Twelve warning signs of cancer in pets

Cancer affects half of all dogs and cats over 10 years of age.

Cancer is a common disease, especially in senior dogs and cats and can be a frightening diagnosis for pet owners.

Cancer is a general term that refers to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells on or in the body of the affected pet. There are numerous forms of cancer, with each type affecting a specific cell type or location within the body.

Symptoms seen with cancer will vary depending on the type and location of the cancer. However, there are some general warning signs that can indicate a need for a veterinary examination.

Lumps, bumps and abnormal swellings

Any lump, bump or swelling anywhere on your pet's body that does not resolve quickly or that is enlarging in size should be examined by your veterinarian. While these may be abscesses, cysts or other benign lesions, they can also be cancerous lesions and should never be ignored. Petting and/or grooming your pet frequently is the easiest way to locate this lesions.

Sores or wounds that do not heal

If your pet has a wound or a sore that will not heal, the lesion could be indicative of infection, cancer or other types of skin disease. These non-healing wounds should be examined by your veterinarian to determine their cause.

Losing weight

Weight loss (when your pet is not on a weight loss diet) can be indicative of many different disease processes and does not necessarily indicate that your pet has cancer. However, it does indicate that something is wrong and that your pet should be examined. Cancer is among the diseases that can cause weight loss in dogs.

Not eating or depressed appetite

If your pet is experiencing a depressed appetite or has stopped eating, something is wrong. While lack of appetite is a very general symptom that may or may not be a sign that your pet has cancer, it is something that needs to be addressed with your veterinarian. Dogs and cats do not stop eating without reason. Especially for cats, lack of nutrition can rapidly become a serious and life-threatening problem.

Difficulty eating or swallowing

These symptoms may result from dental disease or from other diseases of the mouth, throat and/or neck. Oral tumors or cancers can cause these types of symptoms as well.

Abnormal discharges (vomiting, diarrhea, blood, pus)

Vomiting, diarrhea, or discharges consisting of blood or pus can be caused by many different diseases. In addition, if your pet's abdomen becomes bloated or pendulous, this may be an indication that there is an abnormal discharge or accumulation of fluid within the abdomen. None of these symptoms are normal. If your dog or cat is experiencing these symptoms, schedule an examination with your veterinarian.

Foul odors from any part of your pet's body

If you are detecting a foul odor from your pet's mouth, skin, nose, anal region or any other part of the body, it should be checked. Often, cancers of the mouth, nose or anal region (including anal gland cancers) can cause these odors, although there are a number of other possible causes as well.

Lameness

Persistent lameness may be indicative of arthritic changes or other joint disease, muscle disease or other aging changes but may also be a warning signal of cancer, especially cancer that invades the bone.

Abnormal urinary habits

Difficulty urinating, frequent urination, bloody urine or other difficulties involving the urinary tract should be checked by your pet's veterinarian. These can be symptoms of many different disease processes, including cancer.

Abnormal bowel habits

Difficulty defecating, frequent diarrhea, constipation, or a change in the color or consistency of your dog or cat's bowels should be addressed with your pet's veterinarian. These are not normal, even for aged pets.

Coughing, abnormal breathing patterns

Coughing and abnormal breathing patterns can be caused by heart disease, primary lung disease (such as asthma, allergic changes or bronchitis), or cancer. Several forms of cancer may metastasize or spread to the lungs and cause these symptoms.

Lethargy, depression, lack of stamina

Frequently, pet owners may see that their pet just is not acting themselves. The pet may be more prone to sleeping than usual, less active, less willing to walk or exercise or less willing to interact with family members. Again, these are very broad generalized symptoms that could indicate many different illnesses, including cancer. It is worth having your pet examined by your veterinarian if your pet is not acting right.

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The copyright of the article Twelve warning signs of cancer in pets is owned by Lorie Huston. Permission to republish Twelve warning signs of cancer in pets in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.