November Is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know that cancer is the leading cause of death among dogs and cats in the U.S.? That’s why Highland Pet Hospital wants pet parents to be aware that November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month. During this month, we want to educate owners about cancer in pets and the steps they can take to help prevent it and prolong the life of their furry friends that contract this devastating disease.

Pet Facts About Cancer in the U.S.

These statistics reveal that cancer is more prevalent in pets than many owners may realize:

• The Animal Cancer Foundation estimates roughly six million new diagnoses are made in dogs and a similar number in cats each year in the U.S.
• Nearly half of all dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer, according to the American Veterinary Association.
• Approximately 1 in 4 dogs will develop neoplasia (the abnormal growth of cells) at some stage in their life, according to the Veterinary Cancer Society.

Cats are also highly susceptible, with common feline cancers including lymphoma (the most common type), squamous cell carcinoma, and mammary tumors.

Breeds Most Prone to Cancer

Genetic factors can also increase the cancer risk in certain breeds, highlighting the need for annual wellness exams.

Dogs:

• Golden Retrievers: Prone to Lymphoma and Hemangiosarcoma (a cancer of the blood vessel walls).
• Boxers: Frequently diagnosed with Mast Cell Tumors.
• Rottweilers: Have a high risk for bone cancer (Osteosarcoma), Lymphoma, and Hemangiosarcoma.
• German Shepherds: Prone to Hemangiosarcoma.

Cats:

• Siamese: Prone to Mammary, Intestinal, and Mast Cell Tumors.
• Persians: Have a higher risk of basal cell and Skin cancer.
• Maine Coons: May be more susceptible to Lymphoma and Bone Cancer.

Does My Dog or Cat Have Cancer? Early Warning Symptoms

Cancer symptoms can be subtle and often mimic other conditions. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these warning signs:

1. Abnormal Swelling
2. Sores That Are Not Healing
3. Abnormal Weight Loss Or Gain
4. Loss of Appetite Or Energy
5. Bleeding or Discharge
6. Difficulty Swallowing

Cancer Screenings for Pets

Cancer screenings are now an essential part of wellness care, especially for high-risk pets. 

• Biannual Physical Exams: We recommend this for geriatric animals (generally over 7-8 years old).
• Routine Lab Work: This includes blood work and urinalysis, which can sometimes detect early systemic changes.
• Canine Cancer Screening Tests: Non-invasive, blood-based tests are now available to help detect the risk for certain common cancers, such as Lymphoma and Hemangiosarcoma, before symptoms even appear. These tests don’t indicate the presence of cancer, but they serve as an early warning system to guide follow-up diagnostics.

Treatments for Pets with Cancer

While a cancer diagnosis can be frightening, it’s important to remember that advancements in veterinary oncology have made treatment more manageable than ever. The focus is on enhancing your pet’s quality of life, and various treatment options are available.

• Surgery: Often the first and best option for localized tumors to remove the mass entirely.
• Chemotherapy: Generally well-tolerated by pets (less severe side effects than in humans), used to neutralize cancer cells, especially for systemic cancers like Lymphoma.
• Radiation Therapy: Uses targeted radiation to damage cancer cells. Your veterinarian may recommend radiation therapy after surgery or for certain types of tumors.

How To Prevent Cancer In Pets

While not all cancers are preventable, early detection can significantly prolong your pet’s life. If you’re in Central Florida, we encourage you to schedule a check-up today at Highland Pet Hospital!