It’s every owner’s worst fear.
Your older pup is getting on in years and slowing
down. Of course, with regular check-ups your vet will help identify any
concerns he/she might have but in the back of your mind, you’ve heard stories
or perhaps had other dogs who seemingly overnight were diagnosed with cancer.
While you can’t prevent your dog from getting cancer, you
can educate yourself about early warning signs. As with humans, early detection
is key.
Here are the top 10 warning signs of cancer in dogs, courtesy of petMD.
(Keep in mind that no single sign is indicative of cancer
alone, but if notice two or more signs, take your pet to the vet for a complete
check-up.)
Coughing or Difficulty Breathing
Although symptoms of heart and lung disease, coughing and
abnormal breathing can also indicate cancer. This symptom will most likely
occur if the cancer in your pet's body has metastasized into his or her lungs.
Lethargy and Depression
If your pet has cancer, there is a chance that he or she
will suffer from depression and sleep more, become less playful, and be less
willing to go for walks. Although lethargy or depression in dogs and cats can
set in with any illness, it is commonly seen in pets that have cancer.
Changes in Bathroom Habits
Any changes in your pet's bathroom habits including
difficulty using the bathroom, frequent bathroom use, and blood in urine or
stools are potential warning signs that cancer has developed in your pet.
Abnormal Discharges
Discharges such as blood, pus, vomit, diarrhea, and any
other abnormal substance being excreted from your pet's body should be checked
out by a veterinarian immediately. A bloated or distended stomach could also be
a sign of internal discharge.
Evidence of Pain
Limping or other evidence of your dog or cat in pain when he
or she is active, or if the pain is too great for them to be active, can be
indications of cancer of the bone.
Abnormal Odors
Foul odors from any of your cat or dog's orifices and/or
body parts may be a cause for concern. Cancers of the mouth, nose, or anal
regions can cause your pet to emit offensive odors.
Lumps and Bumps
Not every lump or bump is necessarily cancerous, but
consulting with your vet is the only way to be sure. If the lump is growing or
not resolving itself, contact your vet and he or she will do a biopsy to
determine the contents of the bump.
Weight Loss
Sudden weight loss in cats and dogs not on a diet can be an
indicator of many diseases and illnesses. If coupled with another warning sign
of cancer, you should contact your vet right away and inform him or her about
your pet's symptoms.
Change in Appetite
While a lack of appetite in dogs and cats can be an
indicator of many things, they never stop eating without a cause. Not
necessarily a sign of cancer, a decrease in appetite can indicate an oral
tumor, which would make it painful and difficult for your pet to eat and
swallow.
Non-Healing Wounds
Lacerations or sores that do not heal within a normal time
range on the surface of your cat or dog's body may indicate infection, skin
disease, and possibly cancer.
Coughing or Difficulty Breathing
Although symptoms of heart and lung disease, coughing and
abnormal breathing can also indicate cancer. This symptom will most likely
occur if the cancer in your pet's body has metastasized into his or her lungs.
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