According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 1 in 5 cats and 1 in 4 dogs will develop a tumor at some point during their lifetime, and nearly half of dogs over the age of 10 will develop some type of cancer. It is estimated that this will occur.
Signs of cancer can be subtle or overlooked, and the wide range of symptoms can make early detection difficult, sometimes leaving your pet without diagnosis or treatment.
In honor of World Cancer Day on February 4, which provides many opportunities to raise awareness about cancer prevention, detection, and treatment, Vanna Dickerson, assistant professor of soft tissue surgery at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences The doctor said: Sciences provides insight into how pet owners can proactively address cancer in their pets.
Stay informed
One way pet owners can help detect and prevent the spread of cancer is by becoming better informed about common pet cancers and their associated symptoms so they can more easily recognize potential warning signs. That's it.
“The most common cancers diagnosed in dogs include osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer; mammary gland tumors; skin tumors such as mast cell tumors and soft tissue sarcomas; and lymphoma, a cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. ,” Dickerson said. “Common cancers in cats include mammary gland tumors, lymphoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.”
Dickerson recommends that pet owners focus on learning the symptoms associated with different forms of cancer, as risk factors are an unreliable early detection method.
“There are some cancers that occur more frequently in certain breeds, but for the majority of cancers seen in veterinary medicine, no specific risk factors have been clearly established,” Professor Dickerson explained. did. “However, pet owners can research their pet's breed to better understand what signs their pet should be watching more closely for. Associated symptoms may include: This can range from a lump felt underneath to limping or difficulty breathing.”
Close relationship with veterinarians
Building a strong relationship with your veterinarian is important for your pet's overall health, and even more important for cancer prevention. In fact, regular veterinary checkups can help your veterinarian detect cancer in its early stages.
“Regular visits allow us to catch many diseases early, potentially making treatment easier and more effective,” Dickerson said. “For example, a mass that is discovered when it is very small can often be treated with much less surgery than a mass that is not discovered until it is very large. For other cancers, regular By seeing a veterinarian, we can catch the disease before it spreads to other areas of the body.”
Regular physical exams allow veterinarians to recognize signs that pet owners may not notice, ensuring a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
“The physical exam is one of the most important aspects of cancer diagnosis. Veterinarians may notice things like lumps in or under the skin, swollen lymph nodes, abnormal lung sounds, or abnormal enlargement of organs within the abdomen. Because we can,” Dickerson said. “Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT scans) can help determine whether your pet's cancer is affecting multiple organs in the body, such as underlying kidney or liver disease, and help plan your pet's treatment. You can determine if there are any anomalies that could be changed.”
Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these, but the treatments used will vary depending on your pet's overall health, the type of cancer, the area affected, and the owner's preferences. Dickerson pointed out.
“In veterinary medicine, we strive to balance maximizing the treatment of cancer with maintaining a good quality of life for our furry friends,” Dickerson said. “We encourage pet owners to discuss all options in detail with their oncology team before deciding on the best plan for their pet. We would like to support you in any way we can.”
By staying informed about pet cancer and building strong relationships with your veterinarian, pet owners can take meaningful steps to detect cancer early and provide the best treatment to keep their beloved pets happy and healthy. You can make it possible to receive it.
