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September 14, 2009

Pet Health Alert: Cancer Prevention in Older Dogs

older dog

Cancer is not only a risk for human beings—it can affect our canine companions, too. "Veterinary research estimates that the incidence of cancer in older dogs ranges from 50 to 75 percent," according to Dr. Louise Murray, ASPCA Director of Medicine at Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital (BMAH).

Such high numbers of the disease may have to do with innovations in pet health care, such as vaccines and deworming. “Nowadays, more pets are protected from parasites, heartworms and viral disease,” observes Dr. Murray. “As a result, they are living longer and developing cancer in their old age.”

Veterinary oncologists are also detecting cancer more often and at earlier stages with the help of sophisticated diagnostic tools such as ultrasound, CT scans and even MRIs for pets.

Though we cannot prevent all cancers, there are certain steps pet parents can take to greatly diminish the chances of their animal companion contracting the disease:

  • Spaying and neutering pets before their first heat cycles can significantly reduce the occurrence of mammary tumors and helps prevent ovarian, uterine and testicular cancers.
  • If you notice a mass on your pet's skin, have it examined immediately by a veterinarian. If it is cancerous, have it removed as soon as possible.
  • Don't allow your pet to be exposed to cigarette smoke.
  • Use pet-formulated sunscreen on vulnerable, fair-skinned pets.
  • Avoid chemical lawn products, which are proven to cause cancers in pets, including bladder cancer and lymphoma.

Read ASPCA veterinary tips on diagnosing, treating and preventing cancer in dogs.

Do you Twitter? Use this hashtag to tweet on this article: @aspca and #PreventDogCancer

Category:
Pet Care

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  • Submitted by Foge at:September 26, 2012 11:22 AM

    I can alaredy tell that's gonna be super helpful.

  • Submitted by Stephanie at:July 27, 2012 01:58 AM

    A seasoned veterinarian will tell you that if the growth doesn't hurt your pet to leave it be. This will be solely based on the fact that your pet is 12 years old. If your pet is in pain as a result of the growth the wisest choice would be to put him down. Surgery is for the younger dogs. As cold as that may sound that's the reality of it. I wouldn't even consider chemotherapy for an older pet. If young people diagnised with cancer can barely stand having to go through it, keep in mind they can verbalized their feelings, just imagine what hell you would be putting your pet through all because YOU want him to live longer. It would just be selfish of you to make them suffer through that. And if this sounds col and harsh well I'm sorry, but I've lost two dogs to cancer so I know what I'm talking about, unfortunately.

  • Submitted by Sonya at:May 2, 2012 12:31 PM

    These are great tips as we all know prevention and early detection are two ways to fight canine cancer. You can also give your dog a supplement containing Reishi mushroom, which has proven capabilities in fighting canine cancer.http://www.ilovedogs.com/2012/05/fight-canine-cancer-with-reishi/

  • Submitted by Sonya at:May 2, 2012 12:30 PM

    These are great tips as we all know prevention and early detection are two ways to fight canine cancer. You can also give your dog a supplement containing Reishi mushroom, which has proven capabilities in fighting canine cancer.http://www.ilovedogs.com/2012/05/fight-canine-cancer-with-reishi/

  • Submitted by Linda at:January 30, 2010 12:00 AM

    My 12 year old neutered maltipoo has a growth at the rectum. He has other lumps on his body. Monday , blood work, xprays and biopsy will be done. IF it is cancer, at his age, and the fact the location of this growth is near nerves, spincture muscles, etc., I don't feel it is in his best interest to do surgery, radiation, etc. What do you feel about this?

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