Early Detection

Ten Common Signs of Cancer in Small Animals

  • Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
  • Sores that do not heal
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetitie
  • Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
  • Offensive odor
  • Difficulty eating or swallowing
  • Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
  • Persistent lameness or stiffness
  • Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating
  1. From the American Veterinary Medical Association

Cancer assessment.
If you suspect any unusual growth in your pet, be sure to bring it to the attention of your veterinarian.  It’s important to have your pet examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible to determine if the symptoms are due to cancer.  Nearly fifty percent of all cancer are completely curable, please do not delay.  Be proactive in getting an assessment of what that growth is and how it might affect your pet's health.  Keep in mind, too, that not every growth requires surgery or chemotherapy. 

 

Physical exam... Every diagnosis begins with a careful physical exam of the patient.  The pet owner's history of the patients' overall health status is carefully considered and the patient is given a careful inspection.
Radiographs... Even when external, visible tumors are present, thorough evaluation of the patient includes x-ray evaluation so that subtle internal changes can be visualized.
Laboratory analysis... Specimens of tissue cells and fluid cellularity provide important clues to cancer presence.  Occasionally, a diagnosis can be confirmed by fluid and cell microscopic evaluation.
CT Scans... Modern veterinary medicine has access to advanced techniques such as CT Scanning methods that improve data collection and increase reliability of diagnostic evaluation. Ultrasound techniques are also employed.
Histopathology... Specialists in Veterinary Pathology have the final word when it comes to making a definitive diagnosis of cancer in pets.

 

 

 


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