By Stephanie Correa, DVM, DACVIM, Board-Certified in Medical Oncology Founder and CEO of Animal Cancer Care Clinic
Performing a monthly checkup of your pet at home is recommended to set a familiar baseline. By paying attention to the specific areas listed below, early detection of cancer becomes a practical and attainable goal for all pets. First, pay attention to any lumps or swellings in the skin. If these lumps or masses seem to grow over a period of time, they must be investigated further by your primary care veterinarian. Lymph nodes in the skin can become swollen quickly and indicate that lymphosarcoma may be present. Skin cancers are the most common type of cancer that we see in dogs. Any new skin masses that grow need to be addressed. In feline patients, breast cancer is almost always aggressive and malignant. Any skin lumps in the mammary region need to be addressed in both dogs and cats.
Secondly, look inside the oral cavity of your pet. Tumors that occur in the mouth can cause bad breath, drooling, or bleeding from the mouth. It can be difficult to get a good look in the mouth, especially in feline patients. For dogs, a good time to take a look is when they are panting heavily, their tongue falls forward and their mouth is open wide. For cats, it usually works best to attempt to open the mouth when your cat is calm and relaxed.
Next, look for any unusual discharge from body openings. For example, nasal discharge that comes from one nostril is an early warning sign of nasal cancer. Discharge from the eyes or ears can also indicate the presence of cancer.
Overall, evaluate your pet’s body for sores or ulcers that do not seem to heal within two weeks. Pay extra close attention to the ear tips and the tip of the nose of white cats. In dogs with a white-sided underbelly, watch for red ulcers that do not go away. The nail area in dogs and cats is also another place to check carefully for non-healing sores or swellings. Cancers of the digit or nail bed occur in both dogs and cats and can be malignant, which means that these cancers have a high chance of spreading to other parts of the body.
Causes of Cancer
Many parents of Animal Patients are concerned about possible causes of cancer, especially as it relates to food.
In truth, cancer is a multifactorial disease and there are many reasons that patients develop this disease. Sometimes there is no clear reason why one patient develops cancer versus another.
Some breeds are also more susceptible to cancer. Golden Retrievers, for example, are genetically predisposed to developing cancer, especially lymphosarcoma. Age is also a factor. Fifty percent of dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer, and it is the most common disease seen in geriatric dogs and cats.
Because the development of cancer can be related to the amount of food given to your pet, paying attention to diet is critical. Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of developing cancer in both dogs and people. The majority of dog owners tend to overfeed their pets. Also, most pets do not receive enough exercise and as a result, become overweight.
Commercial dog foods that are produced by large, reputable companies with high standards of quality control are well-balanced and nutritionally sound. Some of the highest-quality commercial dog foods are supplemented with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and high-quality proteins.
Be Aware
Monthly check-ups at home provide an excellent way to become familiar with any changes in the physical status of your pet. Along with monthly home check-ups, dogs and cats should have a thorough wellness examination performed by your family veterinarian every six months. Remember that six months for a dog or cat is equivalent to three years or more for a person. Again, early detection of disease gives the best chance for cure!
