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Studies show cancer in pets is common with one in four dogs expected to get cancer during their lifetime1. In fact, dogs get cancer at similar rates to humans and while dogs at any age may be at risk of cancer, the risk increases in older animals2.
Whether your pet is undergoing pet cancer treatment, or you’re worried about your pet’s risk, arm yourself with knowledge of the early warning signs, the importance of early detection and treatment options. While a cancer diagnosis can be devastating, there may be several treatment options available for your beloved furry family member.
What are some common pet cancer types?
Mast cell tumour and lymphoma were the most common cancer types for dogs and cats in both 2022 and 2023*. Other common cancer types facing pets may include carcinoma, sarcoma and osteosarcoma (bone cancer).
Breeds at risk of cancer treatment claims
PetSure data from 2023* shows the top five breeds of cats and dogs most at risk of claiming for cancer.
| Cats | Dogs |
|---|---|
| 1. Ragdoll | 1. Boxer |
| 2. Burmese | 2. Vizsla |
| 3. British Short Hair | 3. Bull Arab |
| 4. Russian Blue | 4. Greyhound |
| 5. Bengal | 5. Staffordshire Bull Terrier |
According to our data, 60%* of all cancer claims in 2023 were submitted for dogs aged eight years or older.
How can I recognise the early signs of cancer?
Early detection of pet cancer is important, especially for older pets. The signs of cancer in pets vary depending on the affected body part and advancement of the disease. Some signs of cancer in pets may include:
Skin:
Lumps, wounds, ulceration, scabs, or swelling that persists or increases in size.
Gastrointestinal signs:
Vomiting, diarrhoea, blood in stool and/or constipation.
Systemic changes:
Lethargy, weight loss, changes in appetite, persistent bleeding, breathing changes or difficulties or swollen lymph nodes.
Neurological/orthopaedic/musculoskeletal signs:
Changes in ambulation, activity, incoordination, lameness, signs of pain, swelling, vision loss or changes, or seizures.
Reproductive/Urinary:
Changes in urination frequency or volume, mammary swelling or ulceration, testicular swelling, vaginal/penile discharge.
Oral Signs:
Drooling, difficulty swallowing, halitosis, tooth loss, or masses in the mouth.
Case study: Taz’s journey
Last June, Sue discovered a lump on her twelve-year-old Smooth Fox Terrier , Taz and promptly took him to the vet. Taz was diagnosed with lymphoma and began chemotherapy treatment with a veterinary oncologist.
To help cover the $12,000 treatment cost, Sue claimed with her pet insurance policy which covered a portion of the cost. By claiming with GapOnly®, Sue only had to pay the gap of $3,000, meaning she didn’t have to pay the full amount upfront and wait to be reimbursed later.
Under the care of Pacific Vet Care Woolgoolga, Taz is now recovering well. Having pet insurance helped relieve the financial strain of Taz’s treatment expense and helped Sue decide more quickly about his treatment plan.
Navigating cancer treatment and costs
In 2023, PetSure claims data showed cancer-related claims for dogs and cats was $31.5 million. Mast cell tumour topped the cancer claims for dogs, with an average treatment cost of $2,859 (maximum: $39,769), while Lymphoma led cat cancer claims, with an average treatment cost of $3,636 (maximum: $41,701).
Top 5 cancer in cats in 2023
| Cancer type | Avg treatment cost* (without surgery) | Avg treatment cost* (with surgery) | Highest treatment cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lymphoma | $3,636 | $9,436 | $41,701 |
| Mast cell tumour | $2,632 | $3,055 | $11,254 |
| Carcinoma | $4,298 | $4,703 | $14,989 |
| Squamous cell carcinoma | $2,748 | $3,989 | $12,596 |
| Malignant melanoma | $1,841 | $3,823 | $8,765 |
*based on PetSure claims data, 2023 calendar year
Top 5 cancers for dogs in 2023
| Cancer type | Avg treatment cost* (without surgery) | Avg treatment cost* (with surgery) | Highest treatment cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mast cell tumour | $2,859 | $3,461 | $39,769 |
| Lymphoma | $5,008 | $7,695 | $23,979 |
| Sarcoma | $3,528 | $4,848 | $29,772 |
| Carcinoma | $4,096 | $7,500 | $26,541 |
| Osteosarcoma | $3,776 | $9,804 | $33,402 |
*based on PetSure claims data, 2023 calendar year
Skin cancer in cats and dogs
Skin cancer in cats and dogs is a significant health concern affecting pets of any age, breed, or gender. In both species, the most common types of cancer that can affect the skin include Squamous Cell Carcinoma, melanoma and mast cell tumours.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma often appears as firm, raised, or ulcerated masses on areas of skin exposed to sunlight, such as the ears, nose and eyelids. It can also affect the paw pads and nail bed of pets, particularly in dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors.
Melanoma originates from pigment-producing cells called melanocytes that can also occur anywhere on your pet’s skin and can affect the eyes, oral cavity and nail bed. These tumours can be pigmented or non-pigmented and may appear as darkly coloured masses or flat lesions.
Mast cell tumours can manifest as lumps or bumps on the skin that may change in size or appearance over time. If left untreated, it can readily spread to lymph nodes, the spleen and the liver.
What causes skin cancer in cats and dogs?
The causes of skin cancer in cats and dogs can be due to a range of factors. Exposure to UV radiation from the sun is a primary contributing factor, especially for squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Light-coloured pets or those with thin or no fur are particularly susceptible to sun-induced skin damage.
Additionally, genetic predispositions and environmental factors such as exposure to certain chemicals or radiation may increase the risk of developing skin cancer in pets.
What are some preventative measures that can be taken?
Preventative measures play an essential role in reducing the incidence of skin cancer in cats and dogs. Pet owners can proactively protect their furry companions from harmful UV rays by providing shaded areas outdoors and limiting sun exposure during peak hours, typically between 10am and 2pm. Pet-safe sunscreen specifically formulated for cats and dogs can offer additional protection against UV radiation. It’s essential to apply sunscreen to areas of exposed skin, such as the nose, ears, belly and any areas with thin or no fur.
Regular veterinary check-ups are also essential for early detection and treatment of suspicious skin lesions, as early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for pets diagnosed with skin cancer.
Understanding and treating cancer in pets
Diagnosing cancer in animals involves a comprehensive clinical examination with various diagnostic tools like MRIs, CT scans, ultrasound, radiography, blood tests and biopsies, depending on cancer type and location.
Treatment for cancer varies based on cancer characteristics (type, grade, stage), patient factors, and concurrent health issues. It often involves a combination of therapies like surgery, chemotherapy, or other drugs alongside radiation. In cases where a cure isn’t feasible, palliative care prioritises pain management, focused on improving your pet’s quality of life.
Are there side effects for pets when undergoing cancer treatment?
Cancer treatment side effects in pets vary based on the type of treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Pet patients undergoing cancer treatment may experience similar side effects to humans, such as gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of appetite.
How can I support my pet through cancer treatment?
Nurturing a pet facing cancer is a shared journey. To support your pet, there are several responsibilities3 to consider:
- Administering cancer medications at home under strict guidelines in both a timely and accurate manner.
- Recognising signs of acute or chronic pain and/or any discomfort during the treatment process and notifying your vet when needed.
- Acknowledging potential loss of appetite but still trying to maintain your pet’s normal diet. Your vet may recommend an easily digestible diet and not introducing any new foods if your pet is suffering from gastrointestinal side effects of chemotherapy.
- Prioritising your pet’s quality of life by creating a safe and loving environment where they can get plenty of rest.
How can I reduce the risk of cancer in my pet?
There are several factors that can influence the development of cancer such as exposure to carcinogens like chemicals, sunlight and cigarette smoke, while in other cases there may be a genetic susceptibility depending on the breed.
While prevention isn’t always possible, pet owners can take steps to minimise the risk of pet cancer:
Lifestyle choices
Providing your pet with a premium, balanced and nutritional diet supports a healthy immune system and weight, which can potentially lower the risk of certain cancers. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and strengthens the immune system.
Avoid exposure to toxins
Reducing your pet’s exposure to environmental toxins or carcinogens like second-hand smoke, pesticides, herbicides, household cleaners, certain plants and human medications is crucial.
Sun protection
Direct sun exposure can lead to cancers like Squamous Cell Carcinoma in cats and dogs, particularly those with lighter fur. You can take preventive measures like keeping pets indoors, using sunscreen, or dressing your pet in protective clothing to help reduce their exposure to sunlight.
Ethical considerations in pet cancer treatment
Pet cancer treatment can raise ethical questions for both pet parents and vets which may involve considering the pet’s quality of life and the length and cost of treatment.
By knowing the signs of cancer, scheduling regular veterinary check-ups, and adopting lifestyle choices that could mitigate risks, you can try to reduce your pet’s risk of developing cancer. However, if you do receive a pet cancer diagnosis, remember there is a range of contemporary and advanced treatment options that can help your pet go on and live a comfortable and happy life.
References
Cancer in Pets n.d., American Veterinary Medical Association, viewed 25 January 2024, https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/cancer-pets.
Veterinarians Org, “Cancer in dogs explained: signs, causes and most common cancer types (2024) National Library of Medicine (2015) – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6314649/
Anthony J. Mutsaers, William R. Widmer & Deborah W. Knapp 2008, Canine Transitional Cell Carcinoma, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, viewed 25 January 2024, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2003.tb02424.x.
www.vetspecialty.com. (n.d.). Chemotherapy for Dogs and Cats – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). [online] Available at: https://www.vetspecialty.com/specialties/medical-and-radiation-oncology/treatment-options-for-pets-with-cancer/chemotherapy/chemotherapy-for-dogs-and-cats-frequently-asked-questions/#:~:text=The%20primary%20sites%20of%20normal%20cells%20affected%20by,as%20poodles%2C%20bichon%20frises%2C%20and%20most%20terriers.%20 [Accessed 24 Jan. 2024].
Staff, M. (2022). Caring for a Pet with Cancer. [online] www.msdvetmanual.com. Available at: https://www.msdvetmanual.com/special-pet-topics/cancer-and-tumors/caring-for-a-pet-with-cancer [Accessed 25 Jan. 2014].
1 Cancer in Pets n.d., American Veterinary Medical Association, viewed 25 January 2024, https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/cancer-pets.
2 Veterinarians Org, “Cancer in dogs explained: signs, causes and most common cancer types (2024)
3 Chan, B. (2024). Side Effects of Chemotherapy. [Conversation].
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