It is important to know how the warning signs of a potential threat to your dog’s wellbeing. So, how can you make sure that you are doing everything to keep your dog healthy and cancer free? Here are some warning signs to assist in early detection.
-Pet owners should be attentive to any growing lump or sore that fails to heal.
- Drastic changes in the pet’s appetite or weight
- Unusually strong odors coming from a pet
- Discharge or bleeding from any body opening
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Drastic change in dog’s behavior and activity level
Just because you dog may be displaying some of these symptoms don’t necessarily mean that they have cancer, but early detection is key to increase the likelihood of recovery and survival. In the case that your dog is displaying any of these signs it is best to get them to the vet so that it can be taken care of as quickly as possible.
After going to the doctor, it may turn out that your beloved best friend has been diagnosed with some form of cancer. That doesn’t mean a death sentence. Take a moment to read one dog’s story of survival.
“Honey was rescued from death row at the NYC ACC in July of 2012. It began as an exercise in compassion - to rescue a dying old soul that had clearly given the best years of her life as a professional momma for a family that then tossed her out on the streets once she became sick. We brought her here to provide hospice. Pyometra, tumors, infections, entropian, her skin looked like someone burned her with cigars, she couldn't stand or walk - to read her medical summary it was horrifying.
When we first saw her, she looked like she was on death's door. We were afraid to leave her, even if just for a few moments, in the fear that she might pass in the short time we were gone. I prepared my family for the inevitable, that she would only be here for a short time but it was our job to give her all the love we could. In terms of treatment, the vet said that the best we could do would be to put her on antibiotics and pain meds to keep her comfortable. At least one of the tumors was found to be Mast Call. Due to her age and her blood count she was not a candidate for any type of surgery.
So we treated her, kept her comfortable, and waited. ...and watched ... and watched her get better... and better... and within a week begin to walk again and within 2 months make a full recovery. Except for the cancer, that is. We were able to successfully remove one o the tumors with clean margins in 2013. Since then she's developed at least 4 more, in areas where surgery is not recommended, but they don't slow her down and for the time being we are monitoring them while we consider other treatment options.
