We recognize November as Pet Cancer Awareness Month as a good time to learn about the warning signs and risks associated with cancer in our furry loved ones. Cancer can be a devastating disease for humans and animals alike.
Given the advances in veterinary medicine, we can now detect problems in cats and dogs at an earlier stage. Your veterinarian may offer surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation procedures to fight cancer and help your pet live a long and health life.
Cancer affects more pets than you might think
In 2019, Petsecure policy holders submitted well over 5,000 claims related to the treatment of pet cancer with the average claimed amount being over $600. According to the Ontario SPCA, the most frequently diagnosed types of pet cancer are:
- Lymphosarcoma or Lymphoma
- Skin Cancer (Malignant Skin Neoplasia)
- Splenic (Spleen) Cancer
- Bone or Joint Cancer
- Hepatic (Liver) Cancer
- Thoracic (Chest) Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Brain or Spinal Cord Cancer
- Oral (Mouth) Cancer
Warning signs
As always, if your pet seems like they’re not themselves or they seem “off”, you should always take them to the vet. You know best how your pet usually acts and if they seem different, it could mean something’s wrong. If your pet is experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have cancer but it’s important to know some of the warning signs.
- Loss of appetite or difficulty eating
- Rapid weight loss
- Loss of interest in playing
- Difficulty with stool or urination, or changes in stool frequency
- Abnormal stiffness
- Respiratory changes
- Increased thirst and urination
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Severe lethargy
- Lumps or bumps on the body
Pet insurance can help with the cost of cancer treatment
If your pet gets cancer sometime in its lifetime, as long as there were no signs or symptoms before your policy started or during the waiting periods, Petsecure can help cover the cost of treatment. Learn what’s covered by Petsecure and get a free quote today.
