Diagnosis of cancer often involves x-rays to detect tumors. Photo courtesy of www.skincancerindogs.com.

Cancer. When you, as a pet parent, hear the word, it can send you into a concerned frenzy of worry about your beloved pooch.

Cancer can occur in pets at all walks of life, but it mainly affects those in their later years. Here are some things you should know about cancer and your dog.

What is cancer?

Cancer is a disease caused by the rapid division of cells that often form masses or tumors in various parts of an animal. Cancer usually occurs in older animals, but can be found in almost every part of the body, from the bones to the brain.

Is it preventable?

There are a number of things that you can do to help prevent your dog from getting cancer – or from it spreading quickly, like:

• Good food and activity. Feed your dog a healthy, balanced diet and make sure you both get your regular exercise to stay healthy.
• Spay or neuter your pet. Not only do you not have to deal with an unexpected litter of puppies, but your can also help prevent your dog from developing mammary tumors (common in both males and females).
• Keep your home smoke-free. Not being exposed to smoke greatly reduces a pet’s chance of acquiring lung cancer – dogs are just as affected by second-hand smoke as humans.
• Pet with a Purpose(TM). About once a month, give your dog a good, long pet and massage. Start along your dog’s back and neck and massage your fingers in a circular motion along their body from top to bottom (bet they’ll be laying down for you by the end of the rub-down!). If your pet is microchipped, you should be able to feel something like a grain of rice around their neck or one of their front shoulders (it may move around from time to time). Otherwise, take notice of any lumps or bumps. Draw a picture of where they’re located on your pet and then call your veterinarian for an appointment. Together you can keep your dog happy and healthy for a good long time.

What are some symptoms of cancer?

Behavioral changes such as a lack of appetite, difficulty going to the bathroom, weight loss, lameness, and depression can all be indications that something else is going on with your pup.  Bad odors can also be a telltale sign, as this shows your dog isn’t grooming himself or herself because of some pain being felt. Any lumps or masses you notice should be checked out immediately by a veterinarian.

How can I treat the cancer?

Cancer can be treated one of three ways – through the surgical removal of the tumor and affected tissue, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Veterinarians often use a combination of two or three of these treatments to completely kill the cancer in your dog or cat. Sometimes the cancer isn’t caught early enough (make sure you’ve done everything you can to prevent this with the steps above) and has metastasized, or spread, into too many parts of your pet’s body and can’t be effectively treated.

How much do these treatments cost?

The costs of these treatments can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands, depending on how far the cancer has progressed and the size of your dog or cat. The initial diagnostic visit, where treatment and prognosis is discussed, can cost around $200. Surgical removal of tumors can start at $1,500, depending on where it is on your pet’s body. Chemotherapy ranges from $200 to $2,000 and more, and radiation therapy costs between $2,000 and $6,000 typically.

The early diagnosis of cancer is so very important to your pet’s survival, and you should always schedule an appointment with your vet if you feel your pet is showing any abnormal symptoms or behaviors. Also, making sure to go to regular check-ups and cancer screenings can better you and your vet’s communication about your pet – and raise your pet’s chance of successful treatment.

Before cancer signs or costs appear, do some research on pet insurance. Getting your pet protected with a pet insurance company that covered cancer treatments and diagnostics ensures that you and your vet can talk about your pet’s health and happiness more than how you might or might not be able to afford the associated costs.