Aledo, IL – As the Relay for Life Radiothon broadcast live from Aledo, Illinois, to benefit Relay for Life of Mercer County, a crucial conversation unfolded regarding the health of our beloved animal companions. Dr. Jeremy Joy of All Animal Health Care in Aledo joined the broadcast to discuss a topic many pet owners might not fully realize: cancer in pets.
“Absolutely,” Dr. Joy affirmed when asked if pets get cancer, emphasizing that the rates are “about the same as in humans,” with a potential of one in three animals developing some form of cancer in their lifetime. He noted that even farm animals are susceptible. Certain breeds, particularly larger dogs like Rottweilers, Labs, and Golden Retrievers, appear more prone to bone cancer (osteosarcoma) and tumors of the spleen (hemangiosarcoma).
Since pets can’t verbally communicate their discomfort, Dr. Joy stressed the importance of owners being vigilant. The most common sign pet owners notice is a lump. While many lumps are benign, Dr. Joy urged owners to always have them checked by a veterinarian, as some can be malignant, such as mast cell tumors. Swollen lymph nodes are another common indicator and can be a sign of lymphoma, for which genetic marker testing is becoming available in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Joy also highlighted that cats are not immune to cancer, mentioning fibrosarcoma, a type that starts as a small, invasive lump. Early detection is crucial for this type of cancer due to its tendency to grow into surrounding tissues.
Navigating cancer diagnoses in pets often involves difficult decisions, and Dr. Joy acknowledged the role of a pet’s age in these considerations. However, he emphasized the importance of focusing on the animal’s current quality of life. “Animals or pets don’t know anything about tomorrow. They know how they are today,” he explained, suggesting that a significant indicator of declining well-being is when a pet stops enjoying their meals. Regular veterinary care is essential for early detection and ongoing health management.
Dr. Joy assured listeners that All Animal Health Care is available to guide pet owners through these challenging times, emphasizing a compassionate approach of considering what he would do for his own pets. He also pointed out that there are increasingly advanced oncology referrals and treatment options available for pets, mirroring advancements in human medicine. While human medicine is currently further ahead in genetic marker research for cancer, veterinary medicine is actively progressing in this area.
When asked about the connection between human and animal cancer research, Dr. Joy explained that “a cell is a cell,” and while specific genes may differ, the underlying methodologies are often very similar.
Dr. Jeremy Joy can be reached at All Animal Health Care in Aledo at 582-5866. He thanked the radiothon for the opportunity to raise awareness about this important aspect of pet health.