Canine Cancer--What You Need to Know

In the past few weeks, I have experienced the fear and concern that comes when your vet tells you they have detected cancer in your beloved pet. What appeared to be a fatty lump in my "son" Puggles'
armpit was actually 2 malignant mast cell tumors that had to be surgically removed.  I was fortunate to have caught it in time while they were still fairly superficial, and his prognosis is good. In spite of some complications, he is recovering at home and will hopefully be as good as new in no time.

The experience made me realize that I knew very little about cancer in dogs--the warning signs, the different types, etc. "Cancer affects one in three dogs....of those, over half of them will die from cancer." (National Canine Cancer Foundation).  According to http://www.dog-health-guide.org/ there are 8 early warning signs of canine cancer to be on the lookout for:

• Unusual swelling that continues to grow
• Sores that do not heal
• Weight loss
• Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
• Reluctance to move
• Loss of energy
• Difficulty breathing, urinating or having a bowel movement
• Sleeping more than usual

In our case, there were no signs other than the lumps in his armpit, and our story proves that early detection is critical even if there are no outward signs of distress. I learned through research that Puggles' breed made him more susceptible to this particular form of cancer.  Many of us may not know what types of cancer our own dogs may be susceptible to. The more information we have, the better chance we have to do everything possible for them.

 For more information on this potentially deadly disease, please visit The Dog Health Guide or the National Canine Cancer Foundation .