Catching Cancer Early in Pets

Nowadays, pets are living a lot longer. The care, medications, and technology all are attributed to that.

Unfortunately, pets still have to deal with the big “C.” One in four domesticated dogs die of Cancer, and the number increases to almost one in two dogs who live beyond the age of ten.

November is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month. Veterinarians offer the following advice:

Feel for skin tumors. They can be easily felt while petting you pet. In addition to lumps, older dogs may also suffer from other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, weight loss, lameness, or coughing. These all are linked to Cancers of internal organs.

The smaller the tumor, the more effective the therapy will be against it. As scary as it can be to hear that your pet has Cancer, breakthroughs in animal healthcare has helped make things easier and outcomes more positive. There are a variety of treatments:

Surgery: The removal of tumors.

Amputation; The removal of a limp to remove the tumor. They can manage with one leg removed.
Radiation:Usually the least used treatment but can be a good second option when surgery is ineffective.
Chemotherapy: Around 90% of pets will have little or no effect from this treatment.
Clinical Trials: New Cancer therapies.

Other option are available but it would be best to talk to your vet about the best way to treat the cancer in your pet.

For more information about Cancer in pets visit http://www.caninecancer.org.au/treatment.html

Written by J. Lauren Benton