With about
380 of every 100,000 dogs and 156 of every 100,000 cats at risk for cancer
each year, pet owners are likely to have questions about how the disease,
thought by some to be found only in people, can affect their dogs
and cats.
Dr. Ruthanne
Chun, assistant professor of clinical oncology at Kansas State University,
answers some frequently asked questions about cancer in animals.
What can
cause cancer in my pet?
Just like people,
excessive exposure to environmental toxins or sun may predispose animals
to developing certain kinds of cancer. Inappropriate breeding may also
lead to genetic abnormalities that result in an increased likelihood of
developing cancer.
How can I
detect cancer in my pet?
Pet your cat
or dog thoroughly once a week to feel for abnormal lumps, bumps or swellings.
Be alert for any area that appears to be painful when touched. Open wounds
that are ulcerated and don't heal in a reasonable amount of time also could
be potential signs of cancer. Nonspecific symptoms such as loss of appetite,
weight loss, vomiting or diarrhea also may be causes for concern.
What does
a diagnosis of cancer mean for my pet?
Your veterinarian
must determine what type of tumor your pet has and how far it has spread.
The best way to determine if the tumor is malignant (likely to spread to
other parts of the body) or benign (grows only in one area of the body)
is to perform a biopsy. A biopsy, and additional tests to determine whether
or not the tumor has spread, will help determine your pet's long-term outlook.
If the tumor is malignant, you and your veterinarian will have to decide
the best treatment for your pet.
What treatment
options are available for my pet?
There are three
main options -- surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy -- that may
be used alone or in combination depending on what type of treatment is
needed. Your veterinarian can tell you which treatment would be best for
your pet.
How long
is treatment and will my pet require more than one cancer treatment?
Treatment varies
greatly depending on the tumor type.
How much
does cancer treatment cost?
Depending on
the tumor type, cancer treatments can cost anywhere from $400 to $3,000.
What are
common cancers in pets?
Common cancers
in pets include skin cancers, cancer of the lymph nodes (lymphoma) and
bone cancer.
What age
are animals more are risk?
Middle-aged
to older dogs are usually more at risk, but there are breed differences
due to size: a 5-year-old Great Dane is considered old, while a 5-year-old
toy poodle is still young. Also, animals as young as six months have been
diagnosed with cancer.
How regularly
should I take my pet to the vet for cancer check?
Annual physical
examinations are appropriate for young animals, twice a year is recommended
for older pets, but you should take your dog or cat to the veterinarian
anytime you suspect a problem.
What breeds
of cats and dogs are more at risk and why?
Golden retrievers
tend to have a high rate of cancer, likely because of a genetic problem.
No cat breeds are more at risk than any other. Other risks vary with the
type of tumor.
Large to giant
breeds of dogs are more likely to be diagnosed with bone cancer. Fair skinned
dogs -- and white cats -- that are out in the sun a lot are more
likely to develop skin cancer.
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Information Provided By
Kansas State University
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