Treatment of a Persian Cat’s Abdominal Tumor by Electrochemotherapy
Pars Tarava, the first and leading manufacturer of electroporation and electrochemotherapy devices in Iran, has always believed that cutting-edge medical technology should improve the quality of life for all living beings, including the cherished pets that are part of our families. Today, with both pride and optimism, we share a striking clinical success that not only confirms the effectiveness of Iran-made electrochemotherapy equipment but also highlights an innovative, less-invasive approach to treating tumors in companion animals.
The Challenge: An Abdominal Tumor and the Risk of Repeated Anesthesia
Our story begins with a purebred Persian cat that arrived at Novin Pet Clinic bearing a worrisome abdominal tumor measuring 3 × 3 centimeters. The mass alarmed both the devoted owners and the veterinary team. Such tumors often require invasive measures such as surgery. After thorough evaluation by the Novin team and Pars Tarava specialists, electrochemotherapy was chosen as the treatment path.
Session 1 — Therapy Under General Anesthesia
The first session took place in a sterile setting under general anesthesia. After local drug injection, veterinarians applied precise pulses to the tumor tissue using Pars Tarava’s electrochemotherapy device. Because the electric pulses dramatically increased cellular permeability, the cancer cells absorbed the drug hundreds of times more effectively.
Initial Results Sixteen Days After Session 1
The benefits of this novel, minimally invasive method became apparent quickly. Just sixteen days after completing the second electrochemotherapy session—performed without anesthesia—the following changes were recorded:
- Marked Tumor Reduction
The tumor, previously 3 × 3 cm, shrank to 2 × 2 cm. This 30–40 percent decrease in cross-section signals a highly favorable response. - Altered Tumor Consistency
The mass changed from a soft, diffuse, possibly mobile lump to a firmer, compact, sponge-like tissue—classic evidence of necrosis induced by electrochemotherapy, as tumor cells die and the body reabsorbs them. - Improved Quality of Life
Most importantly, the cat returned to normal daily behavior. Pain in the tumor area had noticeably diminished or vanished. The cat resumed its routine, showing no signs of anorexia or lethargy—it simply regained its lively, natural demeanor. That enhancement in well-being is the ultimate goal of any veterinary treatment.
Session 2 — Therapy Without General Anesthesia
A critical concern in this case was the cat’s history of multiple anesthetic episodes. General anesthesia, especially for older cats or those with special conditions, carries significant risks—cardiovascular, respiratory, or even non-recovery. One more full anesthesia posed an unacceptable hazard for the team led by Dr. Sajjadi at Novin Pet Clinic.
Given that risk, the second session was carried out under light sedation and local analgesia only. Because the Pars Tarava device allows fine-tuned adjustment of voltage and pulse duration, any pain from the electric shocks stayed within tolerable limits, enabling the cat to remain conscious, eliminating anesthesia-related respiratory and cardiac dangers.
Immediate Observations After Session 2
- No acute pain response, only a brief muscle twitch at pulse delivery.
- The cat readily drank water and ate afterward.
- No signs of pain, anxiety, or withdrawal were seen in its behavior.
The ability to perform this procedure under mild sedation—or even just local anesthesia—with proper handling was vital. Unlike surgery, which demands deep anesthesia, electrochemotherapy is comparatively swift and, with skilled, gentle restraint, imposes no undue stress or pain. Confident in both the device and clinical skill, Dr. Sajjadi chose this anesthesia-sparing approach.
The Treatment Process: Precision, Speed, and Care
Both sessions followed the same basic steps:
- Preparation
After a full exam, the cat received very light sedation to ease anxiety while avoiding deep, risky anesthesia. The tumor area was meticulously prepared. - Device Application
Dr. Sajjadi used Pars Tarava’s advanced electrochemotherapy device with settings tailored to the tumor’s tissue and location. Electrodes were positioned so the brief pulses (micro- to millisecond range) would efficiently target cancer cells. - Animal Management
The Novin team’s skill in keeping the cat calm throughout the short procedure was key to success without general anesthesia. - Session Completion
Once pulses were delivered, the cat quickly returned to normal and was monitored. No significant pain or distress was noted during or immediately after treatment.
Why Pars Tarava Electrochemotherapy Is a Major Leap for Veterinary Medicine
This successful case underscores several vital advantages of the Pars Tarava device and the method itself:
- Eliminates or Greatly Reduces the Need for General Anesthesia—crucial for high-risk patients.
- Minimally Invasive—no large incisions, major bleeding, or prolonged recovery.
- Rapid, High Efficacy—Tumor shrinkage and tissue changes can occur within days to weeks.
- Tissue Conservation—targets the tumor precisely, sparing healthy surrounding tissue.
- Lower Systemic Side Effects—enhanced drug uptake in the tumor permits smaller overall chemotherapy doses.
- Repeatable—additional sessions can be performed more easily than repeat surgeries.
- Cost-Effective—less complex anesthesia, shorter clinic stays, and lighter postoperative care reduce expense.
Pars Tarava: Driving Modern Medical Technology for Iran and Beyond
This clinical success is just one demonstration of the capabilities of Pars Tarava’s Iran-made devices. Through continuous research and advanced developments in electroporation and electrochemotherapy, we proudly push forward not only human medicine but veterinary care as well. Producing these devices domestically to the highest global standards gives Iranian medical and veterinary centers access to cutting-edge treatments while reducing reliance on imports.
Final Word: A Bright Future for Pet Cancer Therapy
The story of this beloved Persian cat conveys a message of hope to pet owners facing a tumor diagnosis in their furry companions. With breakthroughs like electrochemotherapy, developed and manufactured by pioneers such as Pars Tarava, more effective, safer, and more humane options are now available. This approach is especially promising for cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors, oral masses, and even certain accessible internal tumors.
At Pars Tarava, we congratulate Novin Pet Clinic and Dr. Sajjadi on this achievement and remain committed to advancing and spreading this life-saving technology. Our ultimate aim is to enhance the quality of life and raise treatment prospects for every patient—human or animal—through homegrown knowledge and innovation.
