Pet Cancer Awareness Month
May is Pet Cancer Awareness Month which intends to spread awareness and help pet owners recognize the signs and symptoms that may indicate cancer in their furry friends.
Cancer can be a very difficult and broad topic to discuss. I want to start this blog by sharing a great explanation of what cancer is defined as. Cancer is a general term that describes a group of diseases involving the abnormal growth of cells. These cells can form tumors and disrupt the normal function of the body.
Unfortunately, one in every four dogs and one in five cats will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and it is the leading cause of death in all pets who are above middle age. Thankfully, treatment options are available, and remission is possible for certain types of cancer with early detection and appropriate intervention. Cancer is a very broad subject as there are many different variants, so I will discuss some of the more common types we typically see:
Lymphoma: Cancer of the lymphatic system. This is the most common cancer of both dogs and cats. The lymphatic system is a part of the body’s germ-fighting network; consisting of the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland and bone marrow. Lymphoma occurs due to an unregulated overgrowth of lymphocytes, a white blood cell, which plays a vital role in the immune system. Lymphomas usually begin in the lymphoid tissue, however, it can arise from any tissue in the body.
Osteosarcoma: A type of bone cancer that begins in the cells that form bones. Osteosarcomas can occur in any bony, but the limbs are more commonly affected. This is the most common primary bone tumor, and large and giant breed dogs are at a greater risk of contracting this type of cancer.
Mast cell tumors: Cancer that normally occurs in the skin and other tissues. They are an important part of the immune system and are normally responsible for the immune response. Mast cell tumors are the most common skin cancer in dogs
Malignant melanomas: This is a tumor of the melanocyte (pigment producing cell), and arise mostly in the oral cavity or in areas of haired skin. This cancer can spread to any area of the body.
Transitional cell carcinoma: Cancer of the transitional epithelium (stretchy skin) that line the urinary tract. This is the most common tumor type of the urinary bladder in dogs.
It’s important to monitor your pet’s health and take action if you notice any changes to their energy, behavior, or body (weight loss/gain, lumps, etc.). Early detection can give your pet a better chance for treatment or possible remission. According to the Animal Cancer Foundation there are several “warning signs” to look out for when it comes to cancer. The top symptoms include:
An enlarged or changing lump: Any bump that is quickly growing or changing texture should be evaluated. Many pets develop benign masses, but this cannot be determined without an aspirate or biopsy.
Enlarged lymph nodes: Lymph nodes are present throughout the body are easiest to feel under the jaw or behind the knees. Bleeding: Unexplained bleeding from the mouth, nose, gums, or in the urine or stool should be evaluated.
Chronic weight loss: If your pet has unintended weight loss they should be evaluated. Weight loss does not always mean cancer, but usually indicates something is wrong.
Oral odor/bleeding: Tumors in the mouth are often difficult to see but can bleed or have an unpleasant smell. You may also notice your pet chewing differently or their food preferences may change.
Straining to urinate: Straining to urinate or blood in the urine commonly mean a urinary tract infection or stones but if these symptoms do not resolve after treatment, it may indicate an underlying bladder tumor.
Lameness: Unexplained limping is a common cause of bone cancer, especially in large and giant breed dogs.
Abdominal distension: If your pets belly becomes rapidly enlarged this may suggest a mass in the abdomen or even internal bleeding.
If cancer is suspected in your pet, your doctor may opt to perform either a fine needle aspirate or a biopsy. A fine needle aspirate collects cells using a small needle which are spread on a microscope slide. A biopsy consists of surgically excising a small piece of tissue. Once a sample is collected, we can send it to for analysis by a veterinary pathologist. Your veterinarian will discuss which of these options is best for your pet.
The results of these tests can determine whether the mass is benign or malignant. A benign tumor means that it is noncancerous, and will grow very slowly – not spreading from the area in question. A malignant tumor means that it is cancerous, growing rapidly and destroying nearby tissues – eventually invading tissues all throughout the body. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy. Additional testing may be required for tumors that are deemed as malignant to check for any cancer spread. These may include (but are not limited to) bloodwork, radiographs (x-rays), ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan.
Not all cancer will present as a new or growing lump. Testing with x-rays, ultrasound screening, or bloodwork may be necessary to find out what is affecting your pet.
Spaying and neutering your pets is another very important topic to discuss. Although the cause of many types of cancer is unknown, spaying and neutering your pets may reduce the risk or outright prevent mammary tumors, ovarian tumors, and testicular tumors. Ensuring that your pet is spayed/neutered also helps you as a client to find the best insurance company for your pets; which brings me to my next topic.
We always recommend having pet insurance for your pets. Pet insurance is a topic that should be discussed right from the get-go surrounding your new puppy or kitten. It is important to discuss insurance options while your pet is young and healthy, as pre-existing illness are not covered by most insurance companies. It is also beneficial to shop around and see which policy best fits your budget, as well as provides you with the best benefits. Just like human insurance, or even car insurance… you don’t realize how important it is until you really need it.
Here at PAH, we are fortunate to be able to provide chemotherapy services. If it is determined that your pet needs chemotherapy treatment, your veterinarian will work closely with an oncologist (a person who studies cancer) to calculate and adjust chemotherapy drugs, and to decide which treatments best suite your pet.
Please call us at (709) 782-1107 to book an exam with one of our veterinarians if you have any concerns about your pet’s well-being.
Jackie H & Amanda S
Additional websites that owners can check out: