CANCER IN YOUR PET

What is Cancer?

Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells on or within the body. Cancer may be benign or malignant. It may be localized or it may invade adjacent tissue and spread throughout the body.

How Common is Cancer?

Cancer is common in pet animals and the incidence increases with age. Dogs get cancer roughly the same rate as humans, while cats get fewer cancers. Cancer accounts for almost have of the deaths of pets over 10 years of age.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Strong circumstantial evidence of cancer can be attained from x-rays, blood tests, the patient's physical examination and the medical history. Most cancers, however, will require a biopsy (removal of a piece of tissue) for confirmation.

Is Cancer Preventable?

Some cancer, such as breast cancer, is largely preventable with early spaying. Unfortunately, the cause of most cancers is not known and therefore prevention is difficult.

Common Types of Cancer in Pets

• SKIN - Skin tumors are very common in older dogs, but much less common in cats. Most skin tumors in cats are malignant, but in dogs, they are often benign. All skin tumors need to be examined at our office.
• BREAST - 50% of all breast tumors in dogs and greater than 85% of all breast tumors in cats are malignant. Spaying your pet between 6 and 12 months of age will greatly reduce the risk of breast cancer. Surgery is the treatment of choice for this type of cancer. Follow up treatment may be advantageous.
• HEAD & NECK - Cancer of the mouth is common in dogs and less so in cats. A mass on the gums, bleeding, odor, or difficult eating are signs to watch for. Many swellings are malignant, so early aggressive treatment is essential. Cancer may develop inside the nose of both cats and dogs. Bleeding from the nose, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling may occur.
• LYMPHOSARCOMA - This is a common form of cancer in dogs and cats. It is characterized by enlargement of one or many lymph nodes in the body. A virus causes most of these cancers in cats. Chemotherapy is frequently effective in controlling this type of cancer.
• FELINE LEUKEMIA COMPLEX' - The feline leukemia virus is contagious among cats and will occasionally cause different types of cancer. It is not contagious to humans. While a great deal of research is ongoing, no consistently effective treatment is presently available for virus-positive cats.
• TESTICLES - Testicular tumors are rare in cats but common in dogs, especailly those with retained testicles. Most of these cancers are treatable with surgery.
• ABDOMINAL TUMORS - Tumors inside the abdomen are common. It is difficult to make an early diagnosis. Weight loss or abdominal enlargement are common signs of these tumors.
• BONE - Bone tumors are most commonly seen in large breed dogs and rarely in cats. The leg bones, near the joints, are the most common sites. Persistent lameness and swelling of the leg is an early sign of disease.

Common Signs of Cancer in Pets

• Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow.
• Sores that do not heal
• Weight Loss
• Loss Of Appetite
• Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
• Offensive Odor
• Difficulty eating or swallowing
• Hesitate to exercise or lose stamina
• Persistent lameness or stiffness
• Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

Many of the above signs or symptoms are also seen with noncancerous conditions but still warrant prompt attention by our office to determine the cause. Cancer is frequently treatable, and early diagnosis will aid us in delivering the best care possible.

How Is It Treated?

Each cancer requires individual care. We may use surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, cryosurgery (freezing), hyperhermia (heating) or immunotherapy to effectively treat cancers. Combination therapy is commonly employed as well.

What Is The Success Rate?

This depends largely on the type and extent of the cancer as well as the aggressiveness of therapy. Some cancers can be cured and almost all patients can be helped to some degree. We will have a better chance to control or cure your pet's cancer if it is detected early.

Call us to learn how we can help your pet!!

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