies
• 🧫 Bone marrow aspiration or biopsy
• 🦴 Radiographs or ultrasound – checks for organ involvement or bone lesions

Some cats may require a referral to a veterinary oncologist or internal medicine specialist for full work-up.

💊 Treatment Options

Myeloma-related disorders are not curable, but many cats respond to treatment and enjoy good quality of life. Goals include:

• 🛏️ Symptom relief and pain management
• 🧬 Chemotherapy to reduce cancer burden (e.g., melphalan + prednisone)
• 💉 Supportive care for kidney disease, infections, or bleeding

📅 Response to treatment is typically seen within a few weeks. Median survival is about 12 months for cats receiving combination therapy.

📈 What Affects Prognosis?

• 📍 Location of disease (bone marrow vs. liver/spleen)
• 🧪 Severity of anemia, kidney damage, and calcium levels
• 💊 Responsiveness to chemotherapy
• 🔁 Development of drug resistance

📲 Getting Help

If you suspect myeloma in your cat, consult your veterinarian immediately. For specialized advice or test interpretation, visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app 📱

🧬 With the right care, cats with myeloma-related disorders can gain time, relief, and a better quality of life 🐱💖