Cancer is a diagnosis you never want any family member to receive, even the ones with four paws and a tail. Unfortunately, cancer is a reality for many animals, especially as they get older. In fact, cancer is the number one cause of death in dogs over age 10, and about half of all canines develop this disease in their lifetime.
What do you do when your furry companion receives a cancer diagnosis? The trick is to catch the disease early when it’s the most treatable. When you bring your dog to Village Vet of Urbana for a cancer screening, we can help you spot the signs of disease, provide an accurate diagnosis, and begin effective treatment immediately to help prolong the life of your four-legged friend.
If you think your dog is showing signs of cancer, schedule an appointment at Village Vet of Urbana right away.
Signs of Dog Cancer
Many of the same cancer symptoms that appear in humans also turn up in dogs. Keep an eye on your furry friend for these signs of dog cancer:
- Abnormal lump or bump
- Wound that refuses to heal
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Lameness
- Unusual bleeding
Keep in mind that different types of cancer have varying symptoms. Some give little to no warning signs early on. That’s why we recommend yearly preventative vet visits at our animal hospital. This gives you the chance to ask questions and have tests performed if you suspect your dog has a health problem.
Diagnosing Dog Cancer
Looking up the symptoms of dog cancer online and comparing them to what you see in your own pup isn’t enough to diagnose a disease. You need formal veterinary diagnostics to confirm your suspicions and verify what type of cancer you’re dealing with. At Village Vet of Urbana, we can accurately diagnose your dog’s condition using these techniques:
- Physical exam
- Blood tests
- Urinalysis
- Ultrasounds
- X-rays
- Biopsy
- Cytology (examining cells under a microscope)
Treating Dog Cancer
Choosing the right cancer treatment for your dog depends on the answers to these three questions:
- How advanced is the disease?
- What type of cancer is it?
- What is the dog’s age and overall health?
Only an experienced vet, like the ones at Village Vet of Urbana, can determine which treatment is best for your dog. The most common options to consider include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Immunotherapy
- Photodynamic therapy
- Cryosurgery
- Hyperthermia
- Targeted therapy
Thanks to modern veterinary medicine, many forms of cancer in dogs can be treated and even cured—as long as they are diagnosed correctly and early so treatment can begin as soon as possible.
Schedule Dog Cancer Screening at Village Vet of Urbana
If you have any suspicions about your dog’s health and wellness, a cancer screening at Village Vet of Urbana could be just what you need to set your mind at ease. If your dog is cancer-free, we’ll let you know. But if we find a tumor and need to begin treatment, you’ll be glad you didn’t hesitate to get your pup the expert care he needs. The experienced dog veterinarians at Village Vet of Urbana are hear for you and your pet every step of the way.
Contact us today at 301-228-0681 to schedule dog cancer screening or treatment in Frederick County.