
Why Your Dog Might Be Vomiting
No sound will get a dog owner’s attention quite like…
Cancer accounts for nearly half of all disease-related pet deaths every year. Dogs get cancer at nearly the same rate as humans (approximately one in four dogs will develop cancer at some point in his life). Half of all dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer at some point. It is theorized that, as we humans have begun to take better and better care of our pets, their life spans have increased to the point where cancer has a greater chance to develop. While cancer is not as common in cats as it is in dogs, it tends to be more aggressive in our feline companions.
However, there are treatments available, and recognizing the signs and symptoms of cancer in your pets can aid in early detection and treatment.
Of course, the best treatment for cancer is prevention.
Cancer treatment options for pets are similar to those available to humans: surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy have become commonplace. Research is currently underway to investigate immunotherapy vaccines to use the pets own immune system to attack the cancerous cells. The FDA approved the first canine cancer drug in 2009, and further research into medicinal treatment is ongoing.
The cost of treatment for canine and feline cancer varies greatly. Diagnostic testing can cost between $200-1,000. Surgical treatment can range from $1,000 all the way up to $15,000 depending on the severity and complexity of the operation. Treatment in a specialist center will almost always be more expensive than treatment from your local veterinarian, but specialists will have more options to provide and more experience dealing with complex treatments.
Even with the most conscientious preventative care, cancer can strike in your pet anytime. Keeping your pet covered with a pet insurance policy will help keep your mind at ease and ensure that if your dog or cat is diagnosed with cancer, you’ll have access to the treatment they need. To get a free quote for a dog insurance or cat insurance plan, click here.