I’ve been thinking a lot about canine cancer over the last few days — but dogs aren’t the only pets who can develop cancer.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are some common signs of cancer in small animals:
- Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow — you may not see an external tumor, but you may be able to see or feel a lump where an internal tumor is located.
- Sores that do not heal. These may be hard to see on a long-haired pet, but regular grooming sessions can help you stay aware of what’s going on with your pet’s body.
- Weight loss and/or loss of appetite. If your pet is usually a chow hound and suddenly stops eating, something’s probably up. However, weight loss and/or loss of appetite can be a symptom of more than just cancer.
- Difficulty eating and/or swallowing. This could indicate a problem in the mouth or throat — cancerous or non-cancerous.
- Bleeding or discharge from any body opening — eyes, ears, mouth, nose, rectum, genitals.
- Offensive odor. A really bad smell can be a sign of illness, not just cancer.
- Loss of stamina. Some pets with cancer have difficulty exercising or are unwilling to play.
- Persistent lameness or stiffness. This is a symptom that can look like a lot of other things — arthritis, a pulled muscle, a sore foot.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Difficulty piddling or pooping.
You may see different symptoms depending on what type of cancer is at work in your pet’s body. When in doubt, talk to your vet! Early detection means early intervention and gives your pet a better chance of beating back the cancer. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to fight the disease.
Many pets can live a long, healthy life after a cancer diagnosis! Keeping an eye out for common signs of cancer can help give your pet a fighting chance.