| We all have questions and concerns about | | | | Most of these cancers are curable with |
| our pets. This article is about cancer | | | | surgery. |
| in dogs and hopefully answers any pet | | | | 7. Abdominal Tumors - Tumors inside the |
| health questions you may have. | | | | abdomen are common. It is difficult to |
| 1. Skin - Skin tumors are very common in | | | | make an early diagnosis. Weight loss and |
| older dogs, but much less common in | | | | abdominal enlargement are common signs |
| cats. Most skin tumors in cats are | | | | of these tumors. |
| malignant, but in dogs they are often | | | | 8. Bone - Bone tumors are most commonly |
| benign. All skin tumors should be | | | | seen in large breed dogs and rarely in |
| examined by your veterinarian. | | | | cats. The leg bones, near joints, are |
| 2. Breast - Fifty percent of all breast | | | | the most common sites. Persistent |
| tumors in dogs and 85% of all breast | | | | lameness and swelling of the leg is an |
| tumors in cats are malignant. Spaying | | | | early sign of disease. |
| your pet between 6 and 12 months of age | | | | Common Signs of Cancer in Pets |
| will greatly reduce the risk of breast | | | | * Abnormal swellings that persist or |
| cancer. Surgery is the treatment of | | | | continue to grow |
| choice for this type of cancer. | | | | * Sores that do not heal |
| 3. Head & Neck - Cancer of the mouth is | | | | * Weight loss |
| common in dogs and less common in cats. | | | | * Loss of appetite |
| A mass on the gums, bleeding, odor, or | | | | * Bleeding or discharge from any body |
| difficult eating are signs to watch for. | | | | opening |
| Many swellings are malignant, so early | | | | * Offensive odor |
| aggressive treatment is essential. | | | | * Difficulty eating or swallowing |
| Cancer may develop inside the nose of | | | | * Hesitance to exercise or loss of |
| both cats and dogs. Bleeding from the | | | | stamina |
| nose, difficulty breathing, or facial | | | | * Persistent lameness or stiffness |
| swelling may occur. | | | | * Difficulty breathing, urinating, or |
| 4. Lymphoma - Lymphoma is a common form | | | | defecating |
| of cancer in dogs and cats. It is | | | | Many of the above signs are also seen |
| characterized by enlargement of one or | | | | with noncancerous conditions but still |
| many lymph nodes in the body. A virus | | | | warrant prompt attention by your |
| causes most of these cancers in cats. | | | | veterinarian to determine the cause. |
| Chemotherapy is frequently effective in | | | | Cancer is frequently treatable, and |
| controlling this type of cancer. | | | | early diagnosis will aid your |
| 5. Feline Leukemia Complex - The feline | | | | veterinarian in delivering the best care |
| leukemia virus is contagious among cats | | | | possible. |
| and will occasionally cause true cancer. | | | | Each cancer requires individual care. |
| There is no proof that it is contagious | | | | Your veterinarian may use surgery, |
| to humans. While a great deal of | | | | chemotherapy, radiation, cryosurgery |
| research is ongoing, no consistently | | | | (freezing), hyperthermia (heating) or |
| effective treatment is presently | | | | immunotherapy to effectively treat |
| available for virus-positive cats. | | | | cancers. Combination therapy is commonly |
| 6. Testicles - Testicular tumors are | | | | employed. |
| rare in cats and common in dogs, | | | | What is the Success Rate? |
| especially those with retained testes. | | | | |