Cancer affects all animals.  Nearly 50% of dogs and cats over the age of 10 may be lost to cancer, but unfortunately any age, breed, or sex can be afflicted.

The word “tumor” or “mass” can refer to a benign or a malignant growth.  Cancer refers to a malignant growth or process in the body that has the potential to invade surrounding tissue and/or spread (metastasize) to other places such as the lymph nodes, liver, and lungs.

The majority of tumors and cancers found in dogs and cats also occur in humans, although the behavior differs between species.  The cause of cancer may not be known or even preventable in many cases.

Dogs and cats that are diagnosed with cancer may have various clinical signs present.  These include: new lumps or masses; enlarged lymph nodes; lethargy/fatigue; loss of appetite and/or weight loss; gastrointestinal upset; and urinary or respiratory issues.  This is not an all-inclusive list and other signs may be present.

  • A cancer specialist, or Veterinary Oncologist, is helpful to clients in understanding the diagnosis and implementing the appropriate therapy for the most successful outcome when treating an animal cancer patient
  • Advances in research and medical science have allowed patients to be treated, and in some cases, cured of cancer. Treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or some combination thereof.
  • The diagnosis of cancer requires obtaining a cytology or biopsy of affected tissues as well as obtaining a baseline screening with laboratory work (blood work and urinalysis) and imaging (chest x-rays and potentially an abdominal ultrasound).  Advanced testing with endoscopy, CT, MRI, and additional lab work may also be necessary
  • Advances in research and medical science have allowed patients to be treated, and in some cases, cured of cancer.  Treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or some combination thereof.
  • Other forms of therapy, such as immunotherapy, may also be useful depending on the circumstances.  The degree of success depends on both the type of cancer and the patient’s characteristics.  Newer forms of therapy are continually emerging and will change the face of cancer through time.  The prognosis associated with cancer varies and depends on many factors.
  • Dogs and cats handle most therapies very well.  The primary goal of veterinary oncology is to restore and maintain a favorable quality of life.  Even if a cure is not possible, cancer may be treatable for long periods of time and will improve the survival time in most cases.