How to Recognize the Signs of Cancer in Your Pet

Our pets can’t tell us if they are in pain that is why it is important to recognize early symptoms of any type of illness, especially cancer, which is one of the most common diseases of our time. It is the key to a successful treatment and recovery.

Cancer is a complicated illness with many different types, including melanoma, lymphoma, osteosarcoma, prostate cancer and etc. Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells and could develop because of damaged DNA. A dog’s DNA could be damaged when exposed to something in the environment, such as carcinogens or the damaged DNA could be inherited, which is called hereditary cancer.

The signs and symptoms vary depending on the type and location.

Warning signs:

1. Weight loss

2. Loss of appetite

3. Bleeding or discharge (vomiting and diarrhea are examples of abnormal discharge)

4. Difficulty eating or swallowing ( common signs of cancer in the neck and mouth)

5. Abnormal or rapidly growing swellings

6. Sores that don’t heal

7. Difficulty urinating or defecating

If you notice any of these signs above, do not panic! Make an appointment with your veterinarian to run a diagnosis because these signs don’t necessarily mean that your dog has cancer, it could be because of another illness.

Finding out your dog has cancer can be heartbreaking. It could be difficult for you to process, but there are treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) that can help them. These treatments can be combined or used alone. There isn’t a complete cure for cancer, but research is continuing.

 

Resources: https://canna-pet.com/cancer-in-dogs/ https://www.csuanimalcancercenter.org/2019/10/28/top-10-warning-signs-of-cancer-in-pets/ https://www.msdvetmanual.com/special-pet-topics/cancer-and-tumors/cancer-treatment#:~:text=Your%20veterinarian%20has%20several%20options,in%20combination%20with%20other%20treatments.