Cancer. That’s a scary word. It can cause anxiety and fear, especially when it concerns our loved ones, whether human or animal. When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, early detection provides the best chance for successful treatment.
May is Cancer Awareness Month. At Thrive Pet Healthcare our veterinarians want to make sure that our clients know what the early warning signs of cancer are for dogs and cats. Detecting any of the following signs should prompt you to
schedule an exam for your pet.
What does cancer look like?
Cancer symptoms may mimic symptoms for many other non-cancerous conditions. Here are ten early warning signs associated with cancer from the American Veterinary Medical Association:
Sores that do not heal
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
Offensive odor
Difficulty eating or swallowing
Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
Persistent lameness or stiffness
Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating
The goal with any treatment plan is to balance the positive benefits of the treatment with any possible negative side effects. When anyone hears the word “chemotherapy” we often think of the side effects seen in people such as nausea and hair loss. In veterinary medicine, we realize that we cannot explain to our patients the necessity of experiencing such effects. Therefore, chemotherapy in our pets is designed to maintain their quality of life while achieving the desired goals of treatment.
At Thrive Pet Healthcare, our network of clinics and veterinarians are with you every step of the way to guide you through the diagnostic and treatment stages, including referral to one of our incredible oncological specialty locations like Veterinary Cancer Group or PetCure Oncology.
