Why did my cat die from lymphoma with normal blood work results?

Question

My cat died of lymphoma. He went off his food for 1 1/2 days before going to his vet. Blood work was all within normal ranges, except his white count was SLIGHTLY elevated, he had a bad tooth. He was acting normal in every other way, playing drinking, using his box, etc. He bounced back after his dental for a week, than all hell broke loose. Once again, blood work not bad. He quit eating for 5 days, lost weight like crazy. Post mortum showed every organ had cancer. What did I miss? Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Male | neutered

Laura Johnson VMD · Accepted Answer

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am so sorry for the loss of Lucifer! It sounds like a terrible ordeal. Cats are known for hiding their illness, sometimes until it is very advanced. They can have completely normal blood work with cancer. Sometimes if it is involving the bone marrow or liver we can start to see changes on blood work (very high or very low white blood cells and red blood cells or increased live enzymes). Lymphoma has the nickname of the "Great Pretender," meaning it can present like anything-a cold, a vomit/diarrhea episode, waxing and waning fevers, etc. It behaves this way in people too. You didn't miss anything. You did everything you could as soon as you knew he was sick. Sometimes things are out of our hands and progress so quickly we are blind sided. I wish you well and please feel free to reach out again if you have any other questions.

Why did my cat die from lymphoma with normal blood work results?

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