Millions of cats and dogs are diagnosed with cancer each year. While dogs tend to develop the disease at the same rate as humans, cancer is less understood in cats. Every cancer diagnosis is devastating for the pet parent.
Early detection is vital to improve the chances of effective treatment. It can help the pet live longer and enjoy a good quality of life. November is pet cancer awareness month, an excellent time to schedule an exam for your furry friend.
Chronic Weight Loss
Drastic or chronic weight loss can indicate that your pet has cancer. If you have not changed your pet’s diet or exercise routine, losing weight can point to an underlying illness. Cancers suck up the pet’s nutrition, leading to weight loss. Look out for drastic weight gain that can indicate a mass or growth in the abdomen. Your pet may appear thin in other areas while looking bloated in the midsection.
Lumps or Bumps
While not all lumps or bumps are cancerous, professional analysis is the only way to know this. You should visit the vet if your pet has a lump or bump that changes or fails to resolve itself. It is especially vital if the abnormal growth continues to grow in size. A needle biopsy will help determine if the lump contains cancerous cells.
Discharge or Bleeding
Discharge or bleeding from any of the openings can signal the presence of a malignant tumor in that area. Bleeding from the mouth or nose can point to cancer in these areas. Blood in the urine or stool can signify a tumor in the bladder or intestinal tract. Any abnormal discharge or bleeding calls for an urgent visit to the vet.
Difficulties Breathing
Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or coughing can indicate signs of various illnesses, including cancer. Cancer metastasizes to the lungs and can inhibit lung expansion and interfere with oxygen transfer. Any breathing issues need to be evaluated by the vet. Prompt action can help save your pet’s life.
Changes in Appetite
If your pet is showing signs of a change in appetite, it could be a sign of cancer. Reduced appetite could be due to a tumor pressing on the esophagus, stomach, or intestinal tract. It can make it difficult to swallow, drink, or eat. An oral melanoma can make it difficult to chew. Cancer can cause pets to eat foods or items they usually would not.
Limping or Lameness
Many pets injure themselves, resulting in muscle strains and sprains, torn ligaments, fractures, and cracked bones, which can lead to limping. If your pet fails to improve with treatment, it can be a sign of illness such as cancer. Bone cancers can be extremely painful, causing the pet to develop a limp. Persistent limping or lameness requires a visit to the vet for a complete exam.
Other signs that can indicate your pet has cancer include difficulty urinating or passing stool, vomiting or diarrhea, and lethargy. Others are sores that fail to heal, foul mouth odor, and evidence of pain. Getting immediate diagnosis and treatment is vital for the pet’s health.
For more signs of cancer in dogs and cats, contact Mokena Animal Clinic at our Mokena, Illinois office. Call 708-479-2811 to schedule an appointment today.
