Dealing with cancer

No one wants to see a pet succumb to the disease, so here’s how to keep on top of it.

Over the course of their life, about one in four dogs and one in five cats will develop cancer, and it’s even more prevalent in animals that are 10 or more years old. But as with humans, early detection and knowing what to look for can hugely improve the prognosis.

CONTROL WHAT YOU CAN

There isn’t a universally accepted protocol for pet cancer screening, so preventive care is crucial, says veterinary oncologist Dr Brooke Britton. Every dog and cat should have at least an annual physical, and as your pet ages, your vet may recommend diagnostic tests, such as urine checks or blood work, to catch any cancer early enough to address it.

Just as with the rest of the family, taking care of your pet’s overall health will lower its cancer risk. Spaying or neutering can reduce the incidence of reproductive and breast cancers, and minimising unprotected exposure to the sun and second-hand smoke is as important for pets as for people. A healthy diet and exercise regimen can also help decrease the risk of cancers in which obesity is a factor. Cats should also receive the feline leukemia virus vaccine to help protect them from lymphoma.

ASK QUESTIONS EARLY

Because cancer can occur in so many different parts of a pet’s body, symptoms vary widely. In general, changes in behaviour or appetite, as well as new or enlarged lumps under a pet’s coat, warrant a vet visit, according to veterinary oncologist Dr Timothy Fan. “For the most part, pet owners are quite observant of their animals’ behaviour or changes in behaviour,” he says. “But they have to be proactive about them.”

Many cancers will initially appear as very subtle signs, Dr Britton notes. A pet taking longer to finish meals, appearing antisocial, sleeping more or having difficulty staying asleep, and having less interest in activities can all indicate that something’s not right. Veterinary oncologists often don’t see pets until cancer is advanced, which limits the amount of intervention they can do. “Seek help early on in any type of situation,” Dr Fan says.