[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]

Just like in human medicine, the advancements in pet medicine keeps our pets healthier and extends their life expectancy. Because our pets are living longer this increases the overall number of pets that acquire diseases that affect aging animals. While cancer doesn’t solely affect elderly pets, aging increases the risks and occurrences.

In general, cancer is caused by abnormal cell growth. Cells grow at a faster rate than the body’s immune system can suppress and these cells form masses or tumors.

“Dogs are affected by more forms of cancer than other companion animals A.cording to the American Veterinary Society cancer is the leading cause of death in 47% of dogs, especially dogs over the age of ten, and 32% of cats. Dogs get cancer at about the same rate as humans, while cats get fewer cancers. Some breeds or families of dogs have a higher incidence for developing cancer at an earlier age, but in most cases it’s a disease found in aging animals. There are nearly 100 types of animal cancer. Cancer in pets can be found in the skin, bones, breast, head & neck, lymph system, abdomen and testicles. Leukemia is the most common type of cancer in cats and lymphoma and mammary gland cancer are the most common type of dog cancers.” Fetchacure.com

The box below highlights some of the most common forms of pet cancer. Stay tuned for this Thursdays post on cancer care and treatment at A2AH.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”3_4″ last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_flip_boxes columns=”1″ class=”” id=””][fusion_flip_box title_front=”The most common types of pet cancer” title_back=”” text_front=”” background_color_front=”#bbc13c” title_front_color=”” text_front_color=”” background_color_back=”#8e8e8e” title_back_color=”” text_back_color=”” border_size=”1px” border_color=”” border_radius=”4px” icon=”fa-stethoscope” icon_color=”” circle=”yes” circle_color=”” circle_border_color=”” icon_rotate=”” icon_spin=”no” image=”” image_width=”35″ image_height=”35″ animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”1″ animation_offset=””]Skin – Skin tumors are very common in older dogs, but much less common in cats. Most skin tumors in cats are malignant, but in dogs they are often benign. Your veterinarian should examine all skin tumors in a dog or cat to determine if any are malignant.

Mammary Gland (Breast) – 50% of all breast tumors in dogs and greater than 85% of all breast tumors in cats are malignant. Spaying your female pet before 12 months of age will greatly reduce the risk of mammary gland cancer.

Head & Neck – Neoplasia of the mouth is common in dogs and less common in cats. Signs to watch for are a mass or tumor on the gums, bleeding, odor, or difficulty eating. Since many swellings are malignant, early, aggressive treatment is essential. Neoplasia may also develop inside the nose of both cats and dogs. Bleeding from the nose, breathing difficulty, or facial swelling are signs that may indicate neoplasia and should be checked by your veterinarian.

Lymphoma – Lymphoma is a common form of neoplasia in dogs and cats. It is characterized by enlargement of one or many lymph nodes in the body. A contagious feline leukemia virus can be the cause of lymphoma in some cats.

Testicles – Testicular tumors are rare in cats and common in dogs, especially those with retained testicles (testicles that did not move to their normal positions during growth, and may be located in the abdomen or between the abdomen and scrotum).

Abdominal Tumors – Tumors inside the abdomen are common but it is difficult to make an early diagnosis. Weight loss or abdominal swelling are signs of these tumors.

Bone – Bone tumors are most often seen in large breed dogs and dogs older than seven years, and rarely in cats. The leg bones, near joints, are the most common sites. Persistent pain, lameness, and swelling in the affected area are common signs of the disease.

Information found on fetchacure.com[/fusion_flip_box][/fusion_flip_boxes][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_4″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_testimonials design=”classic” backgroundcolor=”” textcolor=”” random=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_testimonial name=”Did you Know?” avatar=”none” image=”” image_border_radius=”” company=”” link=”” target=”_self”]Dogs and humans are the only two species that naturally develop lethal prostate cancers.[/fusion_testimonial][fusion_testimonial name=”Did you Know?” avatar=”none” image=”” image_border_radius=”” company=”” link=”” target=”_self”]The type of breast cancer that affects dogs spreads to bones – just as it does in women.[/fusion_testimonial][fusion_testimonial name=”Did you know?” avatar=”none” image=”” image_border_radius=”” company=”” link=”” target=”_self”]The most frequent bone cancer of dogs, osteosarcoma, is the same cancer that strikes teenagers.[/fusion_testimonial][/fusion_testimonials][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]