This is the second installment on cancer in pets. Next time I will discuss treatment options and how they affect animals. If you’ve been lucky enough to avoid this disease in your pets so far, you have about a 50-50 chance of facing it at some time.
Cancer accounts for almost half of the deaths of pets over 10 years of age. Dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans, while cats get fewer cancers. Dogs get nearly all the same cancers humans get, with some types more common in certain breeds. For a list of dog breeds and the types of cancer they are most susceptible to, check ABC News’ report at http://tinyurl.com/yzn6fpg.
Carcinoma, Sarcoma, etc. — what’s the difference?
Hundreds of cancers affect animals. According to the UC Davis Veterinary Medicine website, the main types are:
- Carcinoma: a malignant tumor found in the outermost covering or lining of body surfaces or organs. These tumors are found on the skin, in the mouth and throat, stomach and bowel, or in organs like the mammary gland, liver, lung or bladder.
- Sarcoma: malignant tumor found in the structural tissues of the body such as bone, muscle and cartilage.
- Round Cell tumors: malignant tumors often made up of different immune cells. Mast cell tumors and lymphoma are examples of this type of tumor.
Common types of cancers and their prevalence in dogs and cats
- From the AVMA Animal Health Brochure, What Are Neoplasia, Tumors and Cancer? :
Skin – Skin tumors are very common in older dogs, but much less common in cats. Most skin tumors in cats are malignant, but in dogs they are often benign.
- Mammary Gland (Breast) – 50% of all breast tumors in dogs and greater than 85% of all breast tumors in cats are malignant. Spaying your female pet before 12 months of age will greatly reduce the risk of mammary gland cancer.
- Head & Neck – Neoplasia of the mouth is common in dogs and less common in cats. Signs to watch for are a mass or tumor on the gums, bleeding, odor, or difficulty eating. Early, aggressive treatment is essential. Neoplasia may also develop inside the nose of both cats and dogs. Bleeding from the nose, breathing difficulty, or facial swelling are signs that should be checked by your veterinarian.
- Lymphoma – Lymphoma is common in dogs and cats. It is characterized by enlargement of one or many lymph nodes in the body. A contagious feline leukemia virus can cause lymphoma in some cats.
- Testicles - Testicular tumors are rare in cats and common in dogs, especially those with retained testicles.
- Abdominal Tumors – Tumors inside the abdomen are common but it is difficult to make an early diagnosis. Weight loss or abdominal swelling are signs of these tumors.
- Bone – Bone tumors are most often seen in large breed dogs and dogs older than seven years, and rarely in cats. The leg bones, near joints, are the most common sites.
Ten Common Signs of Cancer in Small Animals (from the AVMA)
1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetitie
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6. Offensive odor
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating
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