Open mobile navigation

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

Dog getting a check up at the vet

Signs That Your Pet May Have Cancer

As unfair as it may seem, cancer isn't just a human disease. Your furry friends may also be affected by the potentially deadly illness. Learning about common signs of cancer during Pet Cancer Awareness Month in November can help you protect your pet's health.

Common Signs of Cancer in Pets

If your pet displays any of these signs, it's time to pay a visit to your veterinarian:

  • Lumps and Bumps - Lumps and bumps, particularly ones that seem to be getting bigger, are a cause for concern. Although growths aren't always cancerous, it's important to rule out the disease. Conduct a home exam to look for lumps, bumps, sores, and other signs of health problems at least a few times every month.
  • A Change in Appetite - If your normally ravenous dog, cat, or small animal has suddenly lost interest in eating, you'll need to determine the cause of the sudden change. Your pet may not enjoy mealtime if tumors make eating painful or trigger nausea.
  • Weight Loss - Eating less will certainly cause your pet to lose weight, but weight loss can also occur even if your pet's eating habits haven't changed.
  • Bad Breath - All pets have bad breath occasionally. If the odor is particularly strong and never improves, a tumor may be the cause. Diabetes, or kidney, liver, or gum disease can also cause bad breath.
  • Enlarged Lymph Nodes - Some lumps may actually be enlarged lymph nodes. Lymph nodes remove waste and germs from your pet's body and may become swollen if your pet is sick or has a form of cancer called lymphoma. Lymphoma is more common in cats than dogs, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Lymph nodes in dogs and cats are located on either side of the jaw, in front of the shoulders, on the groin, and behind the knees.
  • Vomiting or Diarrhea - All pets experience diarrhea and vomiting occasionally, particularly if they eat something they shouldn't. Frequent vomiting or diarrhea are unmistakable signs of illness and can lead to dehydration if not treated promptly.
  • Disinterest in Usual Activities - Pets who are sick or have cancer may become lethargic and lose interest in playing, going for walks, and other activities.
  • Swollen Abdomen - Call your veterinarian as soon as possible if your pet's abdomen begins to swell, and the animal isn't pregnant. Abdominal swelling can be caused by bleeding, cancerous tumors, parasites, or bloat.
  • Difficulty Walking - Lameness may also be a sign that your pet has cancer. If cancer invades your pet's bones, walking or jumping may become painful or difficult.
  • Coughing or Trouble Breathing - Persistent coughing or difficulty breathing may occur if your pet has cancer. If you notice that your pet is struggling to breathe, call or visit your veterinarian immediately.
  • Sores That Don't Heal - Sores or ulcers that never seem to get better may also be cancerous.
  • Difficulty Defecating or Urinating - Tumors may make it difficult or impossible to urinate or defecate. If your pet hasn't urinated in 24 hours, seems to be in pain, or strains to urinate or defecate, let your veterinarian know right away. In addition to cancer, trouble urinating can be caused by a urinary tract blockage that could kill your pet if treatment isn't begun immediately.
  • Bleeding - Bleeding from the nose, mouth, ears, penis, vagina, rectum, or other parts of the body should be evaluated. In some cases, bleeding may be related to an injury that's difficult to see. Bleeding, even if you only notice it once or twice, warrants a trip to the veterinarian.

Does your pet have any of these cancer signs and symptoms? Contact our office to schedule an appointment for your pet.

Sources:

AVMA: Cancer in Pets

https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/cancer-pets

Animal Cancer Foundation: 10 Warning Signs of Cancer

Merck Manual: Causes of Cancer, 5/20

Exclusive Offer

New patients receive 15% OFF first wellness exam.

Office Hours

Monday:

8:30 AM

5:30 PM

Tuesday:

8:30 AM

5:30 PM

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

8:30 AM

5:30 PM

Friday:

8:30 AM

5:30 PM

Saturday:

8:30 AM

2 PM

Sunday:

Closed

Closed

Location

Testimonial

  • "I can not say enough about these wonderful people. Dr. Reda is the most compassionate veterinarian I have ever met. My beloved dog passed from cancer, but they were there every step of the way with any questions or concerns, even when they were oh vacation and I was totally distraught about it, they made sure to address my concerns and never made me feel like I was crazy. There should be more people like Dr. Reda and his staff in this business. I am forever grateful for all of you."
    Patricia Schwartz / East Islip, NY
  • "Dr. Reda and his staff are amazing!! Dr. Reda is the most compassionate vet I have ever met. He took wonderful care of a feral cat I brought in today. And Chauntelle was so brave handling this cat..I am so grateful for their expertise and professionalism."
    Jackie S.
  • "I am happy with the veterinarians response to most issues. The staff is kind and caring and they usually see you the day you called. They're always happy to do refills by phone."
    Stephen B.
  • "I had such a good experience when I brought in a feral cat family during a TNR mission that I returned a month later when I adopted two of the kittens. Dr. Reda is simply a wonderful veterinarian. I appreciate his well-informed, holistic approach to treatment. He & his staff take the time to give me plenty of information and answer all my questions, while doing everything they can to minimize any distress and discomfort my cats experienced during the visit. In short, if you are looking for a vet that is highly knowledgeable, accessible, and compassionate, I cannot recommend All Friends highly enough."
    Anna
  • "Dr. Reda and his staff are so thorough and caring with my dog. I've never had a vet that I really trusted before now that makes me feel like my dog and family's best interests are at heart. Thank you All Friends for making everything easier for my dog and family."
    Michelle T.
  • "Best veterinarian! Very pleasant and wouldn't go anywhere else. Staff is very pleasant too."
    Lynn M.
  • "Had a great experience at All Friends Veterinary today.
    Dr. Reda and his staff quickly diagnosed our Dog's issue. They were very accommodating and compassionate. I would highly recommend his services."
    Steven P.

Featured Articles

Newsletter Sign Up