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Top 10 Canine Cancer Warning Signs

How do vets diagnose cancer?

What tools and methods are used on my furry friend?

Since the signs and symptoms of canine cancer vary, diagnosing cancer is not easy but you should be on the look-out for these warning signs:

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow

2. Sores that do not heel

3. Weight loss

4. Loss of appetite

5. Bleeding/discharge from any body opening

6. Offensive odor

7. Difficulty eating and/or swallowing

8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina

9. Persistent lameness or stiffness

10. Difficulty breathing, urinating, or eliminating waste

If you notice any of these signs, take your dog to the vet immediately!

Two of the most common diagnostic techniques vets employ are biopsies and radiography. (A biopsy is a test involving the removal of tissues for examination.)

X-ray and ultrasound are other diagnostic tools used for detecting canine cancer. White CT scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are not commonly available in veterinary medicine, larger veterinary hospitals and medical centers occasionally use them.

About the Author:

This article is one in a series of pet tips from FETCH a Cure to help conscious pet owners become more aware and educated on simple things they can do to keep their animals happy, healthy, and free from danger. FETCH a Cure is a from-the-heart, 501c3 non-profit organization; created and run by those who have been faced with cancer and inevitable aging in their own pets.