Porky and Buddy Pet Health – Canine Breast Cancer Is Largely Preventable

Dear Porky and Buddy,
I am so upset. My beautiful dog, Maddie, has just been diagnosed with breast cancer.

I didn’t know dogs could even get breast cancer. Thank goodness, my vet says we caught it early and there are treatments, but she also said Maddie would have been less vulnerable to it if I had her spayed earlier than I did.

She was about one and I let her have one litter.

Why don’t people know about this?

I feel like it is my fault now.

Katie

Dear Katie,
We are so sorry. Any illness in a beloved pet is difficult and the terrifying word “cancer” makes it just that much worse.

The truth is, though that cancer is common in many pet animals, and the rate increases with age.

In fact, dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans. And cancer accounts for almost half of the deaths of pets over 10 years of age.

Unfortunately, the cause of most cancers is not known and therefore prevention is difficult.

But one type of cancer, breast cancer, is largely preventable with early spaying.

We wish that more people knew that because the stakes are high.

Fifty percent of all breast tumors in dogs are malignant.

Unfortunately, it is true that spaying Maddie prior to the first heat cycle would have greatly reduced her risk of breast cancer.

So you are right that it is very important to get the word out and we hope that you will use the lesson learned to educate your friends about the importance of spaying female pets as early as your veterinarian recommends.

Neutering of male dogs also prevents testicular cancer, another common and potentially fatal disease.

We wish more people knew that and talked to their friends about it.

Ultimately, pet owners should talk to their vets about the risks that their beloved companions face and how to prevent or at least watch for problems.

It’s hard to lose our pets and we all need to do everything possible to help them live long and healthy lives.

The Oswego County Humane Society provides spay/neuter services and assistance, fostering and adoption of animals in urgent need, humane education programs, and information and referrals to animal lovers throughout Oswego County.

Located at 29 W. Seneca St., Oswego, NY.

Phone: 315-207-1070.

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.oswegohumane.org

Because People and Pets Are Good for Each Other.

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