Much more than a companion, your dog is a member of your family. We feel the same about our own pets and understand how distressing the thought of your dog having cancer can be. The good news is that Warwick Animal Hospital in Newport News, VA, is here to help guide you through the process of assisting and treating your dog as he or she battles this terrible disease.
As alarming as it is, the statistics show that approximately one-fourth to one-third of all dogs will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime. Below are some signs that your dog might have cancer. However, keep in mind that these can also be symptoms of other diseases.
- Abnormal swelling or mass
- A wound that won't heal
- Loss of weight
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty eating or swallowing
- Lethargy
- Lack of desire to exercise or play
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty passing urine or feces
- Bleeding or discharge from a body orifice such as the mouth, rectum, or vulva
- Offensive odor
- Unusual and persistent lameness or stiffness
If your dog is exhibiting any of these signs, please contact us (757-595-3337) as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. As with all diseases, the earlier they can be identified and treated, the better your dog's possibility of recovering to live a healthy life.
At Warwick Animal Hospital in Newport News, VA, we will help you understand the cause of these symptoms and find your dog the best possible treatment. There are endless options to help you and your dog beat this dreadful disease.
Cancer Treatment
The most common treatments for cancer are:
- Surgery to remove the mass
- Radiation, which uses powerful x-rays to destroy cancer cells
- Chemotherapy drugs that will kill the cancer
Although no one wants to hear the word cancer, there is hope. There are many diverse options to help your dog recover and keep him or her as comfortable as possible.
Contact Warwick Animal Hospital in Newport News, VA, today (757-595-3337) if you suspect your dog might have cancer or if your dog is displaying any of the above symptoms. We will help you get your dog back to living a happy and healthy life.