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Dog Cat Cancer Screenings Ft. Lauderdale | Davie | Hollywood

Dog and Cat Cancer Screenings Ft. Lauderdale Area’s Top Vet Answers 5 FAQs

How important is dog cancer screening? Cancer in dogs, just like in humans, is an insidious disease but it metastasizes much faster in dogs and cats than in humans. Catching it early is important to successful treatment. While cats can also develop cancer, the disease is much more common in dogs and that's what we will focus on here. 

Q: What are common symptoms of cancer in dogs?

A: The symptoms of cancer in dogs are also symptoms for other diseases and conditions and that's why it's important to screen your pet for cancer. Symptoms include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Blood or discharge from any opening
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Abnormal swellings
  • An offensive odor
  • Vomiting
  • Lumps or masses
  • Diarrhea

Q: What kind of screening for cancer is available for dogs?

A: The best cancer screening involves a full physical exam. a complete blood count (CBC), general health profile and X-rays. The CBC and general health panel that we do ensures that the patient is systemically healthy and that there are no "warning signs" of trouble regarding things such as organ function or electrolyte status.

A very high white blood cell count could indicate a pet has leukemia or an elevated blood calcium level could result from several different types of cancers,  Lab work alone will not accurately inform us whether or not a pet has cancers.

The screening along with the X-rays and ultrasound would give you the best odds of detecting cancer.

Just like humans early detection of cancer or cancer risk in dogs and cats is important. At DPC Veterinary clinic we have a complete lab onsite for fast testing. May is cancer awareness month for pets and we encourage you to call us today to set up a cancer screen for your pet.

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