There is not a more devastating disease in human and veterinary medicine than a diagnosis of cancer. Cancer is one of the leading causes of premature death in both dogs and cats. In recent years I have been seeing increasing numbers of younger and younger pets being diagnosed with cancers of all types, including deadly mast cell cancers, lymphoma as well as a wide variety of other cancers. It is important to be aware of the early signs of cancer so that an appropriate diagnosis is made, as well as ensuring the best possible treatment outcomes.
As with people, pets may develop lumps and bumps on the body, which can range from soft fluctuant swellings, nodules, warts, skin tags, to ulcerated and bleeding growths. If guardians detect any unusual lumps or bumps on their pet, a prompt veterinary exam is recommended. Many times a needle aspirate done right in the veterinary office and/or a surgical biopsy is needed for an accurate diagnosis of cancer type.
Other symptoms of more systemic cancers may include loss of appetite and weight, changes in thirst or urination, the development of chronic diarrhea, vomiting or constipation, as well as respiratory difficulties and/or coughing, especially with those cancers involving the lungs or chest. If a pet develops any of these chronic illness symptoms, a full veterinary workup is recommended including blood work, urine analysis and x rays and/or ultrasound so that a proper diagnosis is made.
Depending on the cancer type that is diagnosed by needle aspiration cytology or surgical biopsy, the treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. Many veterinarians are also becoming proficient in holistic therapies such as homeopathy, nutritional supplement therapies, and traditional Chinese medicine, which also may be viable options in certain cases. With the many advances in veterinary oncology, I would encourage animal guardians to explore all of their options when deciding on a treatment plan for their pet diagnosed with cancer.
In my experience and opinion, probably the most important preventative measure an animal guardian would take in preventing cancer is to feed a species-appropriate diet and/or natural commercial food option. Often, consulting a veterinarian skilled in holistic veterinary medicine is helpful there, as many veterinarians get very little training on appropriate preventative nutrition in their veterinary school educations. While certain vaccinations are important in preventing certain deadly infectious diseases in pets, it is important that animal guardians become informed on the pet over-vaccination issue today, and perhaps seek out the services of a more holistic minded veterinarian when making vaccination decisions, as too many vaccinations may trigger autoimmune disorders and/or cancers in certain pets. Finally, a thorough annual to semiannual veterinary physical exam is recommended in all pets in order to pick up the signs of early chronic disease so that early detection of cancer or any other abnormality can be done.