Cancer in pets is more common than you think. It is the number one natural cause of death in geriatric cats and dogs and accounts for nearly 50 percent of pet deaths each year. Some breeds are especially susceptible to cancer.
Although the leading cause of death in older cats and dogs, cancer also is the most treatable disease when compared to life-limiting diseases such as congestive heart failure, renal failure and diabetes. An educated and dedicated veterinary health care team is essential to caring for cancer-stricken pets.
Symptoms of Cancer in Dogs
The clinical signs of cancer in pets are often vague and non-specific. It is often just a concern of the owner that their pet is just not doing well. The most common signs of cancer in small animals include the following:
- Unexplained bleeding or discharge
- Loss of appetite
- Oral odor
- Abnormal swellings or swollen lymph nodes
- Drooling or difficulty eating or swallowing
- Changes in exercise or stamina level
- Lameness
- A sore that does not heal
- Chronic weight loss
- Change in bowel or bladder habits
When these or other signs occur, they are not always caused by cancer. They can be caused by inflammation, infections, benign tumours or other problems. It is important to take your pet to see a veterinary surgeon in order to obtain a diagnosis. Your veterinary surgeon will perform a physical examination and may order blood tests and/or recommend a biopsy. In most cases, a biopsy is the only way to know for certain whether cancer is present. During a biopsy, the veterinary surgeon removes a sample of tissue from the abnormal area. A pathologist then studies the tissue under a microscope to identify cancer cells.
Diagnosis of Cancer in Dogs
If your pet shows one or more clinical signs that may suggest cancer, your veterinary surgeon will need to find out whether it is due to cancer or to some other cause. Your vet will perform a physical examination and may order laboratory tests, imaging studies and/or recommend a biopsy. In most cases, a biopsy is the only way to know for certain whether cancer is present.
Laboratory Tests
Tests of the blood, urine, or other fluids can help veterinary surgeons make a diagnosis. These tests can also give an indication of how healthy your pet is by demonstrating how well the body organs (such as the kidneys or the liver) are doing their jobs. Also, high amounts of some substances may be a sign of cancer. These substances are often called tumour markers. However, abnormal lab results are not a sure sign of cancer. Veterinary surgeons cannot solely on laboratory tests to diagnose cancer.
Imaging studies
Imaging procedures create pictures of areas inside your body that help the veterinary surgeon see whether a tumour is present. These pictures can be made in several ways:
Radiographs: Radiographs (x-rays) are the most common way to view organs and bones inside the body.
Ultrasound: An ultrasound device sends out sound waves that people cannot hear. The waves bounce off tissues inside your body like an echo. A computer uses these echoes to create a picture called a sonogram.
MRI: A strong magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas in your body. Your veterinary surgeon can view these pictures on a monitor and can print them on film.
CT scan: An x-ray machine linked to a computer takes a series of detailed pictures of your organs. Your pet may receive a contrast material (usually by injection) to make these pictures easier to read.
