Cancer is a leading cause of death in both cats and dogs, affecting nearly half of all dogs and a concerning 30% of cats over the age of 10. While this statistic may seem scary, the good news is that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. The goal of this article is to help you to better understand the signs of cancer in pets, so that you can catch it early, thereby giving your pet the best possible chance at survival.
Here are my top 10 signs of cancer in pets
I’ve put together this guide to help you spot the early signs of cancer in your pets. Knowing what to look for can be a game-changer in managing your pet's health. From subtle changes in behavior to the more obvious physical signs, these top 10 symptoms of cancer in pets that I always urge pet owners to be vigilant about.
1. Lumps and Bumps
Any new lump or bump, whether under the skin or on the surface, warrants a checkup. While not all are cancerous, it's essential to rule out this possibility. Paying close attention to the location and sizes of your pet's lymph nodes can be helpful.
2. Unexplained Weight Loss
Rapid weight loss, especially when your pet is still eating normally, is a red flag. Cancer cells hijack the body's resources, leading to weight loss.
3. Changes in Appetite
Decreased interest in food, sudden pickiness, or a complete lack of appetite can signify various health problems, including cancer.
4. Sores That Don't Heal
Pay attention to any wounds that don't seem to improve or keep recurring. These could potentially be cancerous.
5. Breathing Trouble or Coughing
A persistent cough or labored breathing, especially in cats, should be taken seriously and could indicate the presence of tumors.
6. Lameness or Stiffness
Unexplained limping or difficulty moving can signal many conditions, including bone cancer. Don't dismiss these changes.
7. Lethargy and Weakness
If your pet seems unusually tired or weak, and this persists beyond a few days, it's worth investigating underlying problems like cancer.
8. Abnormal Odors or Discharges
Foul odors from the mouth, ears, or other areas of the body, or any unusual bleeding or discharge, should prompt veterinary attention.
9. Bathroom Habit Changes
Difficulty urinating or defecating, persistent diarrhea, or blood in the stool or urine can indicate cancers within the digestive or urinary systems.
10. Behavioral Changes
Unexplained hiding, aggression, or a sudden drop in playfulness often signal pain or distress, potentially linked to cancer.
What to do next?
If you observe any of these changes in your pet, don't ignore them or wait to see if they go away, and schedule a visit with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Early action makes a world of difference when it comes to cancer treatment.
Be prepared to describe the changes you've noticed in detail to your veterinarian, including when the symptoms began and how they might have progressed. Your vet may recommend diagnostic tests like biopsies, bloodwork, X-rays, or ultrasounds to confirm a cancer diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment.
Real-life case examples
The following stories of real pets from our hospital show how the signs of cancer can look different from case to case. That's why it's so important to be familiar with the whole range of things to watch out for.
Case 1: A concerning lump
A concerned owner brought in their 12-year-old Labrador Retriever. They discovered a new lump on his side about the size of a golf ball. It had appeared seemingly overnight. While many lumps in Labs are benign fatty tumors called lipomas, particularly in older dogs, any new growth warrants a check-up.
I performed a fine needle aspirate (a minimally invasive sampling technique) and unfortunately, the results confirmed a mast cell tumor, a type of skin cancer. Luckily, we caught it early, and surgical removal led to a full recovery for Max.
Case 2: Unexplained weight loss
I had the pleasure of seeing a sweet 10-year-old cat and the owner was concerned about her weight and frequent vomiting episodes. She had lost a significant amount of weight despite having a normal appetite.
Further tests revealed a type of intestinal cancer called intestinal lymphoma.
Sometimes changes in weight are the first clues to an underlying issue. While this case was advanced, early detection would have provided Bella with more treatment options and at the time of writing this article, she is doing very well with her treatment.
Case 3: Hidden discomfort
The final case example involves a playful 7-year-old Golden Retriever, who started limping on his front leg. His owners initially assumed it was a sprain, but when it didn't improve with rest, they brought him in.
An X-ray revealed osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer as the cause of his lameness. His owners were shocked, but relieved we had a diagnosis to work with. After discussing all the options with them, they elected to amputate the affected leg to limit the spread, and he went on to have many months of good quality life.
Pain and discomfort can manifest in subtle changes, including limping or behavioral shifts, and shouldn't be ignored.
As a pet owner, you know them better than anyone. Being aware of the common signs of cancer in pets and trusting your instincts can help with early detection and increase the chances of successful treatment. By working together with your veterinarian, you can give your pet the best chance at a long and healthy life.
If you have any questions or your pet is showing one of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.