Cat Cancer Treatment Cost

Average Claim: $435-$525

Radiation Therapy: $1,000-$4,000+

Typical costs:

Costs vary widely, depending on the type and stage of cancer, the number of treatments needed and the age of the cat.
The initial visit, including diagnosis, discussion of prognosis and a treatment plan likely will cost $200 and up, depending on the location of the cancer.
Major surgery to remove a tumor usually starts at about $500 and goes up for hard-to-reach tumors.
Chemotherapy can range from $200 or more for palliative treatment to $2,000 or more for three to six months of treatment.
Radiation therapy usually starts at about $1,000 and can go up to $4,000 or more.
The treatment regimen depends on the type of cancer. One common cancer in cats, fibrosarcoma, is usually treated with only surgery. The average claim amount submitted to Veterinary Pet Insurance for fibrosarcoma is $525. Lymphosarcoma is almost always treated with chemotherapy, which is sometimes supplemented with surgery and radiation. The average claim submitted for lymphosarcoma is $435.

What should be included:

After a diagnosis, a veterinarian will refer the cat to a veterinary oncologist or will draw up a treatment plan specific to the cat and the type and stage of cancer.
The University of Missouri-Columbia's veterinary oncology program provides overviews of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.

Additional costs:

Healthypet.com has an article on pain management. Pain medications can cost $25 to $50 a month.
Pets with cancer sometimes require antibiotics or other medications, which usually cost $30 to $50.
Some owners of cats with cancer choose to add complementary and alternative medicine -- which might include diet changes, herbal supplements or acupuncture -- to the treatment regimen. The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association allows a search for holistic veterinarians by state.

Discounts:

Before committing to an expensive treatment, you may want to get a second opinion.
Tip: In some cases, it is possible to get free or discounted care by enrolling your dog in a clinical trial. The Veterinary Cancer Society provides links to institutions currently holding clinical trials.

Shopping for cat cancer treatment:

HealthyPet.com has a primer on handling a cancer diagnosis and finding the best treatment.
To find a veterinary oncologist, use the by-state search offered by The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Article updated October 2007

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