What is cancer?

Cancer is an unrestrained growth of cells that destroys normal tissue and body parts as it grows.  Some cancers are very aggressive and can spread (metastasize) fairly quickly throughout the body.  Other cancers are slow growing and are more unlikely to spread.  Most of the types of cancers that affect people can also affect companion animals. 

 

The Veterinary Cancer Society and the American Veterinary Medical Association developed a list of 10 common signs of cancer in companion animals.  Their list includes:

• abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
• sores that do not heal
• weight loss
• loss of appetite
• bleeding or discharge from any body opening
• offensive odor
• difficulty eating or swallowing
• hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
• persistent lameness or stiffness
• difficulty breathing, urinating, or defacating