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Cancer is not only a top illness concern for we humans but also for our pet cats and dogs. It does occur many times when our pets are aging. Hence our Cancer Awareness and Senior Pet Month designated to pique our focus on pet cancer awareness and insights into the care of our senior pets.
There are some great groups working on funding research and helping pet parents of pets fighting cancer. Below are three sites with quite a large amount of easily available and very helpful information.
Animal Cancer Foundation
This organization is located in Port Washington, New York. They provide grants to fund oncology research to find solutions and better treatments for our pets. This research may lead to help for humans as well. In their words: “In order to move cancer studies rapidly forward, we innovate by funding comparative oncology research. We believe that studying naturally-occurring canine cancer holds the key to curing the disease in people and pets.”
Warning Signs/Symptoms: Cats / Dogs
They list early detection as key with warning signs to watch for in cats:
- Skin lumps or bumps
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Hiding or strange behavior
- Oral odor or bleeding
- Unexplained bleeding
- Chronic vomiting or diarrhea
Warning signs listed in dogs include:
- Oral odor
- Straining to urinate
- Lameness
- Cough
- Chronic vomiting or diarrhea
- Chronic weight loss
- Abdominal distension
- Enlarging or changing lump
- Swollen lymph nodes
Take a look at the good work they are presently involved with as a non-profit organization.
Pet Cancer Society
This is a community site for pet parents with pets fighting cancer. It was organized by a the founders of a company named Imprimed in 2017. The founders are two Phds in engineering sciences from Stanford University. These men “…built a platform that enables oncologists to quickly identify which of the available drugs can provide the best clinical outcomes for current patients.”
The Pet Cancer Society site gives information on recent research on common pet cancers and articles. It is also a place to see other pet parents’ stories with their pets, ask questions, find oncologists and hospitals, and more.
Most Common Pet Cancers
They list six of the most common pet cancers as:
- Lymphoma – Lymphoma is a cancer that targets lymphocytes, white blood cells that originate in bone marrow and migrate to lymphoid tissues such as thymus, lymph nodes, and spleen. Since lymphocytes circulate in the blood, malignancies can also be found in other tissues, particularly in the liver and kidney.
- Osteosarcoma – There are a variety of canine bone cancers, however, osteosarcoma is by far the most common and represents about 85% of the skeletal malignancies in dogs. This form of bone cancer is found mainly in the limb bones which are part of the appendicular skeleton, but it can also occur in bones of the spine, skull, rib and pelvis which comprise the axial skeleton.
- Leukemia – Leukemia develops from cancerous cells originating in the bone marrow which is the site of both red and white blood cell production. There are two major types of leukemia—lymphocytic (lymphoid) or myelogenous (myeloid). Both types of leukemia result from cell divisions in particular blood cells that have gone out of control.
- Melanoma – One would think that our furry friends would be protected from the harmful effects of the sun; however, skin tumors, particularly melanomas, are the most common malignant growths found in dogs. Since certain skin cancers, including melanoma and mast cell tumors, can be fatal for your dog, it is important to have your vet examine any unusual growths. The good news is that when an overgrowth of these melanin pigment-producing skin cells is detected early, your dog’s skin cancer can often be treated successfully.
- Mast Cell Tumors – Skin tumors are the most common form of mast cell tumor (MCT), and they exhibit many different characteristics such as wart-like nodules, soft lumps below the skin, or an ulcerated skin mass. The appearance of MCTs is extremely variable since they may swell and shrink unpredictably. In addition, they are often mistaken for an insect bite, wart, or a fatty mass below the skin called a lipoma. Although mast cell tumors often appear later in a dog’s life, it is not impossible for animals less than a year-old to develop this type of cancer.
- Hemangiosarcoma – a cancer that arises along the inner layer of cells lining blood vessels, lymph nodes and heart. These tumors are aggressive malignancies and due to rapid growth in blood vessels, they are often associated with sudden internal bleeding which can be life-threatening for your dog.
This site not only gives an overview of the cancer but also a definition, different types, symptoms, causes, diagnoses, and treatments available.
American Veterinary Medical Association
The AVMA was organized in 1863 by vet surgeons from seven states in the east. They met in New York with 40 delegates to form the United States Veterinary Association which became the AVMA in 1898. Today their members number over 100,000 caring for companion animals and more. “AVMA’s member veterinarians serve in medical research, academia, prevention of bio- and agroterrorism, food safety, public service, industry, the uniformed services, and beyond.”
Care for Aging Fur Buds
As our fur buds age, they do need more care just as we normally do. Regular vet exams may be called for more often, but not less than twice a year. More easily digested food is probably in order with anti-aging nutrients added. Obesity needs to be watched with continued physical exercise and mental stimulation. Vaccinations should be kept up with immune systems weakening. Pet stairs to access a sofa, chair, or bed might be a plus for pets experiencing climbing difficulty and arthritis symptoms. Or a ramp to get into your vehicle could be a great assist.
Possible Registration for Clinical Trials
Today pet parents are able to look into registering their pet for clinical trials with the help of their personal veterinarian. “The AVMA Veterinary Clinical Trials Registry—formerly the AVMA Animal Health Studies Database—helps animal owners and veterinarians find veterinary clinical studies in the U.S. and Canada for their pets and patients. The AVMA is proud to provide this registry to help advance the practice of veterinary medicine and accelerate improvements in animal health care.”
Senior Ages: Cats & Dogs
I hope the above information will be of help to any of my reader’s who may be experiencing aging or illness problems with their fur babies. As a note, our pets are considered senior when they reach the age:
Cats – Age 10 and above
Dogs – Small and toy breeds – less than 20 lbs – 8 to 11 years of age
Medium size breeds – 20 to 50 lbs – 8 to 10 years of age
Large breeds – 50 to 90 lbs – 8 to 9 years of age
Extra Large breeds – over 90 lbs. – 6 to 7 years of age
To see some adorable senior pets, take a look at my post introducing a few here: USA Senior Pet Month.
You may also like to check our post on pet memorial and burial services.
Funny Animal Videos
From Big Geek Daddy take a look at the science of cats.
Next in line is an amazing giraffe rescue.
Last check out Brandon, a big dog.
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