Vet Tips 2025: Cancer in Pets—How to Spot the Cellular Delinquents 🐾🧬

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

It sounds dramatic, but it’s true—cancer cells are cellular delinquents. They ignore rules, override healthy processes, and grow wildly in places they shouldn’t. And just like in people, our beloved pets can develop cancer at any stage of life. 🐶🐱

Some pets live their entire lives with no impact from these wayward cells. But others face serious challenges if cancer grows undetected. The earlier we identify the signs, the more options we have—and the better the outcome. 🩺

What Is Cancer, Really? 🧬😾

Cancer starts when normal cells mutate and begin to multiply without control. These rogue cells:

• 🚫 Refuse to die (like normal aging cells do)
• 📈 Multiply rapidly and crowd out healthy cells
• 🩸 Create their own blood supply (called angiogenesis) to fuel growth
• 📦 Invade surrounding tissues or even travel to other organs

They can appear anywhere—from skin and mouth to liver, bone, blood, or brain. 🎯

Signs of Cancer in Pets 🐕🐈‍⬛

Cancer in pets can be silent or subtle—and its signs often mimic other diseases. Here’s what to watch for:

• 🔘 Lumps and bumps that don’t shrink or resolve
• 🩹 Wounds that won’t heal, especially if changing shape or color
• 🐾 Limping or pain when walking, running, or jumping
• ⚖️ Unexplained weight loss despite a good appetite
• 😴 Lethargy or loss of playfulness and energy
• 💨 Difficulty breathing or labored breathing
• 🩸 Bleeding (nose, mouth, urine, stool, vomit) or pale gums
• 🤢 Bad odors from the mouth, ears, or anus
• 💧 Discharge (pus, blood, vomit, diarrhea)
• 😾 Behavior changes like aggression, hiding, or depression
• 🚽 Changes in bathroom habits—straining, frequent urination, or accidents

These signs alone do not confirm cancer—but they mean it’s time to check in with your vet. 🔍

Is It Just Age? 🤔⏳

Many pet parents assume a pet is just “slowing down” due to age. But that assumption can be dangerous. ⚠️

Lethargy, loss of appetite, and behavioral shifts can all stem from treatable conditions—including early cancer. Don’t dismiss these signs without evaluation. 🧠

Why Early Detection Matters ⏱️❤️

• 📈 Cancer is more treatable in early stages
• 💰 Treatment is often less expensive when started early
• ❤️ Quality of life is easier to maintain

Early detection can literally be the difference between cure and crisis. 🩺💙

What to Expect at the Vet 🩺🐾

If you bring your pet in for a concern, your vet may recommend:

• 🩸 Blood work and urinalysis
• 🖼️ X-rays or ultrasound
• 🔬 Fine needle aspirates or biopsy of a mass
• 🧪 Additional diagnostics based on findings

The goal is to confirm or rule out cancer, identify the type, and determine the best next step. 🧭

Can Pet Cancer Be Treated? 🧬💉

Yes. While some cancers are aggressive, others are slow-growing or even curable. Treatment options may include:

• 🧪 Chemotherapy (often better tolerated in pets than people)
• 🔪 Surgery to remove tumors
• 💡 Radiation therapy
• 🧘 Palliative care for comfort and quality of life

Your vet may refer you to a veterinary oncologist for more specialized options. 🩺

Tips to Monitor Your Pet at Home 🕵️🐶🐱

• 👋 Do regular hands-on checks for lumps or bumps
• 📊 Keep track of weight, appetite, and bathroom habits
• 📓 Record changes in behavior, playfulness, or mobility
• 📆 Schedule routine wellness exams every 6–12 months

When to Seek Immediate Help 🚨

• 🩸 Sudden bleeding or pale gums
• 💥 Seizures or collapse
• 💨 Severe difficulty breathing
• 🚫 Complete refusal to eat or drink for more than 24 hours

These may indicate an emergency—don’t delay. ⏳

Need Help Navigating a Cancer Diagnosis? Ask A Vet 📱🐾

If you're concerned about a lump, a change in your pet's energy, or you’ve received a cancer diagnosis and want a second opinion—Ask A Vet is here 24/7. 💬

Download the Ask A Vet app to speak with a licensed veterinary professional about diagnostics, treatment options, costs, and emotional support. 🐾❤️

Final Thoughts: Know the Signs, Protect Their Life 🧠🐾

Cancer is scary—but knowledge is powerful. You can’t prevent every case, but you can catch it early, ask the right questions, and support your pet through every stage. 💙

Have questions? Visit Ask A Vet and speak with a vet today—because you know your pet best. 🐶🐱🩺