Could stomach cancer really have killed Kim Kardashian’s kitten?

by Patrick Mahaney on January 24, 2013

This article originally appeared on my ongoing series of articles for Flexcin International, Inc as Could stomach cancer really have killed Kim Kardashian’s kitten?

First and foremost, my condolences go out to Kim Kardashian and her family for the loss of their beloved cat, Mercy.  Gifted by Kim’s boyfriend, Kayne West, she was a Teacup Persian - a miniature variation of the traditional Persian. Mercy only lived a short life, as illness caused her to be euthanized at the tender age of four months. This begs the question - could stomach cancer really have killed Kim Kardashian’s kitten?

 

Why did Mercy get sick and have be put to sleep at such a young age?

Rather unfortunate circumstances surrounding the nature of Mercy’s illness are provided by The Huffington Post.  Evidently, Mercy died of a “cancer-like virus often associated with breeding”.  Further, Kardashian’s blog states “they discovered she had a stomach problem that we weren’t aware of. Her stomach had filled with fluid and the doctor said she had a rare stomach cancer and that there was nothing we could do for her”.

What was the causative agent leading to young Mercy’s ultimate demise?

There are a variety of infectious organisms that affect cats during their juvenile, adult, and geriatric years.  The feline viruses having potential to cause mild to severe sickness include:

Some signs point to Feline Leukemia

Although the exact organism reported to be the cause of Mercy’s death has not been disclosed, my top differential is Feline Leukemia.  This virus compromises a cat’s immune system and leads to a variety of clinical signs of illness, including:

  • Lethargy (low energy, increased sleeping, decreased activity, etc.)
  • Anorexia (decreased appetite)
  • Weight loss
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Hyper- or hypothermia (elevated or reduce body temperature, respectively)
  • Lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes)
  • Ataxia (difficulty walking)
  • Inflammation (redness, discharge, etc.) of the eye, nose, and mouth

Additionally, Feline Leukemia is the virus most commonly associated with cancer in cats, such aslymphoma and sarcoma.  Yet, many cats live for years after being infected with the Feline Leukemia Virus and don’t develop cancer until their adult or geriatric life stages.

It could have been Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

Therefore, my other top consideration is Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).  This coronavirus has a “wet form”, causing accumulation of fluid in cavities containing the abdominal and chest organs (the peritoneal and thoracic cavities, respectively).  FIP could have led to Mercy’s abdominal distention, which likely prompted Kardashian’s report of Mercy’s “stomach” (abdominal cavity) having “filled with fluid”.

Where did Mercy’s sickness come from?

How Mercy contracted this illness is currently unknown.  Kittens can be infected with viral disease in utero (from their mother) or come into contact with contagious diseases at the site where they are raised.  In Mercy’s case, the source was most likely the facility from which West purchased her(i.e. Mercy’s breeder).  Alternatively, viral infection could have occurred from direct contact with another cat or any surface containing contaminated bodily secretions (eye and nasal discharge, saliva, etc.).

E! News details a Kardiashian source’s claim that “she (Kim) was upset about Mercy dying” and “Kim called the breeder and said they should be more responsible”.

How can I prepare my cat before coming home?

Even if a cat does not show signs of illness, thorough wellness measures must be taken  before introducing a cat to one’s home environment, including:

  1. Examination by veterinarian
  2. Baseline diagnostic testing, including blood tests for FeLV and FIV, and fecal tests for gastrointestinal parasites
  3. Other tests (X-rays, ultrasound, further blood/fecal tests, urinalysis, etc.) as deemed necessary by the examining veterinarian
  4. Vaccination based on the cat’s previous history of immunization and overall health status (i.e. don’t vaccinate a sick cat)

Although Mercy was reportedly examined by veterinarians on multiple occasions after being brought into the Kardashian family fold, it’s unknown if any diagnostic tests for infectious organisms were performed.

Mercy’s death is tragic, yet I hope this feline celebrity will help better educate the general public about the importance of proper practices associated with pet ownership.

 

Thank you for reading this article.  Your questions and comments are completely welcome (I’ll respond).

Please feel free to communicate with me through Twitter (@PatrickMahaney) and follow my adventures in veterinary medicine by liking Patrick Mahaney: Veterinarian Acupuncture Pain Management for Your Pets on Facebook.

Copyright of this article (2012) is owned by Dr Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.

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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Laura July 3, 2013 at 1:25 pm

Hi there just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let
you know a few of the images aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but
I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same results.

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Terrance Grobes
Twitter: Terrance Grobes
November 12, 2013 at 7:08 pm

Cancer remedy is also important simply because cancerous development in eyes can instigate cell abnormality in other regions like head and neck areas, blood cells, lymph nodes and so on. Cancer remedies are of numerous types and one should consult a doctor prior to opting for 1.

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