Vet Tip Tuesday: Cancer Awareness November is National Cancer Awareness Month! Did you know that pets can develop many types of cancer, some types that are similar to cancer in people and some that are unique to dogs and cats? Cancer is most often found in middle-aged to older pets. However, there are certain types of cancer that occur in younger animals. There are some things that you can look for as an owner, such as lumps or masses, changes in behavior, appetite, activity, and water consumption, but most cancers can only be diagnosed by a veterinary exam as well as additional testing. This is one of the many reasons why taking your pet to the veterinarian at least once a year for a physical exam and blood work is so important. Although older pets may need to be seen by your veterinarian every six months. There are certain types of cancer that are common in certain purebreds of dogs and cats. There are DNA tests that your veterinarian can perform that not only tell you the breed information of your pet, but also tests whether your pet carries the known gene(s) that are responsible for the cancer common to his or her breed. This does not mean that your pet will necessarily develop cancer, but it will inform you and your veterinarian what to be aware of. Treatments vary based on the type of cancer and its stage. There are veterinary oncologist who specialize in cancer treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Animals tolerate these forms of treatment much better than people do; they typically do not get sick or lose their hair. Our veterinarian recommends getting the opinion of a veterinary oncologist if your animal is diagnosed with cancer.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 19:03:59 +0000
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