Approximately 1 in 4 dogs develop a tumor of some kind during their lifetime.
Cancer cells develop because of damage to DNA. Most often a dog's DNA becomes damaged by exposure to something in the environment, such as tobacco smoke, pesticides or other carcinogens.
PET CANCER SIGNS:
- Swollen lymph noes
- An enlarging lump
- Abdominal Distension
- Chronic Weight Loss
- Chronic Vomiting
- Chronic Diarrhea
- Unexplained Bleeding
- Cough
- Lameness
- Straining to Urinate
- Oral Odor
MORE ON PET CANCER SIGNS:
An enlarging or changing lump: any lump on a pet that is rapidly growing or changing in texture or shape should have a biopsy.
Chronic weight loss: When a pet is losing weight and you have not put your pet on a diet, you should have your pet checked.
Unexplained bleeding: Bleeding from the mouth, nose, penis, vagina, or gums that is not due to trauma should be examined.
Cough: A dry, non-productive cough in an older pet should prompt chest radiographs to be taken
Abdominal distension: When the "stomach" or belly becomes rapidly enlarged, this may suggest a mass or tumor in the abdomen or it may indicate some bleeding that is occurring in this area.
