pawsomepets Cancer Can Affect Pets!

Cancer can strike any person at any time. Cancer does not discriminate based on gender, age or nationality, nor are pets immune to this potentially deadly disease.

The American Veterinary Medical Association says approximately one in four dogs will, at some stage in their lives, develop neoplasia, which is the uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells or tissues in the body. A neoplasm can be benign or malignant. Almost half of all dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer. Dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans. There is less information about the rate of cancer in cats.

Just like humans, pets can exhibit different signs that indicate cancer may be present, according to the Blue Buffalo Pet Cancer Awareness group. These include:

•Swollen lymph nodes: Lymph nodes are located throughout the body, and enlarged lymph nodes may indicate the presence of lymphoma.

•Enlarged or changing lump: Any lumps on the body that grow or change in shape or texture should be investigated.

•Distention in the abdomen: When the stomach becomes rapidly enlarged, this may indicate the presence of a mass or tumor in the abdomen.

•Weight loss: Chronic unexplained weight loss can be indicative of cancer or some other illness and should be taken seriously.