Seeing that pets have a long and healthy life is the goal of many a pet owner, and keeping a close eye on our pets’ health can help ensure they are part of our life for the long haul.
Cancer is one of the many challenging afflictions that can affect a pet’s health. Working together with a veterinarian can help catch anything early that might seem amiss – before it’s too late.
According to veterinarian Dr. Peter Olson, with Easton Animal Hospital, oral melanoma and oral squamous cell carcinoma are the most common cancers in dogs, while lymphoma (more specifically affecting the gastrointestinal tract) and mammary tumors are the most common cancers found in cats. Cancer is the most common cause of death in older dogs, he said.
Olson shared signs that pet owners can look for: “This…can include many things, but most commonly weight loss, often involving muscle loss. This results from the catabolic effect cancer has on the body and the fact that it can also cause nausea and decrease appetite,” he said. “Depending on the kind of cancer, dogs and cats can start to experience signs of pain, which often manifests in decreased activity levels, loss in interest in play and interaction between pet parents and other pets in their environment. Cancerous masses that arise from the skin and underlying tissue can manifest as swelling. Sudden development of bad breath or problems chewing and swallowing and excessive drooling can be signs of oral cancer.”
Owners can stay on top of their pets’ health with routine exams. Olson recommends yearly wellness lab work even in young, healthy pets (but more often with senior pets).
“Diligent monitoring of the overall well-being of your pet over time, recognizing things that are out of the norm with their general health,” is among the advice Olson recommends to those interested in keeping their pet cancer-free.
Concerned owners can also ask for a screening from their veterinarian, and some cancers can be detected with a physical exam alone. Olson explains that if a mass is noted and is easily accessed, a fine-needle aspiration of the lesion can be taken to test and diagnose the lesion. Veterinarians also utilize diagnostic imaging to further assist in diagnosing suspicious lesions.
If cancer is suspected or found, Olson suggests discussing the following with your vet:
- Is it likely a cancer that affects the pet locally or has a chance to also spread to other distant sites in the body (known as metastasizing)?
- Are further tests recommended before discussing treatment?
- What are the potential outcomes if treatment is pursued or not?
If the diagnosis is indeed cancer, Olson says surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatments may be options, in addition to controlling pain and helping to maintain nutrition. – Liz Hosfeld