As with people, our cherished four-legged family members (particularly dogs) are just as prone to developing cancer, especially as they get older. While a cancer diagnosis is the last thing any pet parent wants to hear, there are a variety of cat and dog cancer treatment options available to lessen your pet’s symptoms and potentially eliminate their cancer. At Kenosha Animal Hospital, our veterinarians have access to exceptional tools and resources to thoroughly diagnose cancer in dogs and cats, and develop a treatment plan that works for every individual.
Sometimes, what seems like a regular illness might be something more.
Take the initiative and call our animal hospital at (262) 658-3533 today so we can see your pet.
Symptoms of Cancer in Dogs and Cats
Many cancer symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for the symptoms of another illness. However, if your pet shows any of the following, don’t hesitate to reach out and seek medical attention.
- Decreased appetite and/or difficulty eating
- Swelling of the abdomen
- Wounds will not heal
- Persistent vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Sudden weight changes
- Discolorations, lumps and/or bumps on the skin
- Having difficulty breathing
- Bleeding from the nose, mouth, or other orifices
- Lameness
- Trouble urinating or defecating
Diagnosing Cat and Dog Cancers
Not all lumps are cancerous--with proper testing, we can determine whether a lump on your pet is cancerous or benign. If you notice any lumps on your dog or cat, please contact your veterinarian right away.
There are several critical things that will help guide our team towards an accurate diagnosis for your pet:
- Knowledge of your pet’s medical history
- A thorough physical examination
- Blood testing
- Possible radiographs (X-rays)
- Possible ultrasounds
- Cytology (extracting cells from a mass and viewing them under a microscope)
- Biopsy (removing a tissue sample from a mass and examining it under a microscope)
If further diagnostics, such as CT scan, MRI, or PET scan are needed, we can refer your pet to a qualified veterinary oncologist.
Treating Cancer in Dogs and Cats
There are several different treatment options we can consider for your pet, depending on the type of cancer they have and what stage. Also, every pet is unique--what works well for one dog may not work as well for another.
Possible treatments for cat and dog cancer may include:
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery
- Radiation
- Cryosurgery (freezing the growth)
- Immunotherapy
- Hyperthermia
Dogs and cats tend to handle chemotherapy much better than people. While they might exhibit some signs of nausea and discomfort, these signs are not as severe as they often are in humans.
Cancer cannot always be treated successfully. Sometimes, its effects can only be delayed, and the best that can be done is to provide palliative care to reduce pain and make the pet’s last months or weeks as comfortable as possible. Still, a cancer diagnosis does not have to be final--with your veterinarian’s help, you can explore treatment options and work towards making the best choices for your pet’s well-being. Our team will be here to support you at every step.
