You take care of your pet every day — feeding, walking, playing. But do you know that a simple check-up and careful attention to details can save your four-legged friend's life?
Prevention is the main tool in the fight against oncology in animals, said candidate of veterinary sciences and founder of the fund for helping pets with cancer, Yulia Melikova.
Symptoms Not to Ignore
"You know your pet better than any veterinarian. Therefore, it is the owner who should notice any changes — lethargy, loss of appetite, strange behavior. If you see something, go to the vet clinic, don’t wait," says Yulia Melikova.
It is important to regularly palpate your pet's body. Any lump or bump is a signal for a biopsy.
Regular Check-ups — The Gold Standard
For dogs and cats under five years old, mandatory examinations at the vet clinic should be conducted once a year. For older pets — twice a year.
A standard check-up includes X-rays, ultrasound, blood tests, and a scheduled examination by a veterinarian. This allows for timely detection of tumors when treatment is still most effective.
Vaccination and Parasite Prevention
According to the expert, timely vaccinations and prevention of parasitic diseases also reduce the risks of developing oncology. The body weakened by chronic infections and infestations is more vulnerable to tumor processes.
Some breeds have a higher risk of oncological diseases. Information can be found on specialized websites or from veterinary specialists. If your pet is in a risk group — pay special attention to its condition.
Neutering: Myths and Facts
The issue of neutering and its impact on oncology causes much debate. Yulia Melikova emphasizes that female cats should be sterilized before their first heat at the age of 3–4 months.
"This is a 100% prevention of breast cancer. If the moment is missed, neutering is still necessary, it cannot be delayed," she says.
Female cats have short intervals between cycles, and continuous heat can lead to tumors and the development of other diseases.
The situation is different for dogs. Early neutering in some breeds can provoke oncological diseases. Therefore, the standard recommendation is to sterilize animals after their first heat, and brachycephalic and chondrodystrophic breeds after the second.
Checklist for Pet Owners on Cancer Prevention:
- Regular check-ups: X-rays, ultrasound, and blood tests for animals under five years old — once a year, after five years — twice a year.
- Vaccination and parasite prevention, even if the cat does not go outside.
- Attention to details: any lump (bump, pea, swelling) — go for a biopsy immediately.
- Neutering: female cats — before the first heat, dogs — after.
The main rule: if you notice something unusual — go to the veterinarian immediately. In animal oncology, time is everything.
