Five Early Warning Signs of Cancer in Pets

Five Early Warning Signs of Cancer in Pets

            November is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month.  Just like in humans, cancer can affect our pets and both genetic and environmental factors can lead to cancer in dogs and cats.  Greater than 30% of cats over the age of ten and 50% of dogs over ten will develop cancer. Small mammals such as ferrets, rodents and guinea pigs can also develop tumors.  What can you do to protect your pet and what signs should you watch for that would prompt a visit to the veterinarian?

            Early diagnosis of cancer in dogs, cats and pocket pets can be difficult as our patients are good at hiding illnesses and symptoms may be vague or absent early on.  Annual veterinary visits to ensure pets remain as healthy as possible are key. There are some things to watch for that could be early warning signs of cancer and should prompt a visit to the veterinarian, especially in older pets.

            1.  Lumps and bumps—while not every lump is cause for concern, any time your pet develops a new lump, especially if the lump appears suddenly, is growing rapidly, or seems to cause discomfort when you touch it, it should be checked. Non-healing wounds could also be a sign of cancer.  Your veterinarian may want to perform a test called a fine needle aspirate to obtain cells for diagnosis or he or she may recommend removing the lump and sending it to a lab for biopsy.  While surgical removal of a cancerous mass may be curative, additional treatment options may include chemotherapy or radiation.  Common malignant skin tumors include mast cell tumors, sarcomas, and malignant melanomas. Mammary tumors (breast cancer) are also usually visible under the skin on the belly in female dogs though they are not true skin tumors and swollen lymph nodes can feel like a firm swelling on either side of the lower jaw or neck and can be an indicator of lymphoma.

            2.  Unexplained weight loss—many forms of cancer can cause pets to lose weight without good cause.  If your pet seems to be dropping weight and you have not changed food or reduced her diet, your pet should have an exam and may need blood tests or x-rays or ultrasound to rule out other causes of weight loss.  An enlarged or bloated belly could also indicate presence of a tumor inside the abdomen so the appearance of sudden weight gain is also cause for concern.

            3.  Change in appetite and/or energy level—dogs and cats with cancer often have a decreased appetite and may be lethargic or less active than normal.   Sudden collapse could also be concern for cancers that may cause internal bleeding such as hemangiosarcoma. 

            4.  Foul odor—patients with tumors in the mouth, nose, ears, or anal/genital region could emit a foul odor from these areas and may salivate or have abnormal discharge.  Some skin tumors may also have a foul odor if ulcerated or necrotic. Of course, other medical issues such as dental disease, abscesses or skin infection, ear infection, sinus infection, etc. could also cause a bad odor, but, in any case, a trip to the veterinarian is warranted to find and treat the source.

            5.  Persistent soft cough or changes in breathing—pets with primary lung tumors or with metastatic cancer that has spread to the lungs may not initially have any signs, but they could develop a cough, pant or experience difficulty breathing.  Again, many other illnesses could cause breathing changes from respiratory infections to congestive heart disease, but your vet should investigate any changes in breathing and chest x-rays may be needed to rule out cancer and find the cause.

          Aside from increased genetic risk of cancer in certain breeds of dogs and cats and advanced age, other risk factors can include: obesity, sun exposure especially in white cats and dogs, exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides and herbicides (this does not include approved flea and tick products developed for use in pets) and exposure to tobacco smoke.  Again, annual exams, periodic labs to check internal organ functions, and paying attention to any changes in your pet’s health and behavior are the best ways to keep pets healthy and potentially catch cancer early.  Many types of cancer can be treated and new types of cancer screening tests are being developed for use in pets. Pets are living longer and new diagnostics and treatments are on the horizon.

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

https://petcureoncology.com/cancer-in-dogs/

https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/cancer-pets

https://hospital.cvm.ncsu.edu/resources/animal-care/what-are-common-warning-signs-of-cancer-in-pets/