As pet owners, we value the importance of keeping our pets in their best health. Since pets are considered to be a part of our families, we want to take care of them the same way we would do ours. While it is in our best interest to maximize the years they have with us, inevitable times may come, which may leave us in an unpleasant disposition. One good example of this would be our pets developing cancer over time. This condition is known to occur in half of the pets who reach their 10th year of age. If you are a pet owner, we have lined up a couple of good pieces of information about decreasing the risk of cancer in your pets.
Things You Should Know About Pet Cancer
Early detection is the secret to saving our pets from a lifetime of pain and suffering. However, nothing beats the beauty of proactive pet care. Here are some facts to give you a clearer picture of the relationship between cancer and your pet’s overall health. Click here for more valuable tips.
Cancer Diagnosis
This condition does not appear overnight. It slowly and gradually develops over time. This is why it is important to put in effort in proactive steps to make sure their health is monitored properly. Pets should be taken to an annual wellness exam to have a comprehensive check of all their systems. This will include testing of blood, urine, stool, and more. You will also be asked to go for a dental examination to rule out the presence of any form of infection. The truth is, even the pet grooming and pet boarding services can give you a hint on whether your pet is exhibiting signs of cancer. Check out Animal Hospital of North Asheville for the best pet boarding services.
The best part about this is that you are also reminded and advised on immunization which includes vaccination schedules for your pet. In the early years of your pet, you will be advised on which actions to take depending on your pet’s routine examination results. You can check their oncology page to get more information about this. If your pet has signs of cancer, you will be advised on how to properly test it and what type of treatment plan is to be conducted.
Knowing the Warning Signs of Cancer
The knowledge of all these symptoms can give you a chance to detect the presence of cancer early.
- A mass or lump that is fast-growing, frequently changing and has an unusual texture.
- Enlargement of the stomach, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
- Continuous diarrhea, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding.
- Lameness, dry cough, lethargy, apathy, and easy fatigability.
- Difficulty in urinating, eating, and the presence of a foul oral odor.
When to See a Doctor
If you pay more attention to your pet, you will be able to tell the presence of these symptoms. If you see one more of the signs listed above, schedule an appointment with a trusted veterinarian to know the likelihood of cancer. If in case it is ruled out, you can then seek the best oncology veterinary clinics to give you assistance on making a personalized care plan and help in the execution of herbal therapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgery.