Subtle signs a pet might have cancer

Researchers have made considerable progress in understanding the spread and development of various forms of cancers. In fact, millions now go on to live long lives after successful treatments, even though much about the disease remains a mystery.

While cancers that affect humans garner substantial attention, the disease also can be diagnosed in pets. Pets can develop neoplasia, which involves the abnormal growth of cells or tissues in the body that form into a neoplasm (tumor). A tumor can be benign or malignant. Malignant neoplasms can be unpredictable and grow at various rates and spread to other parts of the animals' bodies. When malignant neoplasms are present, then the pet is considered to have cancer, says the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The National Cancer Institute says crude estimates of cancer incidence in pets indicate there are roughly six million new cancer diagnoses made in dogs and a similar number made in cats each year. Although sometimes the signs that an animal is unwell are readily apparent, often cancer may produce only subtle symptoms that are challenging to distinguish and may overlap with other health issues. Here are some signs to watch out for.

· Weight loss: Unless a pet is on a specific weight loss regimen or has increased exercise significantly, a sudden drop in weight could be a sign of cancer.

· Appetite changes: If appetite suddenly increases or decreases, that may be a red flag for cancer. Pay attention to the eating habits of your pets.

· New growths or bumps: The presence of new growths on a pet's body should be checked by a vet. Not all lumps are cancerous, but pay attention to lumps that grow, don't go away or change in shape.

· Behavioral changes: Pet owners get to know the dispositions of their companion animals. When a pet that is normally boisterous becomes lethargic, withdrawn or less playful, that could be a sign of illness.

· Bathroom habit changes: Dietary factors or eating a foreign item in the yard can affect a pet's bowel movements, but so can illness. Pets struggling with urination or defecation or those exhibiting changes in urine or stool may be sick with cancer.

· Unusual bleeding or discharge: If abnormal bleeding from the nose, mouth or rectum is present, or if the animal has unusual discharge from the eyes or ears, that could be a warning sign for cancer.

· Swollen lymph nodes: Pets' lymph nodes are located beneath the jaw, in front of the shoulders, on each side of the chest, and on the back side of the legs. Swollen lymph nodes may be an indication of an illness like cancer.

The cause of most cancers in pets is not known and, therefore cannot be easily prevented. It is important to keep up with routine well visits for pets so that vets can catch cancer at its earliest stage when it is the most treatable.