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Did you know that cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs and cats? According to the Animal Cancer Foundation, cancer in our pets can be caused by a variety of factors such as family history and genetics, environmental factors, age and viruses, including FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) in cats.
November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to educate ourselves about pets and cancer.
While it can’t always be prevented, there are some measures owners can take to help reduce the chances of pets developing certain types of cancer:
Spaying females helps to reduce mammary cancers in cats and dogs, and neutering male pets eliminates the risk of them developing testicular cancer.
regular physical exams can help your vet catch any concerning abnormalities in your pet.
pets exposed to second-hand smoke are at higher risk of developing cancer.
And, just like us humans, the sooner cancer is detected, the better the outcome. The Animal Cancer Foundation says to look out for these 10 Warning Signs of Cancer in Dogs and Cats and schedule a veterinary appointment if you notice something, to rule out anything suspicious.
Tippy is a cat in our care who was diagnosed with Mammary Carcinoma after a lump was found on her. Tippy’s cancer was very aggressive, but because her cancer had not metastasized when it was discovered, we made the decision for her to undergo a mastectomy.
Tippy has had both of her mammary chains removed, and while the surgery has bought her some extra time, we know that with this type of cancer, she won’t live as long as a typical cat. This is a sad outcome, as her cancer could have been prevented had she been spayed as a kitten, before she experienced her first heat.
We’ve made the decision for Tippy to join our Sanctuary Program, which is a special program for animals that are dealing with chronic illnesses, or who may be considered palliative. The animals are placed in foster homes where they can live out their days in the comfort of a home.
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