Dogs, Cats Not Immune to Breast Cancer
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- Dogs, Cats Not Immune to Breast Cancer
We are hearing more and more about our pets getting some of the same diseases that humans get. Now, we find out that they can get breast cancer as well, known as mammary cancer. Cancer is now the No. 1 natural cause of death in older pets.
Dr. Post states that mammary cancer is very common in unspayed female dogs and cats. He states it is very important to spay your pets before they have their first heat, which will greatly reduce the risk of mammary cancer.
While about half of the mammary tumors found in dogs are usually non-cancerous, those found in cats have about a 90% chance of being cancerous.
Because our animals have shorter lives than we do, cancer can be found in them sooner. And because environmental problems are the same for animals and people, we can use them as models, sort of like the “canary in the coal mine,” warning us of risk factors that we should look out for as well.
While a veterinarian should see your pet annually, you can also do a physical exam on your pet weekly or monthly. Have your pet lie on their side on the floor while you check for lumps, or have them sit in your lap while someone else checks them over.
Some signs of mammary cancer are abnormal swellings that persist or grow larger; sores that won’t heal; weight loss or loss of appetite and bleeding or discharge from any body opening.
“Early detection and diagnosis is the key to great health,” Ogilvie said, adding that if the cancer is detected early, animals have a good rate of survival. Then, they can continue to help amuse, annoy and comfort their human companions for many more years to come.