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Cancer is a major cause of death in pet animals and the prevalence of cancer in pet animals continues to rise. This is at least partially due to their increasing life span which is secondary to better nutrition, preventative care, and better management of other chronic diseases. As in people, cancer is ultimately caused by multiple genetic mutations which result in the inappropriate proliferation of cells. Contributing causes may include environmental factors such as sunlight, chemical exposure, and hormonal factors.

Unfortunately, there are very few types of cancer which we know how to prevent at this time, and so earlydetection becomes the key to allowing early intervention and the best outcomes. This is a two part series that discusses some of the most common early warning signs of cancer. This certainly doesn't mean that there are not non-cancerous causes of these symptoms which may be more likely, they do however warrant a visit to your regular veterinarian sooner rather than later.

Skin masses or swellings (figure 1) are especially common in dogs.

Figure One

Benign masses such as lipomas or fatty tumors, sebaceous cysts and wart-like lesions are very common in dogs as they get older. However, it is a good idea to have skin masses checked when they arise - most skin masses cannot be diagnosed by their appearance alone. Masses should be mapped and measured and samples collected for cytology. In-house cytology is useful for determining which masses to worry about and which ones not to. Samples can then be sent to the lab for review by a pathologist to gather more information about the type of mass. If existing masses change or grow significantly they should be rechecked and possibly biopsied. The treatment of choice for most skin tumors is surgery, and there is a much better chance of being able to completely remove tumors if they are removed when they are small.

Non-healing sores are another cause for concern and should raise a red flag that the tissue involved may not be normal. Any skin lesion or sore that does not respond to appropriate treatment should be biopsied. This

Figure Two

goes not only for lesions on the outside of the body but also for problems on the inside.

One example would be a swollen, ulcerated lesion by the toe nail (figure 2). This certainly could be the result of an infected nail bed which should heal completely with an appropriate course of antibiotics. If it doesn't heal, or only partially heals, then underlying causes such as cancer should be ruled out by means of a biopsy.   Another example is recurrent bladder infections. If bladder infections respond to an appropriate course ofantibioticsand then recur repeatedly, underlying causes, including bladder cancer, should be ruled out.

Persistent lameness may also reflect a wide variety of diseases, however, especially in an older large breed dog, bone cancer must be on the list of possibilities. Often times, lameness associated with cancer is first noticed after trauma, and mistakenly diagnosed as an injury. If lameness persists or worsens after an appropriate course of rest and anti-inflammatory medication, further diagnostics, such as an x-ray, should be pursued.

Primary bone cancer is often accompanied by swelling of the affected limb at the tumor site, however, it may be very subtle and difficult to appreciate, especially higher up the limb where there is more muscle tissue. X-rays of the limb will usually help to differentiate between something like arthritis or a lesion which would be more consistent with cancer. Many times further diagnostics such as needle aspirates or a biopsy may be needed for a definitive diagnosis.

Bleeding is one of the scariest things for pet owners to deal with and may be caused by a variety of conditions. Again, the list of causes is long but unfortunately cancer should be considered, especially if it is persistent or it occurs in an older pet. For example, tumors that arise in the nasal cavity may result in bleeding from one or both nostrils and are often accompanied by chronic sneezing and increased upper respiratory noise.

Oral tumors can cause bleeding from the mouth and the first sign may be blood in the water bowl or blood noticed when chewing on a toy. Tumors of the lower urinary tract, especially bladder or prostate may cause bloody urine. Many times these tumors are accompanied by straining to urinate. Masses in the gastrointestinal tract may cause bleeding and clinical signs will depend on the location of the tumor. Tumors in the stomach and uppermost part of the small intestine may cause vomiting with blood. Tumors in the small intestine may cause bleeding which results in black or tarry stools. Masses in the colon and rectum may cause frank blood to be passed with the stool and may be accompanied by straining during defecation.

These are just a few examples of some of the warning signs of cancer. Keep your eye out next month for Part 2 of this two part series on the warning signs of cancer.

If you have any questions concerning cancer in pets, please do not hesitate to talk to your family veterinarian or one of the specialists here at Gulf Coast.

Liles cause severe and often fatal kidney failure in cats

There is now an iPhone app that can help you become more eduated about common household items and plants that can be toxic to your dog or cat! 

The Pet Poison Help Line is based in Minneapolis, MN and currently, they provide 24/7 assistance to owners and veterinarians when it is suspected that a toxin has been ingested.  This app is designed to provide a quick reference as to what substances are toxic, lists common signs associated with specific toxicities and most importantly, provides one touch dialing to the Pet Poison Help Line so that more information can quickly be obtained in the event of an emergency.

This app is NOT meant to take the place of veterinary care in the event your pet has been exposed to a toxic substance, but it may help you realize that a dangerous substance has been ingested so that you can seek veterinary care as soon as possible.  The app is 0.99 and the link is listed below.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pet-poison-help/id512694876?mt=8

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