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As a veterinary oncologist at CARE, one of the most common questions I hear from pet owners is: “How would I know if my pet has cancer?” Just as in people, cancers in dogs or cats can vary dramatically in the ways they show up. Some are aggressive and obvious, while others grow quietly and remain hidden until they’ve progressed.
Signs of Cancer in Pets: What to Watch For
The signs are often subtle at first. You might notice a lump that wasn’t there before, or your pet may lose weight despite having a normal appetite. Some animals develop persistent lameness, struggle with breathing, have difficulty eating or show changes in energy levels. Other signs include unexplained bleeding, wounds that won’t heal, vomiting or diarrhea, or a sudden drop in appetite.
But here’s the challenge: Many types of cancer, especially those that affect internal organs (such as lymphoma or hemangiosarcoma), may not cause obvious symptoms until they’re quite advanced. That’s why regular veterinary checkups are so important. Early detection often makes a significant difference in treatment options and outcomes.
Key Cancer Signs in Regular Checkups
During routine wellness exams, your primary care veterinarian performs a nose-to-tail physical exam, palpating for masses, checking lymph nodes, listening to the heart and lungs and looking for subtle signs of discomfort or dysfunction. Many cancers can be caught this way, especially skin tumors, oral cancers or enlarged lymph nodes.
Bloodwork is another crucial tool. While not every cancer shows up in a blood panel, changes in white or red blood cell counts, organ function markers or calcium levels can raise red flags. Getting full blood panels every six months for your cats is an especially good idea.
While that schedule may not be necessary for every pet, it provides a strong baseline and can reveal changes early. For most adult pets, an annual exam and lab work is standard, but twice-yearly visits are worth considering, especially for senior animals or breeds known to be at high risk of cancer.
“How Do I Know if My Pet Has Cancer?” When Your Vet Suspects
A primary care veterinarian who suspects cancer may begin with initial diagnostics such as cytology (using a fine needle to collect cells from a mass), X-rays or basic bloodwork. In some cases, such as small skin tumors that appear to be benign, vets may proceed with removal or monitoring.
However, for more concerning findings – aggressive tumors, rapidly growing masses, or systemic symptoms – your vet may refer you to CARE. We approach each case with a comprehensive diagnostic plan, which can include advanced imaging (ultrasound, CT scans), biopsies and full staging to determine how far the cancer has spread. This helps us determine both the nature of the cancer and the best treatment options.
Surgery, Chemotherapy and Radiation
While a full discussion of cancer treatments could fill a book, here’s a brief overview. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or some combination of these. Some tumors are curable; others are manageable, with the goal of maintaining good quality of life.
One of the most common misconceptions we encounter is that chemotherapy in pets is the same as in humans. In fact, veterinary oncology focuses heavily on quality of life, rather than complete elimination of the disease. Most pets tolerate chemotherapy far better than people, with fewer and milder side effects.
Ongoing Care During and After Treatment
Once treatment begins at CARE, regular monitoring becomes essential. The frequency and duration of these check-ups depend on the specific treatment plan. For example:
- Chemotherapy is typically administered every 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the protocol. We evaluate bloodwork before each session to ensure the pet tolerates the drugs well.
- Targeted therapy is administered at home on an ongoing basis. We examine and evaluate the patient every 6 to 8 weeks, as long as they are doing well and the cancer appears to be controlled. We recommend regular imaging if the cancer is internal to monitor for cancer progression.
- Surgical follow-ups include incision checks, suture removals and sometimes additional imaging to assess the surgical site.
The Surveillance Phase for Cancer
After treatment concludes, pets enter a surveillance phase. This involves regular recheck exams and imaging (x-rays, ultrasounds, or bloodwork) to look for recurrence or metastasis. The schedule varies by diagnosis, but a common pattern is to recheck every three months for the first year, then every six months thereafter.
Even pets considered cancer-free benefit from ongoing monitoring. Animal survivors, like human ones, are often more vulnerable to recurrence or new cancers. We can partner with your primary vet for long-term follow-up, providing a shared-care approach that ensures continuity and comprehensive oversight.
When pet parents ask, “How would I know if my pet has cancer?” it’s important to know that your veterinary oncologist is ready with answers. Cancer is a scary word, but it doesn’t have to mean hopelessness. With earlier detection, better diagnostics and more effective treatments than ever before, many pets live long, happy lives after a cancer diagnosis. Regular checkups – both with your primary care vet and, when needed, a veterinary oncologist – are your best defense.
Charlotte Animal Referral and Emergency works the same way as a medical center for people. It’s open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It offers all types of treatment, from emergency attention to board-certified specialty work, once you are referred by your primary care veterinarian. Please take a visual tour of the practice at carecharlotte.com/tour.
