Veterinary Practice Insurance (VPI) reports that cancer is the number one killer of pets. In an effort to educate pet owners, VPI declared November Pet Cancer Awareness month in 2005.
“Successful treatment of pet cancer depends on early detection,” said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. “Routine physical exams are essential for every pet. Clinical signs of cancer include sudden weight loss, non-healing lumps or sores, an increase or decrease in appetite, difficulty chewing or swallowing, unusually strong bodily odors and/or exercise intolerance.”
Based on its insurance claims, VPI reported that the most common feline cancers in 2006 were lymphosarcoma (affects the lymph system), skin tumors, osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer), breast cancer and leukemia. Insurance claims from 2005 showed nearly identical data, according to VPI.
“Our goal at VPI is to educate pet owners that pet cancer is more common than they might realize. More importantly, we want to empower pet owners in our mutual fight against pet cancer,” McConnell added.