May is Pet Cancer Awareness Month, a month designed to make pet owners aware of cancer in animals and the fact that cancer is the leading cause of death in pets, accounting for more than half of all deaths in pets that are disease-related.
In dogs, experts say that one quarter of all dogs will develop some form of cancer and half of all dogs over age 10 will develop cancer.
The most frequently diagnosed cancer in dogs is lymphoma. It is not the same disease as the lymphoma diagnosed in humans, although similarities exist.
Breeds like German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers are at higher risk of cancer than most other breeds
Owners can look for symptoms in their pets such as enlarged lymph nodes, but in general taking their pets to the vet every six to twelve months is recommended because vets know what to look for, and it's important to catch cancer very early in pets because it can spread quickly, and by the time it's found be too late for treatment.
Prevention is rather difficult in pets but in many ways is the same as it is in humans--keeping one's pets from becoming obese can prevent cancer since even in animals obesity is associated with cancer. Limiting or eliminating exposure to pesticides or lawn care chemicals can help, as well as reducing unnecessary exposure to UV rays.
Source: Gilroy Dispatch
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