Our pets are our best friends and staple family members in our household, so it’s only natural to do everything in our power to keep them healthy! Our animal hospital in Chicago is dedicated to educating families about potential warning signs of developing health issues, including cancer. In honor of Pet Cancer Awareness Month, keep your eyes peeled for the following signs.
First, How Common in Cancer in Pets?
Cancer has grown to become more prevalent in pets, especially as they get older. For example, 50 percent of dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer at some point in their lifetime. However, cancer in cats is seen less than cancer in dogs, but when it develops, it tends to be more aggressive than it is with dogs. Lymphoma is one of the most common forms of cancer in cats.
Symptoms of Cancer in Pets
Being aware of the warning signs is a critical part in the early diagnosis of cancer in pets. The warning signs are similar to that in people, including a lump, a wound that is not healing, abnormal swelling, enlarged lymph nodes, bone swelling, or abnormal bleeding. Early on, there aren’t typically a ton of obvious warning signs, so make sure to take your pet to our animal hospital in Chicago if you notice that something is off.
What Treatment is Available?
A lot of the options that are available to humans are typically available to pets as well. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are all commonplace when it comes to treatment.
As soon as you notice something is off with your pet, please schedule an appointment with our animal hospital in Chicago so we can get them the treatment that they need!