Ten Common Signs of Cancer in Small Animals:
- Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow.
- Sores that do not heal.
- Weight loss.
- Loss of appetite.
- Bleeding or discharge from any body opening.
- Offensive odor.
- Difficulty eating or swallowing.
- Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina.
- Persistent lameness or stiffness.
- Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating.
Cancer Prevention:
Health and wellness programs for pets, especially those that focus on cancer prevention, are gaining momentum worldwide. This is in part because veterinarians are being reminded by their clients that their pet is considered a member of the family. Early detection and diagnosis of many diseases, including cancer, often result in enhanced cure rates. The question then becomes, how does one best prevent cancer and other chronic disesases?
One of the most common questions veterinarians are asked is, “What caused my dog’s cancer?” The answer to that question is difficult to answer, but as in humans, the cause of cancer often involves genetics, nutrition and environmental risk factors. Indeed, Golden Retrievers have recently been pointed out as having a high death rate from cancer when compared with other breeds only exceeded by Flat Coated Retrievers and Bernese Mountain Dogs. Similarly, exposure in dogs to cigarette smoke, asbestos, and other environmental contaminants has been associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. Over half of cancer in people is caused by environmental carcinogens and bad nutrition. There is every expectation this is true in dogs and cats. Therefore, cancer prevention is based on the identification or elimination of at-risk animals based on familial/genetic and environmental and nutritional influences. The following outline a few of the potential causes of cancer and some of the action items you can take to reduce your risk of cancer as well as the risk of your best four legged friend.
Nutrition: Some nutrients and obesity are associated with an increased risk of developing cancer in dogs and cats. For example, in one study examining two groups of Labradores, one lean and one obese throughout life, several discoveries were made. The median life span of dogs that were lean throughout life was significantly longer. While the prevalence of cancer between groups was similar, the mean age due to cancer-related deaths was 2 years later in the dogs that received the restricted diet. Thus, limiting abnormal weight gain throughout life is important as is the nutrients a dog or cat consumes. For example, the fatty acids that are found in fish or algae oil such as eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids have been shown consistently to inhibit the proliferation of breast and prostate cancer cell lines in vitro and to reduce the risk and progression of these tumors in many species.
What can you do:
• Restrict daily intake to maintain a thin body weight throughout life.
• Feed a balanced diet made specifically for dogs with possible consideration of the use of polyunsaturated fatty acids of the n-3 series. Read more about DHA in our educational DHA brochure.
Spaying and neutering: Spaying has long been demonstrated to be a markedly effective method of preventing breast (mammary) cancer if it is performed before the first heat. Spaying is moderately effective if performed before the dog is 2½ years of age. Spaying may also be therapeutic when treating dogs and cats with mammary tumors. Neutering will reduce the risk of testicular tumors. Castration may not uniformly protect against all cancers.
What you can do:
• Early ovariohysterectomy and orchiectomy is recommended.
Genetics: There is little doubt that cancer occurs more often in certain breeds and that environmental factors may influence these factors. German shepherds have been shown to have bilateral cystadenocarcinomas. Flat-coated retrievers and Bernese mountain dogs have been shown to have a high incidence of cancer, including malignant histiocytosis. Scottish terriers, especially those with exposure to herbicides, have an increased risk of developing transitional cell carcinomas of the bladder. Purebred cats have a higher risk of cancer.
What you can do:
• Encourage adoption of dogs and cats that have a low risk of cancer and that fit the family environment.
Environmental causes of cancer: Dogs have been shown to have an increased risk of developing cancer of the lung and nasal cavity, when exposed to coal and kerosene heaters and passive tobacco smoke. Mesothelioma is more common in dogs owned by people who worked in the asbestos industry. The use of chemicals by owners, specifically 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, paints, asbestos or solvents, as well as radiation and electromagnetic field exposure were associated with increased risk for several types of cancer in pet dogs. Application of insecticides (but not in a spot-on formulation) increased the risk of bladder cancer in Scottish terriers in another study.
What you can do:
• Eliminate exposure to environmental carcinogens such as pesticides, coal or kerosene heaters, herbicides such as 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, passive tobacco smoke, asbestos, radiation, and strong electromagnetic field exposure. These steps may be particularly important for clients of susceptible breeds (e.g., a Scottish terrier and herbicide exposure).
For additional cancer prevention tips, view: Health & Wellness Recommendations by Age
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