As a fur parent, you know how important pet vaccinations are to prevent your beloved animal from getting sick. Unfortunately, these shots don’t guarantee that your pet will never experience health issues. In fact, cancer is the top cause of death in dogs and cats in the United States, with 50% death.
The good news is that cancer in pets is often treatable, especially when caught early. The type of treatment your pet will receive depends on the stage and type of cancer they have.
Cancer in Pets
Many types of cancer can affect pets, with causes ranging from environmental factors to genetics, depending on the type.
For example, sun exposure can cause skin cancer in dogs and cats. This is why it’s essential to keep your pet out of the sun, especially during peak hours, and apply sunscreen to their exposed areas when they go outside.
Other types of cancers are more common in certain breeds. For instance, Golden Retrievers have a higher risk of developing lymphoma, while Scottish Terriers are more likely to get bladder cancer.
Certain cancers are also more common in older pets. For example, osteosarcoma (bone cancer) is most commonly diagnosed in seven dogs. In comparison, intestinal adenocarcinoma (cancer of the intestine) is more likely to affect cats over ten years old.
This is why vets recommend pet wellness exams, which usually include cancer screenings, at least once a year for animals over seven years old.
Signs of Cancer in Pets
Cancer can present itself in various ways, so it’s essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms associated with the disease. These can vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, but some common signs to look out for include:
- Lumps or bumps under the skin
- Sores that don’t heal
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive drinking and urinating
- Increased lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent cough
Visit your veterinarian right away if you see any of these signs on your pets. They will likely perform a physical exam and run some tests to determine if your pet has cancer and, if so, what type.
Most Types of Cancer in Pets
Many different cancer types can affect pets. Here are four of the most common:
- Skin Cancer. It is one of the most common cancer types in dogs, accounting for about 20% of all cases. It can also affect cats, although it’s not as common. The most common type of skin cancer in pets is melanoma.
- Lymphoma. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. It’s the most common cancer type in cats and the third most common in dogs.
- Bladder Cancer. Dogs get bladder cancer more often than cats, affecting animals over ten years old. The most common type is transitional cell carcinoma.
- Breast Cancer. Breast cancer is relatively rare in dogs and cats, accounting for less than 5% of all cases. It’s more common in female dogs than male dogs and usually affects animals over six years old.
Treatment Options for Cancer in Pets
The treatment options for cancer in pets depend on the type, stage, and location of the cancer.
Many types of cancer can affect pets, with causes ranging from environmental factors to genetics, depending on the type.
For example, sun exposure can cause skin cancer in dogs and cats. This is why it’s essential to keep your pet out of the sun, especially during peak hours, and apply sunscreen to their exposed areas when they go outside.
Other types of cancers are more common in certain breeds. For instance, Golden Retrievers have a higher risk of developing lymphoma, while Scottish Terriers are more likely to get bladder cancer.
Certain cancers are also more common in older pets. For example, osteosarcoma (bone cancer) is most commonly diagnosed in seven dogs. In comparison, intestinal adenocarcinoma (cancer of the intestine) is more likely to affect cats over ten years old.
This is why vets recommend cat and dog routine checkups every six months for pets over seven years old and every three to six months for those over ten years old. These checkups help to catch any cancers early when they’re most treatable.
Most Common Types of Cancer
- Lymphoma: This is a lymphocyte cancer, the white blood cells that help fight infection. It is the most common type of cancer in cats and one of the most common in dogs.
- Bone Cancer: This cancer type typically starts in the cells of the bones and is more common in larger breeds of dogs.
- Mammary Cancer: This cancer type affects the mammary glands, which are milk-producing glands, in female dogs and cats. It is more common in older, intact (not spayed) females.
- Skin Cancer: Skin cancer is fairly common in dogs and cats, especially those with light-colored fur.
Cancer Treatment Options for Pets
Treatment for cancer in pets depends on the cancer type, severity, and overall health of your pet, but here are the most commonly available:
Surgery
This is often the first treatment option for cancer in pets. Vets can recommend it to remove the entire tumor or just a part of it. Your vet will recommend surgery if they believe it will be fully effective and your pet is healthy enough to undergo it.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is among the most prevalent cancer treatments that use drugs to kill cancer cells and can be administered intravenously, orally, or topically. It is often combined with other treatment options such as surgery or radiation therapy.
Radiation Therapy
Dor or cat radiation therapy utilizes high-energy waves to kill cancer cells. It is often combined with chemotherapy or surgery.
Palliative Care
Palliative care is designed to relieve cancer symptoms and make your pet more comfortable. If your cat or dog is not a candidate for other therapies, vets may recommend this type of treatment combined with other treatments or as the sole treatment option. Palliative care options include pain management, dietary changes, and supplements.
Targeted Therapy
This newer treatment option uses drugs or other substances to target specific cancer cells without harming normal cells. It is also typically used in combination with chemotherapy or surgery.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. It is a newer type of treatment that is still being studied in veterinary medicine but shows promise for treating certain types of cancer.
In Conclusion
Cancer is a serious disease that can affect pets of all ages, breeds, and sexes. The best way to fight it is with routine checkups and early detection. If you think your pet may have cancer, make an appointment with your veterinarian right away. Make sure to ask about all the available treatment options and which one may be best for your pet.
