| Many people don't realize that cats and dogs are as | | | | are difficult to detect. Only a veterinarian can |
| vulnerable to cancers as humans and that proper | | | | diagnose cancer, so regular preventative |
| veterinary care can help ensure your pets get the | | | | examinations are important. |
| treatment they need. | | | | If cancer is diagnosed in your pet, there is hope. Due |
| Pets develop the same types of cancers as people. | | | | to rapid advances in veterinary medicine, early |
| Dogs, for example, are 35 times more likely to | | | | detection of cancer in pets can be battled with some |
| develop skin cancer than humans, four times more | | | | success. Sophisticated treatments such as |
| likely to get breast cancer, eight times more likely to | | | | chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and surgical |
| succumb to bone cancer, and twice as likely to | | | | procedures that were once only performed on |
| develop leukemia. Insurance claims show | | | | humans are now available for pets, too. |
| lymphosarcoma and skin cancer as the most | | | | These procedures can be expensive, but cancer |
| common pet cancers. | | | | treatment costs can be affordable with financial |
| "Dog and cat owners should take their pets in for | | | | assistance for pets in the form of medical insurance. |
| annual checkups," Dr. Carol McConnell of Veterinary | | | | Medical plans from VPI, for example, reimburse for |
| Pet Insurance (VPI) suggests. "Clinical signs of cancer | | | | the testing and treatment of common cancers. Pet |
| can present themselves in dogs and cats at a very | | | | owners can also purchase a special Cancer Rider as |
| rapid rate." | | | | an add-on to their base policy, which increases the |
| Cancer causes almost half the deaths of pets more | | | | cancer benefits, so they receive about twice as |
| than 10 years old. Here are some signs to watch for: | | | | much in reimbursement after a claim is filed. If added |
| • A growing lump or a sore that doesn't heal | | | | to a policy before the pet is 3 years of age, an |
| • Discharge or bleeding | | | | annual puppy or kitten lock-in rate for the rider |
| • Your pet is losing weight despite eating | | | | applies. |
| normally | | | | VPI reports that cancer claims are the fourth-highest |
| • Going more than a day or two without | | | | type of claim that dog and cat owners submit. To |
| eating | | | | help in the fight against pet cancer, VPI encourages |
| • Difficulty in chewing or swallowing | | | | pet owners to contribute to a special cause. Pet |
| • Any unusually bad smell coming from your | | | | owners can display their support by purchasing a |
| pet | | | | limited-edition Pet Cancer Awareness dog collar |
| • Tiring easily and unwillingness to exercise. | | | | adorned with lavender ribbons; all profits from sales |
| If you're attuned to your pet's needs and ordinary | | | | go directly to the Animal Cancer Foundation, a |
| behavior, you may be able to spot changes that | | | | nonprofit organization dedicated to pet and human |
| indicate problems. However, in many cases, the signs | | | | cancer research. |