Treating Cancer in Dogs & Cats in Mishawaka, IN
Due to advancements in veterinary medicine, pets are living longer. While we all appreciate more good years with our pets, longer lives also put our companions at greater risk of illness, particularly cancer. A cancer diagnosis is always frightening and you want to make sure your pet receives the best care. At Lincolnway Veterinary Clinic in Mishawaka, Indiana, we treat cancer in dogs and cats and work closely with universities in South Bend, Indiana, and the surrounding areas to give your pet access to advanced care if needed. Call us at (574) 256-1871 to learn more.
Routine wellness care is the best way to detect cancer early so we can get your pet the treatment they need.
Signs of Cancer in Dogs & Cats
As in human cancer cases, catching the disease sooner rather than later is essential for effective treatment of cancer in dogs and cats. Routine veterinary visits and diagnostic bloodwork are key elements in catching cancer early, but you can recognize the signs, too. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible:
- Abnormal swellings
- Sores that don’t heal
- Weight loss/loss of appetite
- Lethargy or hesitation to exercise
- Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating
- Bleeding from any bodily orifice
- Unpleasant odor that won’t go away
- Difficulty eating or swallowing
Common Cancers in Pets
Pets can develop many of the same cancers that we can. Some of the most common include:
Common cancers in dogs:
- Mast cell tumors – a type of skin cancer
- Melanoma – another type of skin cancer that is often benign
- Lymphoma – a type of blood cell cancer
- Bone cancer (osteosarcoma) – the most common bone tumor; often found in larger breed dogs
- Hemangiosarcoma – a type of highly malignant cancer that causes tumors all over the body
Common cancers in cats:
- Lymphoma – a type of blood cell cancer
- Squamous cell carcinoma – a type of skin cancer, often present on the ears, nose, and eyelids
- Fibrosarcoma – an aggressive tumor that develops from fibrous connective tissue.
Our Dog and Cat Cancer Treatments: Chemotherapy & Surgery
Advances in veterinary medicine have allowed us to more effectively treat cancer in cats and dogs so they can enjoy a good quality of life during and after treatment. At Lincolnway, we use both chemotherapy and cancer surgery to treat various forms of cancer. We also work closely with veterinary oncology specialists at our area’s universities to facilitate advanced treatment for pets who need it. This allows our clients to get local treatment rather than going further out to a specialist facility.