Recognizing Pet Cancer
As pet owners, we cherish the companionship and unconditional love of our four-legged friends. Naturally, the thought of them developing a serious illness, such as cancer, can be heartbreaking. Unfortunately, cancer is common in cats and dogs, especially as they age. Early detection is key, because recognizing the signs in the early stages can help improve your pet’s prognosis. Our Nebraska Pet Hospice team explains signs that may indicate pet cancer and provides information about what you should expect if your furry pal is affected.
Common cancer signs in pets
Cancer can present in a variety of ways, depending on the cancer type and location. While some signs are obvious, others can be subtle or easily mistaken for other conditions. Common pet cancer signs include:
- Lumps and bumps — Not every lump is cancerous, but if you notice a new or rapidly growing mass on your pet, it’s important to have your veterinarian check the area. Cancerous tumors, which can feel firm or soft, can appear anywhere on your pet’s body.
- Unexplained weight loss — Sudden or unexplained weight loss is a red flag that something is wrong. If your pet is eating normally but losing weight, they could have an underlying condition, such as cancer.
- Loss of appetite or difficulty eating — A loss of appetite or trouble eating can be linked to cancer, especially if a tumor affects the mouth, throat, or digestive system.
- Lethargy or decreased activity — If your normally active pet becomes lethargic, seems less interested in play, or sleeps more than usual, a cancer-related health condition could be causing their decreased energy.
- Persistent cough or difficulty breathing — Coughing, increased respiratory rate, or difficulty breathing can indicate lung cancer or cancer that has spread to the chest.
- Changes in bathroom habits — If your pet has trouble urinating or defecating, or their bathroom habits change, cancer could be affecting their bladder, colon, or other organs. In addition, blood in the urine or stool is a warning sign that should never be ignored.
- Non-healing wounds — Wounds or infections that won’t heal, despite treatment, could indicate cancer. Skin cancer or cancers affecting immune function may result in wounds that don’t respond to normal healing processes.
- Swollen lymph nodes — Lymph nodes play a role in the immune system, and swelling in the nodes could indicate lymphoma, one of the most common cancers in dogs and cats. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian if you notice swollen areas around your pet’s neck, armpits, or behind their knees.
Types of pet cancer
Pets can develop many of the same cancers as humans, with some types more common, including:
- Lymphoma — Lymphoma affects the lymph nodes and immune system and is common in dogs and cats.
- Mast cell tumors — Mast cell tumors are a type of skin cancer seen most commonly in dogs.
- Osteosarcoma — The bone cancer osteosarcoma typically affects large-breed dogs.
- Oral cancer — Oral cancer involves the mouth and throat and often affects older dogs and cats.
- Hemangiosarcoma — Hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive cancer that affects blood vessels and is most commonly found in dogs.
- Mammary cancer — Mammary cancer is often seen in unspayed female dogs and cats.
- Soft tissue sarcomas — Soft tissue sarcomas affect connective tissue and can occur anywhere in a pet’s body.
Treatment for pet cancer
Treatment options for pets affected by cancer vary, depending on the cancer type and stage. Potential treatments include:
- Surgery — For localized tumors, surgical removal may be possible and can sometimes be curative, if the cancer is caught early.
- Chemotherapy — Chemotherapy is often used to treat cancers that have spread or cannot easily be surgically removed. Compared with humans, chemotherapy typically has fewer side effects in pets.
- Radiation therapy — This treatment targets cancer cells with high-energy radiation and is often used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy.
- Palliative care — For pets with advanced cancer, palliative care focuses on their comfort and alleviating their pain, without pursuing aggressive treatment.
What to do if you suspect your pet has cancer
If you notice a sign that makes you suspect your pet has cancer, don’t panic—but don’t wait, either. Make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible, because early detection and treatment can significantly affect your pet’s prognosis and quality of life.
Regular wellness visits, keeping up with routine diagnostics, and paying attention to changes in your pet’s health can help ypu catch cancer early and give your pet the best chance at a long, happy life.Pet cancer is a concerning issue, but knowing the signs and working closely with your veterinarian can ensure your four-legged friend receives the best care possible. If your pet requires end-of-life care for a condition such as cancer, contact our Nebraska Pet Hospice team for a consultation.