Absolute chaos

The post Multiple Myeloma in Cats: Our Vet Explains Signs, Causes & Treatment by Dr. Ashley Darby BVSc (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Click to Skip Ahead What Is Multiple Myeloma? Signs Causes Diagnosis Care Guide Frequently Asked Questions If you’re interested in multiple myeloma, your cat may have been recently diagnosed with this rare disease. If this is the case, we’re very sorry and understand you’ll want to know everything about the condition and what to expect moving forward. Multiple myeloma is a cancerous disease, meaning that it’s caused by the uncontrolled growth of the cat’s own cells. As these cells proliferate, they cause harm to the vital body systems that keep your cat alive. What Is Multiple Myeloma? Multiple myeloma is a rare cancer originating from a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow. In healthy cats, the bone marrow contains stem cells that reproduce and mature into blood cells such as platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells. The white cells fight infection, platelets help with blood clotting, and red cells are the carrier cells for transporting oxygen around the body. One type of white blood cell is the plasma cell, which is responsible for the production of antibodies. Cancer of this cell line within the bone marrow causes multiple myeloma. However, if plasma cells cause cancer outside the bone marrow, it is called a plasmacytoma. However, multiple myeloma can spread from the bone marrow to other organs. The uncontrolled production of plasma cells results in excessive amounts of antibodies in the blood. Cancerous cells and the resulting antibodies can cause problems all around the body. Although cancer can originate in any bone, most arise in the spinal vertebrae. Image Credit: 4 PM production, Shutterstock What Are the Signs of Multiple Myeloma? Multiple myeloma typically occurs in cats over the age of 7 and appears to have similar rates in male and female cats. Signs of multiple myeloma are generalized to start with and worsen with time. Specific signs can be related to organs being impacted by the cancer. Generally, the first non-specific signs of the problem are: Signs: Lethargy Anorexia Weight loss Limping Pain There are, however, several complications of multiple myeloma that can result in more severe signs. These complications include: Hyperviscosity syndrome: Too many antibodies in the blood cause it to become physically thickened. Signs of hyperviscosity syndrome can be neurological or related to blood clotting or heart failure. Seizures, blindness, and respiratory distress are common signs of this syndrome in cats. Pathological fractures: Bones with tumor involvement may lose calcium and resorb, resulting in areas of weakness. Weakened bone is more prone to fractures, known as pathological fractures, as they occur without the trauma usually needed to break a bone. High blood calcium: This is common in cats with multiple myeloma due to bone resorption and cancer interfering with parathyroid gland function. It can lead to kidney damage and weakness. Kidney disease: Aside from the excess calcium, the abnormal antibody protein level can damage the kidneys. Cats with kidney problems will drink and urinate more to compensate and, in more severe cases, can develop vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and poor appetite. Blood clotting disorders: Platelets may also be impacted by the cancer, causing a reduction in blood clotting ability. Signs can include bleeding internally into the eyes, abnormal bruising, or visible bleeding. There can be blood in the digestive tract, causing black, tarry stools. Metastasis: The cancer cells can spread from the bone marrow to other organs and impact their function, including the kidneys, liver, and spleen. This is known as metastasis. Weak immune system: The immune system is weakened as the cancerous cells don’t function correctly, and the cancer may also crowd out sites needed for normal white cell production. Cats with multiple myeloma are prone to infections. Anemia: In some cases, red blood cell production may not be adequate, leading to anemia. Spinal cord compression: The tumor or weakened bones pressing on the spinal cord can lead to signs like weakness, wobbly gait, abnormal reflexes, and even paralysis. Image Credit: Olesya_Alexandrova, Shutterstock What Are the Causes of Multiple Myeloma? There has been no conclusive evidence about what causes multiple myeloma in cats. However, one study reports the occurrence of this rare condition in siblings, suggesting a possible genetic predisposition. This theory needs to be explored further but is backed up by findings in mice and humans. Unlike other white blood cell cancers, viruses like Feline Leukemia Virus, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, and Feline Infectious Peritonitis do not appear to be implicated in multiple myeloma. Finally, the environment can be important. Exposure to carcinogens like exhaust fumes and other chemicals can increase the risk of cancer. One study showed people in certain professions had an increased risk of multiple myeloma. Diagnosing Multiple Myeloma in Your Cat If your cat shows signs of being unwell, the first step is a veterinary consultation and examination. Your vet will consider your cat’s history and the signs they’re showing to determine the next steps. Since multiple myeloma is very rare and the initial signs are quite general, this potential diagnosis may not be the first on your vet’s list. There is a saying in medicine, “If you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras,” which means that certain illnesses are more common than others. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock Multiple myeloma can be diagnosed when two of the following are found: Moth-eaten bone lesions on X-rays Bone marrow biopsy finds cancerous cells or an abnormally high portion of plasma cells A specific protein related to antibodies in the urine (Bence-Jones proteinuria) High levels of a specific protein related to antibodies in the blood (paraproteinemia) Cancerous plasma cells in organs Extensive testing is needed to reach this definitive diagnosis. Initial testing at your general practice veterinarian may include: Hematology: This tests red and white cell and platelet counts. In cases of multiple myeloma, this may show anemia, low platelet count, or low white cell count. Serum biochemistry: This measures blood protein and calcium levels, which are likely to be high in cats with multiple myeloma. It can also assess kidney function and help rule out other health problems. Urine testing: Basic urine testing can rule out a secondary urinary tract infection and help assess hydration and kidney function. More specific urine tests are sent to a lab to look for Bence-Jones proteinuria. X-rays: They must be detailed and taken of the whole body to look for bone lesions. Ultrasound: It can help detect areas of organ enlargement, potentially indicating metastasis. Bone marrow biopsy: It’s usually performed on areas of bone lesions. Almost all cases of multiple myeloma will show abnormal plasma cells with this test. Serum protein electrophoresis: This is a laboratory test designed for paraproteinemia. The results of the tests may not only diagnose your cat but also help your vet to determine their prognosis. According to one study of nine cats, the following was associated with a poor prognosis in cats with multiple myeloma: Low blood calcium Pathological fractures Anemia Bence-Jones proteinuria Kidney damage Image Credit: mojo cp, Shutterstock How Do I Care for a Cat With Multiple Myeloma Cats with multiple myeloma need veterinary care and excellent nursing care at home. At the vet, your cat may need a fluid drip to support their kidneys and rehydrate them. Fluids also help treat hyperviscosity syndrome. On diagnosis, vets will start long-term antibiotics to protect your cat against infection. They will also provide symptomatic treatment on a case-by-case basis. Many cats need pain relief, while others need more specific medication. You will also have the option to pursue advanced cancer treatment for your cat. It’s fine not to do this based on your circumstances or beliefs. However, it could extend your cat’s life and improve their quality of life. Without it, euthanasia may need to occur sooner rather than later. Advanced cancer treatments are generally prescribed by a veterinary oncologist. In some cases, surgery can be recommended for damage control. These specialists can develop a plan for surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, as well as extensive follow-ups, to help your cat. Your vet will want to monitor for side effects related to treatment as well as your cat’s response to treatment. For example, a reduction in blood protein after treatment is a good sign. Good nursing care at home is essential. While not all these interventions may be necessary for every cat with multiple myeloma, we recommend speaking to your vet about the following: Keep your cat clean and reduce their risk of infection: Cleaning up urine and feces, keeping your cat’s environment hygienic, and avoiding raw food can help. You should also pay attention to dental hygiene since bacteria can build up in the mouth. Optimizing their nutrition and hydration: Choosing nutrient-dense wet foods can help keep weight on your cat and hydrate them. Offering water several times a day is a good idea to encourage your cat to drink. Ask your vet if any water additives are suitable to improve your cat’s hydration. Keeping your cat rested during their initial treatments: This can help reduce the risk of pathologic fractures and improve their comfort with bone lesions that cause pain. Helping your cat with urination: If they cannot empty their bladder on their own, you may need to help them. Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch! If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price! Click to Speak With a Vet Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) How Long Can a Cat Live With Multiple Myeloma? One study showed that out of eight cats receiving chemotherapy for multiple myeloma, four had a complete response, and one had a partial response. Those who responded survived for between 4 and 24 months. The average survival time with treatment is around 42–281 days. Cats that don’t receive advanced treatment or do not respond to treatment will have a shorter lifespan. Is Bone Marrow Cancer Painful in Cats? Bone marrow cancers like multiple myeloma can be painful, especially if they cause the bone to be eaten away or pathological fractures. These cats often need one or more pain relief medications to remain comfortable. Don’t be afraid to discuss this with your vet if your cat is in pain. In addition to the pain, these cancers can cause changes that make your cat feel generally lethargic or nauseous. Conclusion Multiple myeloma is a rare form of bone cancer in cats. While cats with multiple myeloma will eventually succumb to their condition, a period of remission is possible. Unfortunately, some cats don’t respond despite the best treatment, and many have highly aggressive forms of multiple myeloma. Your vet can look for signs that might indicate a poor prognosis for your cat. When your cat is diagnosed with multiple myeloma the most important thing is their comfort and quality of life. That is why you should pamper your cat with multiple myeloma, monitor for any signs of pain or discomfort, and follow your vet’s advice. Sources NCBI Veterinary Partner Vet Med Pet Health Network Featured Image Credit: Kginger, Shutterstock The post Multiple Myeloma in Cats: Our Vet Explains Signs, Causes & Treatment by Dr. Ashley Darby BVSc (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Recently declassified NSA documents reveal that Russia may have been in possession of secretive microwave weaponry, potentially linked to mysterious health issues experienced by U.S. officials. Known as Havana Syndrome, this puzzling phenomenon first emerged in 2016 when American diplomats and intelligence personnel in Havana, Cuba, reported a range of debilitating symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, nausea, and long-term neurological damage. For nearly a decade, the true cause of these symptoms has remained elusive. Some investigations suggest the symptoms may be psychosomatic, while others point to the use of directed energy weapons by foreign adversaries. A recently highlighted 2014 NSA document seems to support the latter theory, indicating that Russia had developed a weapon capable of producing symptoms identical to those seen in Havana Syndrome cases. According to the declassified file, two NSA counterintelligence agents were severely affected by exposure to what was suspected to be a microwave weapon during a mission to Russia. Both suffered brain-related injuries, including cognitive impairments and dizziness. One of the agents, Chuck Gubete, later died, while the other, Mike Beck, developed Parkinson’s disease, which he attributes to the alleged attack in the 1990s. The document describes a “high-powered microwave weapon” designed to silently attack a target by flooding their environment with microwaves, resulting in nervous system damage and other physical effects. Despite these revelations, the NSA could not find definitive proof that such a weapon had been used, leaving the connection between these incidents and Havana Syndrome inconclusive. The challenge of confirming the use of microwave weapons continues to cast a shadow over efforts to unravel the mystery of these health attacks. Jake Carter: As someone who’s closely followed Russian politics, I have serious doubts that this microwave weapon originated solely from Russia. The country’s notorious corruption makes it unlikely they could have developed and maintained such advanced technology on their own. It feels like there’s something deeper going on here, possibly involving more clandestine, global forces. The real origins of Havana Syndrome might lie beyond Russia. The post Could Russian Microwave Weapons Be Behind Havana Syndrome? appeared first on Anomalien.com.

If everything goes according to plan, Elon Musk announced via his social platform X that SpaceX’s Starship, the most powerful rocket ever built, could make its journey to Mars within two years. The optimal launch window will be in 2026, when Mars will be at its closest point to Earth. Elon Musk, the founder and CEO of SpaceX, revealed that the Starship, a two-stage mega-rocket consisting of a launch vehicle and spacecraft, could reach Mars as early as 2026. This mission will likely involve multiple spacecraft, as Musk implied that there will be more than just a single flight. However, no astronauts will be on board during these initial missions, which are intended to test the ability to land safely and reliably on the Martian surface. Musk also stated that if these initial landings are successful, the first human crew could be sent to Mars by 2028. Since Earth and Mars align favorably every 26 months, 2026 presents the best opportunity for this groundbreaking mission. According to Musk, once successful landings are achieved, the frequency of flights to Mars will increase exponentially. He even predicted that within 20 years, a city inhabited by humans could be established on the Red Planet. Starship is designed as a fully reusable two-stage rocket. The first stage, called the Super Heavy booster, and the second stage, the Starship spacecraft, together stand 122 meters tall, making it the tallest and most powerful rocket in the world. Starship generates twice the thrust of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS), which is currently being used for the Artemis program aimed at lunar exploration. In 2025, NASA plans to send astronauts in the Orion spacecraft around the Moon, with a lunar landing slated for 2026—the first in 52 years. A key advantage of Starship over NASA’s SLS is its reusability. After each mission, the Super Heavy booster is designed to return to the launch pad for reuse. Musk’s vision of landing humans on Mars and building a permanent colony has been a longstanding goal, and SpaceX believes Starship is the key to turning this dream into reality. However, the spacecraft is still undergoing rigorous testing. So far, four test launches have been conducted, with each one yielding progressively better results. SpaceX is currently preparing for a fifth test flight, expected to happen soon, where the Super Heavy booster will attempt to land back on the launch pad—another critical step toward full mission readiness. Musk also envisions using Starship not only for Mars missions but for lunar missions as well, transporting both cargo and people to the Moon. The post SpaceX’s Starship to Reach Mars by 2026, Says Elon Musk appeared first on Anomalien.com.

If you’re looking for a fantastic gaming mouse deal, you’ve found it. Amazon has slashed the price of the Logitech G502X wired mouse, one of the newest G502 mice models, but there is a catch. While both the black and white models are discounted at Amazon, the white mouse benefits from a slightly higher saving of 33% off the price, while the black model only has 26% off. While we weren’t huge fans of the first G502 mouse model, which had its 10th birthday a few months ago, some of the newer iterations of this Logitech mouse are genuinely some of the best gaming mouse models you can buy right now. However, you'll need to grab this deal quickly, as this sale won’t last forever. Continue reading Save $25 on the Logitech G502 X with this gaming mouse deal MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Logitech G Pro Superlight 2, Logitech G Pro X TKL Lightspeed review, Best gaming mouse

The new AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D is out in the wild and, despite previously being touted as a US exclusive for Micro Center, it’s now on sale in Germany. It looks like a good chip too. Initial hardware tests are showing that it outperforms the new Ryzen 7 9700X, making it an interesting alternative for gamers looking to save some money. There’s a lot to like about the Ryzen 5 7600X3D, on paper. This chip might have two fewer cores than the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which is still the best gaming CPU on the market right now, but the use of 3D V-cache in this Socket AM5 AMD CPU means it's actually out-performing AMD's new Zen 5 CPUs in some game tests. Continue reading AMD’s Ryzen 5 7600X3D beats all the new Zen 5 CPUs in games MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Ryzen 7 7800X3D review, Best gaming CPU, Radeon RX 7800 XT review

Monday Morning Meme Madness

Food is a massive deal in Core Keeper, and if you hope to survive, you can't do it by munching plants you find on the ground.

Amidst controversial game launches and shutdowns due to some alleged "agenda pushing," around 1,600 Steam users have taken it upon themselves to give games a "woke or not" seal of approval.