Cancer doesn't care about species

link Sharna Johnson

In search of ponies

Pets share many aspects of our lives, often living the same routines, sharing our moods and, yes, even illnesses.

Specifically, cancer is one of those things that doesn’t discriminate based on whether one has fur or not.

While the American Cancer Society reports an estimated 16.7 million U.S. adults are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2014, approximately 12 million dogs and cats are also diagnosed each year, or about one in every five pets, according to the Animal Cancer Foundation.

Like their owners, some types of cancer experienced by pets are benign and do not claim lives, but they are also stricken with forms of the disease that can be aggressive and fatal.

For five years running, November has been designated Pet Cancer Awareness Month. Promoted by some of those involved in the pet industry, the time is used as an opportunity to raise awareness and educate owners on the dangers cancer can pose to their pets.

Pet owners are often surprised to learn their pets have cancer or can get the disease at all, and they are equally surprised and ill-prepared for the cost of treatment, according to pet insurance companies.

Diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, and the range of treatment possibilities a pet may require can get pricey, starting in the hundreds and running into thousands of dollars.

Pet owners faced with a bad diagnosis and unable to afford pricey treatments may be able to get assistance from a number of non-profit organizations such as http://www.themagicbulletfund.org and others who offer help for pets with cancer. But as with anything, catching a problem sooner than later can make a huge difference.

Cancer prevention for pets is difficult — they don’t tend to have the same lifestyle and risk factors as humans — but experts agree early detection and diagnosis is the best strategy, particularly since cancer in pets tends to progress rapidly.

According to the Animal Cancer Foundation, common signs of cancer in pets include:

• Swollen lymph nodes — enlarged glands most easily located behind the jaw or knee, though they are located throughout the body.

• A growing or changing lump — anytime a lump begins to grow larger or change, it should be checked by a veterinarian.

• Stomach distention — Rapid enlargement of the abdominal region (tight tummies immediately following a big meal not included), which can indicate a growth or other issue.

• Ongoing weight loss, vomiting or diarrhea —signs that something is wrong and sometimes associated with cancer.

• Unexplained bleeding — any bleeding not associated with a wound or trauma, particularly in older pets.

• A cough — dry or non-productive coughs, particularly in older pets can indicate lung cancer and should be checked out.

• Lameness — sudden lameness without injury, especially in large-breed dogs can indicate bone cancer.

• Difficulty urinating — While animals can suffer from urinary tract infections, ongoing issues that don’t respond to antibiotics can be caused by bladder infection.

• Mouth odor, changed food preferences or chewing mannerisms — can indicate oral cancer.

Family pets are in an ideal situation to receive fast care because someone is around to notice when things aren’t quite right, giving them an advantage even over some humans.

Bath time, lounging on the couch, petting, exercise time and meals are all opportunities for pet owners to be observant and notice issues as soon as they arise so a veterinarian can have a look and hopefully resolve problems early on.

Sharna Johnson is a writer who is always searching for ponies. You can reach her at:

[email protected].