Do You Know The Warning Signs?

Do you know the warning signs of cancer? As a general rule, if your pet is acting differently or just a little bit off, especially if you have an older pet, it may not just be “old age”. If caught early, your options to treat your pet’s cancer are better. This is due to a variety of reasons. Surgical removal is usually much more successful before the cancer has metastasized. Pets often respond better to treatments when they are in a stronger, earlier stage. That’s why it is so important to watch for the signs.

One of the most common (and easiest to notice) signs are lumps and bumps. While most are not cancerous, it is always a good idea to check with your vet. Other warning signs of cancer may include:

• Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
• Sores that do not heal
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
• Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating
• Persistent lameness or stiffness
• Hesitance to exercise or loss of stamina
• Difficulty eating or swallowing

If your dog is diagnosed with cancer, our OncoPet is a great all-purpose cancer vitamin that is well tolerated.

Important Test To Diagnosis Cancer

While we all wish cancer could be diagnosed with a simple test, it just doesn’t work that way. Most cancers aren’t easy to find until they are in a more advanced stage, which can make them harder to treat. That is why it is so important to watch for any signs and contact your vet if you see anything as the earlier cancer is found, the more options you have available.

How is cancer found then? Cancer can occur anywhere on your pet’s body such as the blood, skin, organs and intestines. Pets can have a wide range of symptoms depending upon the location. Blood and urine tests are just the first step and while they may provide clues, there usually isn’t a definitive diagnosis until an exam and other studies are performed. Other studies might include an X-RAY, CT Scan, biopsy and ultrasound.

When pets have cancer, time is of the essence. If you have a senior pet, twice-a-year exams and lab tests can help with early detection. Young pets can get cancer too so if you notice anything unusual, try to contact your veterinarian as soon as you can.