KNOW THE SIGNS Spot Cancer Early in Your Dog or Cat
Annual Check-Ups Bringing your pet in for an
The early signs can be subtle. Perhaps you notice a bump growing on your pet’s skin. Or your dog or cat seems lethargic or begins having trouble breathing or eating. These changes may be signs of minor distress … or they could be an early sign of cancer. The risk of cancer in pets appears to be rising, according to the Animal Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit research organization. Pets and humans suffer from many of the same kinds of cancer, including bone tumors, lymphoma, and melanoma. Nearly half of dogs over 10 develop cancer. One factor is that pets, like humans, are living longer than they did in the past. Environmental factors also may play a role. Unfortunately, there aren’t any tools to prevent cancer in your dog or cat. But awareness by the owner is critical, because the only defense against this deadly disease is to detect it early. Here are three techniques for spotting a potential malignancy. Changes in Behavior Signs of internal cancers include lethargy, swelling, bleeding, difficulty breathing or eating, unpleasant odors, diarrhea, or sudden changes in weight. Pet owners who are concerned can ask their veterinarian to take X-rays of the pet. An abdominal ultrasound can also help detect any abnormalities.
annual check-up is one of the best steps you can take. That suspicious bump on your pet’s skin may be just a little
cyst at the moment, but ignoring it could allow it to metastasize throughout the body. A veterinarian can sometimes remove small skin tumors with a local anesthetic or, in the case of larger tumors, while your pet is anesthetized for an annual dental cleaning. An Internal Mass Internal cancers are usually discovered when a pet owner or veterinarian notices a mass in a dog’s abdomen or elsewhere. Veterinarians typically discover these during a routine physical exam or X-ray. A veterinarian can also detect potential cancer signs in blood work. While there is no reliable blood test for cancer in pets, blood tests can reveal clues to an infection or other problem. A high lymphocyte count could signal lymphoma or an infection. Other tests, including a urinalysis or ultrasound, can also provide helpful insight. Some clients come in for exams twice a year because they don’t want us to miss any early signs. For your pet’s sake, if you notice a change in behavior or other potential signs of cancer, don’t hesitate to contact us for a checkup!
UnNtiloFtiucrether Due to a staffing shortage, SCVC will be closed on Saturdays until further notice. SURFACECREEKVETERINARYCENTER.COM 3 We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
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dental or surgery appointment, a $250 deposit will be required. This deposit will be applied to the procedure bill. If you need to cancel the appointment, and you give us at least a 24-hour notice, the deposit will be refunded.
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