Cancer Awareness

     November is national Cancer Awareness month so I am going to talk about the common Cancers afflicting our dogs and cats along with preventative measures owners can take to catch it early.  

Cancer is a disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body.  Cancer can occur in any tissue/organ in the body whether you can see it or not.

     Quick Tip: According to the ©2019 Cancer Veterinary Centers

The most 5 common Cancer types in dogs are:

1. Mast Cell Tumors- Mast Cell Tumors are a form of Skin Cancer.  Mast Cells can arise from any skin site on the body and have a variety of appearances.  
2. Melanoma- A common type of cancer in dogs and is the most common malignant tumor of a dogs mouth.  
3. Lymphoma- is a cancer of a blood cell (lymphocytes) and lymphoid tissue.  Many organs include lymphoid tissue including lymph nodes, spleen, liver, gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow. 
4. Bone Cancer- (Osteosarcoma) Refers to the most common bone tumor found in dogs.  Bone cancer can affect any breed but is more commonly found in larger breeds
5. Hemangiosarcoma- Is a highly malignant cancer that can spread rapidly, causing tumors almost anywhere in the body.  It is most often found in the dog’s heart and spleen.  

Top most 5 common Cancer types in cats are:

1. Lymphoma- The age of affected cats, on average, range from 2 to 6 yrs although a cat is susceptible to this cancer at any age.  Infection with the feline leukemia virus increases the risk of developing lymphosarcoma.
2. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) FeLV was one of the leading causes of Lymphoma in cats until the development of the FeLV vaccine. 
3. Mammary Cancer- Mammary tumors tend to develop in older cats.  Spaying cats before their first heat will lessen the risk of future mammary tumor development.  It is rare for male cats to be affected with this cancer.  
4. Skin Cancer- (squamous cell carcinoma) accounts for a high percentage of all feline skin tumors.  These tumors usually involve light or unpigmented skin, and sun exposure increases the risk of a cat developing SCC. This is also the most common oral tumor found among felines.  
5. Fibrosarcoma- Is an aggressive tumor that develops from fibrous connective tissue.

     A lot of cancers if caught early can be treated and or cured, preventative measures to maintaining healthy fur babies would be annual exams and blood work.  At home preventative measures would be to monthly check for any lumps or bumps from head to toe. This is most important for older/senior pets 7+ years though starting young is never bad and you get your pet acclimated to the ritual.  Brushing your pet’s teeth is the number one preventative for dental disease but it also gets your pet used to having their mouth manipulated, great opportunity to check oral cavity. 

If your pet has a mass new or old it should be checked out by your veterinarian and if there are any size,color or shape change immediate attention is needed. Other signs of possible cancers are.

•Weight Loss

•Vomiting

•Difficulty eating or swallowing

•Persistent lameness or stiffness

•Offensive odor

•Loss of appetite

•Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

Thanks For Reading

Heidi Parker