Cancer is a disease that touches many of our lives. Unfortunately, our four legged furry friends are not immune to it either. According to www.petcancerawareness.org, about 1 in 4 dogs will develop cancer in it’s lifetime, and being the number 1 natural cause of death in older pets, about 50% of dogs over the age of 10 will die of cancer. Just like in humans, early detection is key. Symptoms of cancer can vary widely, as cancer can affect almost any system or area of the body. Things such as vomiting, diarrhea, straining to defecate, weight loss, swelling or weight gain, non-healing sores, pale gums, limping, weakness, lethargy, lumps or bumps, bleeding, or coughing could all indicate a tumor. It should be noted that many of these signs are very non specific however and may indicate many other illness or issues as well. For this reason, we recommend yearly to semi-annual examinations in all pets, regardless of whether they are “due for shots”. A yearly to twice yearly exam allows us to look in your pet’s mouth, feel the skin and subcutaneous layers for masses, check lymph node size, weigh your pet, perform a rectal examination, and palpate the abdomen for internal changes. We also recommend yearly to semi-annual bloodwork. Lab tests can […]
Providing the best possible veterinary care for your pet.
Heritage Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinarian clinic that provides examinations, diagnostic services, dental care, surgical services, medicine, grooming and boarding services in Maple Grove, Minnesota. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of pet care possible and facilitating an environment where client communication and education are at the forefront of our practice.
