{"id":2469,"date":"2024-02-05T09:33:21","date_gmt":"2024-02-05T13:33:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/?p=2469"},"modified":"2024-02-05T09:33:22","modified_gmt":"2024-02-05T13:33:22","slug":"how-can-i-tell-my-pet-has-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drphilzeltzman.com\/blog\/how-can-i-tell-my-pet-has-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"How can I tell my pet has cancer?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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NOTE: This is a free excerpt from my upcoming book about cancer in pets!<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many pet owners think we can diagnose cancer by looking at routine blood work, when that is very rare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exceptions include liver and thyroid cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So how might you suspect your pet has cancer?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are 7 findings that should put you on alert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Skin mass<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most common type of mass is directly visible on or under the skin. Sometimes, the mass can burst open and bleed, or ooze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t make the classic mistake of thinking \u201cIt\u2019s just a cyst\u201d or \u201cIt\u2019s just a fatty tumor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Never procrastinate in those situations. Early intervention can make the difference between success and failure. Removing a small mass is understandably less invasive and cheaper than removing a big mass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, removal of a mass has become impossible and the best option is to amputate a leg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. A big belly<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course not every cat or dog with a big belly has cancer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rather, it\u2019s about a belly that becomes big quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That can be a sign that a mass has grown inside an organ (for example the spleen).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Occasionally, such a mass can rupture and cause internal bleeding, which can also cause a big belly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tumor in the spleen of an 11-year-old Husky<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Unexplained weight loss or gain<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A mass in the spleen can weigh several pounds, so it would make sense that the pet would gain weight despite having the same appetite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other cases, it\u2019s the other way around. Cancer can cause weight loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why? Because cancer cells need specific nutrients to grow and thrive, so they rob them from the patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Bleeding<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bleeding from anywhere in the body should be a cause for concern \u2013 and a veterinary consultation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n