Pet cancer answers from Savannah oncologist

[sinkingfeeling]

http://savannahnow.com/column/2013-08-22/pet-cancer-answers-savannah-oncologist#.UhdvbRgo75r

The prevalence of cancer in pets is on the rise. There are likely many factors contributing to this, but, a driving force is the fact that pets are living longer (better health maintenance, better preventative medicine, better diets, etc.). There are an estimated 165 million dogs and cats at risk for developing cancer, and probably close to 4 million dogs and 4 million cats developing cancer each year. A recent study suggested that about 45 percent of dogs who are 10 years or older will die from cancer.

Q: What are common types of cancer in pets?

Dr. Daters: The largest proportion of patients I treat have lymphoma or mast cell cancer (a type of skin cancer). We see a lot of bone tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, gastrointestinal tumors, brain tumors, and nasal tumors as well.

[Curmudgeoness]

1. Good article. Good information.

Of four cats that I have lost, two were from cancer. The other two were lost at a much younger age. So it is true, the longer we live, the higher the chance to develop cancer.

I think this is the most important part of the article:

Q; Can we prevent our animals from getting Cancer?

Dr. Daters: Early identification gives us the best chance to make an impact early in course of the diseases. This is best done by maintaining regular rechecks with your local veterinarian. Warning signs are things like abnormal lumps or swellings that continue to grow, loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, persistent lameness, sores that do not heal, bleeding or discharge from any body opening, difficulty swallowing, etc. Just like with people, as pets get older they should go in for more frequent check ups!

[kestrel91316]

2. Now that the incidence of feline leukemia virus is so low in the well-cared-for housecat

population, when we see feline lymphoma, it is usually associated with exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma has a strong association with secondhand tobacco smoke and consumption of tuna.

[Sunlei]

3. Agree pets are living longer lives. Vaccines help too. distemper used to wipe entire kennels.

Cancer is on the rise, of course some because pets live their full life.

However, imo a lot of pet foods are full of major carcinogens.