By Dr. Scot Trefz, D.V.M. at Bay Moorings Animal Hospital •
Dr. Scot Trefz, D.V.M., Medical Director & Owner •
727-867-0118 • 3695 50th Ave South, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
www.baymooringsanimalhospital.com • facebook.com/baymooringsanimalhospitaldrtrefz
Common Signs of Cancer in Pets
If your pet displays any of these signs, contact your veterinarian:
Lumps and Bumps – Conduct home exams to look for lumps, bumps, sores, and other signs of health problems weekly. Lumps and bumps that seem to be getting bigger are cause for concern.
Change in Appetite – Tumors can make eating painful or trigger nausea.
Weight Loss – Weight loss can occur even if your pet’s eating habits haven’t changed.
Bad Breath – All pets have bad breath sometimes, but strong odors that do not improve could be a sign of a tumor, diabetes, kidney, liver, or gum disease.
Enlarged Lymph Nodes – Lymph nodes remove waste and germs and may swell if your pet is ill or has lymphoma. Lymph nodes in dogs and cats are located on either side of the jaw, in front of the shoulders, on the groin, and behind the knees.
Vomiting or Diarrhea – We all experience diarrhea and vomiting occasionally, particularly if we eat something they shouldn’t. Frequent vomiting or diarrhea are definite signs of illness.
Disinterest in Usual Activities – Pets who are ill may become lethargic and lose interest in playing, going for walks, and other activities.
Swollen Abdomen – Abdominal swelling can be due to bleeding, cancerous tumors, parasites, or bloat.
Difficulty Walking – If cancer invades your pet’s bones, walking or jumping may become painful or difficult.
Coughing or Trouble Breathing – Persistent coughing or difficulty breathing may be a sign of cancer.
Sores That Don’t Heal – Sores or ulcers that never seem to get better may also be cancerous.
Difficulty Defecating or Urinating – Tumors may make it difficult or impossible to urinate or defecate. If your pet hasn’t peed in a day, seems in pain, or strains to go, call your vet. Trouble urinating can be due to a urinary tract blockage or cancer that could kill your pet if treatment is delayed.
Bleeding – Bleeding from the nose, mouth, ears, penis, vagina, rectum, or other parts of the body should be evaluated. Even if you only notice it once or twice, bleeding warrants a trip to the vet.
If you enjoyed this article, visit Dr. Scot M. Trefz, DVM – Tierra Verde Resident and Medical Director at Bay Moorings Animal Hospital. Dr. Trefz, a 35-year experienced DVM, and his amazing team of veterinary professionals are located at 3695 50th Ave S., St Petersburg, FL 33711 (next to the Maximo Moorings Marina and Bay Pointe Plaza Publix) 727.867.0118