Animal Cancer

Cancer is a growth that invades the surrounding tissues and spreads to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. This uncontrolled multiplication of cells takes over organs and eats away normal tissues. There are as many cancers as there are types of cells.

Symptoms

Signs of this disease include abnormal swelling, sores that will not heal, bleeding or discharge, weight loss and loss of appetite, persistent lameness and difficulty in breathing, urinating or defecating. Inability to settle down comfortably, pale gums or fever may also be present. Diagnosis includes blood work, x-rays and other clinical tests.

Treatment

The prognosis depends on the type and location of the cancer as well as the possibilities for treatments. Isolated tumors can be surgically removed. Aggressive cancers may respond to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Medications may be prescribed to ease discomfort and improve appetite. The goal of the treatment should be to improve the pet’s quality of life.