10 Cancer Warning Signs in Pets

When the vet told me Max, our 11-year-old golden retriever, had advanced bone cancer, I was shocked. According to Donald D. Dodge, DVM, at the Jasper Animal Hospital in Lafayette, Colorado, my reaction isn’t unusual. “In my experience, symptoms tend to show up too late,” he says. You might see signs in retrospect, says Dodge, but at the time you didn’t think anything of them.

Here are some red flags to watch out for, says Steven Withrow, DVM, director of the Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo.:

1. Sudden weight loss.
2. Unusual swelling or growths.
3. Wounds that do not heal.
4. Disinterest in food.
5. Abnormal bleeding or discharge.
6. Foul odor.
7. Trouble swallowing or breathing.
8. Persistent stiffness or lameness.
9. Struggling to urinate or defecate.
10. Loss of stamina or lethargy.

If you notice anything suspect, head to your vet for an exam and blood work, relatively inexpensive tests that may reveal internal imbalances indicating cancer growth. “The four most dangerous words in veterinary medicine are, ‘Let’s just watch it,’” Withrow says. And these simple tests could be the difference between five more great years and five hard months for your best buddy.

You can also minimize the risk of certain cancers, says Dodge, by spaying or neutering your pets when they’re young, limiting their exposure to hazardous pesticides in food and on lawns, and making sure they get enough exercise.

Read more: Everyday Pet Care, Pets, cancer, cats, dogs, Pets & Animals, veterinarian

By Gordon Jameson, Natural Solutions magazine

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

James M N.

11:33PM PDT on Mar 30, 2012

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Actions to celebrate Women's History Month, et al:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/message/9131

This petition on change.org: Womens History Mth Act:

https://www.change.org/petitions/womens-history-mth-act

http://www.change.org/petitions/womens-history-mth-act-2

Ciao. reality

March 30
send a green star

11:28AM PDT on Mar 30, 2012

Useful information.

Valerie A.

8:33AM PDT on Mar 29, 2012

Thanks

March 29
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Holy h.

6:56PM PDT on Mar 27, 2012

peace holy, of a few pets a family member has one pet that got a type of cancer that its breed seemingly gets, cost some $12,000.00 plus for treatment that had to take pet about 1,200 miles away, for its treatment is rare whom administers it. the whole side of the pets face caved in, but supposedly the treatment has worked & no danger of getting worse, though symptoms seemed to happen in time of year when disease happened, that once that time of year passes, so does symptoms. the pet behaves normally, just a little slower & sense of direction at times the pet seems to notice it has to double sure what its doing, like running to end of yard when family member goes that way, the pet has stopped like 1/3 & 2/3 of the way & makes sure thats whats happening, from my short observation of whats happening. but to see the pets face caved in on one side is more then one can handle. its a miracle that pet functions one would think, yet goes on like nothing has happened. i think its a heriditary disease in golden labrador, that happens in real old age, i think after 15 years of age or so. don't recall exact name of disease, but it seems gave no warning, suddenly happened! peace holy

March 27
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LMj S.

2:31AM PDT on Mar 27, 2012

thank you for important info!

Alison A.

5:09PM PDT on Mar 26, 2012

Good info, thanks for posting.

March 26
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Kathy P.

10:28PM PDT on Mar 25, 2012

I had a cat named Gin that had cancer. I did everything I could for her including surgery. She was given 6mo. The end was very tough. I am so very glad I had those extra months with her. She meant the world to me.

March 25
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Reggie T.

9:06PM PDT on Mar 24, 2012

This is a good read.

March 24
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Dee H.

5:35AM PDT on Mar 24, 2012

Thank you.

Daria W.

8:11AM PDT on Mar 23, 2012

I have two rescue dogs living with cancer now. Perhaps if their illness had been discovered earlier, their owners may have dealt with it instead of casting them aside... No matter though, they are well loved now and will have a home as long as they can stay.