Top 10 Early Warning Signs of Cancer

     Too many of our beloved animals will suffer and and ultimately die from cancer.  Early detection can not only help with the success of treatment, but also in the quality of your animal's life as he or she lives with the disease.

     The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has put out these ten early warning signs of cancer in animals.  Please know them and watch for them:

1.   Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2.   Sores that do not heal
3.   Weight loss
4.   Loss of appetite
5.   Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6.   Offensive odor
7.   Difficulty eating or swallowing
8.   Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9.   Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating


     But keep in mind that the NUMBER ONE early warning sign is your gut.  If you feel like something just isn't right, see your veterinarian right away.  Whether it is cancer or another issue, if you feel uneasy about your animal's condition, whether you can put your finger on a specific symptom or not, get it checked out.  YOU are almost always right when you get that feeling and your internal sensors telling you that something is wrong should not be dismissed.