Oncology in Baltic animals. Which cats are more likely to get cancer? Cancers of the reproductive system in males

Mammary cancer. Stages of cancer.

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Mammary cancer- one of the most common malignant neoplasms in animals. Mostly female animals aged 10 years are affected.

Cancer Risk Factors mammary glands:
- Genetic predisposition;
- Late offensive menarche and pregnancy;
- Hormonal status(excess production of estrogens or some of their fractions);
- Use of hormonal contraceptives.

Stages of breast cancer:
Stage 1 - a single node is identified, small in size, soft in consistency, painless. Lymph nodes are not enlarged. There are no metastases.
Stage 2 - tumor size is less than 2-5 cm (depending on the size of the animal), compacted, painless. Lymph nodes are not enlarged. There are no metastases.
Stage 3 - tumor disintegration and metastasis occur. It is possible to open the tumor. Enlarged lymph nodes.
Stage 4 - tumor growth spreads to various organs and tissue, necrosis appears.
According to histological examination, malignant neoplasms of the mammary glands are divided into carcinomas, sarcomas and mixed (carcinosarcoma).

Benign neoplasms include mastopathy (the most common forms are local and diffuse fibroadenomatosis), but they are very rare in animals, unlike in humans.
The growth of tumors can be local (i.e., the process is clearly limited, encapsulated). Otherwise, the process can be widespread (metastasis), lymphogenous, hematogenous, or direct infiltrative.
Any tumor-like process can be accompanied by inflammation.

Clinical picture:

Most often it consists of the appearance of a lump in the area of ​​the mammary glands. Clinical signs may not appear for a long time(up to several years). Single glands or multiple glands may be affectedns. With an inflamed tumor clinical picture most clearly expressed. During the examination, by palpation you can detect dense formations with clear boundaries (sometimes painful) in the area of ​​the mammary glands. Hemorrhagic exudate is released from the affected surface, purulent in nature With unpleasant smell. In this condition, the animal experiences suffering. Often refusal to eat, weight loss, lethargy, decrease or increase in body temperature.

Diagnostics

Required:
- general clinical blood and urine tests,
- (for the diagnosis of chronic concomitant pathology),
- mammary glands,
- chest and abdominal cavity.
To determine the tumor classification, a biopsy of the breast material with histological examination is required.

The main type of treatment for a tumor process is surgical method. The extent of the operation (called mastectomy - removal of the breast) depends on the stage and grade of cancer, the size and location of the tumor, the presence of ulceration, the presence of metastases and the involvement of lymph nodes.
After surgical treatment Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal and immunotherapy may be required to prevent relapses and metastases.

On late stages Cancer treatment, unfortunately, is impossible. In such cases, you can only make the animal’s life easier by carrying out antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic therapy.

The prognosis of tumors depends on many factors, such as histological type, the presence of metastases, enlarged lymph nodes, tumor size, tumor growth rate, age of the animal, and the presence of concomitant pathology.
One of preventive measures mammary gland cancer is in females after the first estrus cycle (estrus), annual preventive examinations and.

In modern practice, veterinarians are increasingly encountering oncological diseases small pets. Diseases of a tumor nature are most common in animals over 7 years of age. Among tumor diseases the most common tumors are breast, bone, skin, internal organs, although tumor development is possible in any tissue and from any organ. The exact causes of tumor development have not been identified, but this moment The main theory is the genetic origin of tumors. Besides big influence influence the development of tumors viral infections, physical ( different kinds radiation) and chemical factors(exposure to carcinogenic substances), hormonal disorders.

If a neoplasm is detected in an animal, the veterinarian conducts a comprehensive examination of the patient:

• biochemical and clinical analysis blood;
• X-ray;
• MRI, etc.

To determine the extent of the process (presence of metastases of the primary tumor in lymph nodes and other organs) and general state body. The main type of diagnosis in veterinary oncology is histological examination - examination of the tumor site at the cellular level. Based on the results of this analysis, it is possible to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant, from which tissues it originates, and based on these indicators, the prognosis of the disease can be determined. For histological examination a significant amount of material is required, which can only be obtained during surgery. An alternative to histology is cytological examination. This analysis is less indicative, since it shows only what cells the tumor consists of, but its reliability does not exceed 50-70%. Plus cytological examination is that it does not require surgical intervention, and the analysis is taken from the surface of the tumor or by a small puncture.

For treatment in veterinary practice two main methods are used:

1. Chemotherapy is the introduction into the body of animals medicines, stopping the growth of pathologically multiplying cells. To carry out chemotherapy, regular examination of the patient’s condition is mandatory, since many chemotherapy drugs cause complications. As a rule, these complications are not life-threatening timely diagnosis and treatment.

2. Surgical treatment - consists of removing the tumor and is the main method of treatment. Unfortunately, despite modern advances in oncology, our patients die in most cases within 2 months to 3 years. Most common reasons this is the owner’s refusal to treat, contacting a specialist for late stages diseases when any treatment is no longer possible. Nevertheless, cancer in animals can and should be treated, because timely diagnosis and treatment therapeutic measures prolongs the joy of communicating with your pet, often for a long time.

Question answer

Good day. In your clinic, a dog (Labrador) underwent ACL surgery using the TPLO method. 04/16/2019 will be a month. There will be a similar one on the second paw. But there is a desire to sterilize the dog endoscopic method As soon as possible. We need to come to you on May 16, 2019 for a follow-up appointment and x-ray. Is it possible to have a dog sterilized on the same day? Or is it early? And all these manipulations can harm speedy recovery dogs (taking into account the fact of the frequency of use of anesthesia, etc. medical supplies), as well as a recovery course for the development of the operated paw. Thank you! Irina

Question: Is it possible to do TPLO surgery and sterilization at the same time?

Hello! Yes, everything can be done at the same time. This does not affect the recovery process in any way.

Hello! The dog had acute renal failure after anesthesia 2 years ago. For two years now, the tests have been normal. The dog is now 8 years old. After each heat, she has severe cramps. The dog has not given birth. Can she be sterilized? What anesthesia is best to use? Now I'm very afraid of anesthesia. Tatiana

Question: is it possible to sterilize a dog if there was acute renal failure after anesthesia?

Hello! Sterilization is indicated. Risks taking into account normal tests no more than in other planned patients. Propofol anesthesia is used.

Today we will talk about what cancer is in a cat and what its signs are. Methods of treatment and prevention of this disease will also be discussed.

What kind of disease is this?

Cat cancer is a pathological process in which some cells in the body grow very quickly. They can grow into neighboring tissues and organs. Cancer in animals, like in humans, has different shapes. It can affect only one area, or maybe several at once. Squamous cell carcinoma is also common in cats.

What types are found in cats?

Animals get the same types of cancer as people. Periodic inspections and correct diagnosis allow you to detect cancer in a cat in a timely manner.

The most common types in animals:

1. Usually occurs in old dogs, but cats are also affected. Most skin tumors tend to become malignant. Any suspicious signs should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian.

2. Lymphomas. Both cats and dogs are affected. In cats, it is usually caused by the leukemia virus in 26% of cases. This one is mainly striking digestive tract animal. You can suspect it by the pet's weakness and dyspeptic disorders.

3. Breast cancer. Typically, this species affects older animals. This tumor ranks third in prevalence various types cancer. About 86% of neoplasms turn out to be malignant. This tumor is localized in tissues, usually found in unsterilized animals, but there are also cases of it affecting sterilized representatives of the cat family.

4. Tumor of the abdomen (abdominal). This type very difficult to identify early stages development. In this situation, you need to pay attention to a sharp decrease in the animal’s body weight, repeated vomiting, diarrhea or bloating. It is worth visiting a veterinarian if these signs occur periodically.

If you notice any of the above manifestations, immediately consult a veterinarian.

By identifying cancer in its early stages, it is possible to achieve complete cure by using combined method therapy:

• chemotherapy drugs;
• radiation therapy;
• surgical intervention.

What is this disease? Is cat cancer dangerous for humans?

A photo of a sick animal does not evoke positive emotions in anyone. Why does cancer appear? The disease can be caused by many factors. There is no single reason. It is known that they influence internal factors organism, for example, heredity, and external, for example, under the influence of the sun, a cat can develop squamous cell carcinoma.

The disease we mentioned affects the ears, eyelids, and nose.

Lymphosarcoma is the most dangerous and common species cancer in a cat. It affects lymphatic system animal, causes disease - FeLV. This cat cancer is dangerous to humans. Since it is a retrovirus transmitted through the saliva of an animal and direct contact with it. It is asymptomatic. To prevent the spread of the disease, you need to periodically examine and get tested by a veterinarian. This type of cancer in a cat is as dangerous to other cats as it is to humans. There is now a vaccine against it.

Types of cancer in cats

It is impossible to say specifically which organ systems and tissues will be affected by cancer. Malignant neoplasms can develop anywhere, usually the blow goes to the organ or system that is most vulnerable, weakened by something. Of course, they meet benign neoplasms. But, unfortunately, they are much less common.

A benign process, of course, is more easily tolerated by animals, and its removal entails the cat’s recovery.

So what is the difference between a benign tumor?

Unlike malignant, it:

1. Concentrated in a capsule that prevents cancer from getting out and growing into a neighboring organ.
2. This process develops very slowly, which gives more time to take any action to eliminate the pathology.
3. Does not cause pain.

Malignant tumors can be characterized as follows:

• fast growth;
• germination in neighboring organs;
• bleeding is common;
• very severe pain;
• in later stages it is almost impossible to eliminate.

The most common ones are:

• sarcoma;
• skin cancer;
• cancer reproductive system and mammary glands.

Stage of cancer

Pathological neoplasm has its own stages.

There are four:

1. First, initial. At this stage, a small tumor nodule appears; no metastases have yet been observed.
2. Second stage. The tumor nodule continues to increase in size, most likely the size of the nodule is already 5-6 cm. The tumor begins to grow into neighboring organs. As a result, it metastasizes to the nearest lymph nodes.
3. Third stage. The tumor becomes mobile, metastases increase.
4. Fourth stage. The most severe cat that leaves virtually no hope for recovery. The tumor grows more and more, affecting even more organs. As a rule, at this stage the animal faces inevitable death.

What does cancer look like in cats?

Manifestations of cancer are as follows:

1. "Bumps" on the animal's body. Of course, it's not necessarily cancer, but it's worth checking out. Because they don’t just appear, any lump on a cat’s body must have an explanation.
2. Neoplasms. Long time non-healing wounds, sometimes with purulent discharge of them.
3. Unexplained discharge of pus from any part of the animal's body.
4. Bad breath.
5. Change in animal behavior towards weakness and drowsiness.
6. Sudden loss of body weight.
7. Intermittent claudication.
8. Dyspeptic disorders.
9. The spots on the skin are red or have dry scales.
10. Refusal to eat or eats, but very little.
11. Problems with respiratory system, genitourinary, digestive.

Diagnosis of cancer

1. When there is a lump on the skin of an animal, the first step is to do a biopsy. This method involves removing a small piece of tissue, which is taken for cell microscopy.

2. X-ray.

4. Blood and urine for analysis.

These diagnostic studies are basic. But if necessary, they can be supplemented with others.

All studies are needed to determine whether the animal has cancer. If so, what form is it and what stage is it?

Which cats are more likely to get cancer?

Many cats are diagnosed with cancer. But most often it still occurs in old animals.

Thoroughbreds are more susceptible to it than others. For example, cats with light-colored faces and ears are more often affected by squamous cell skin cancer.

Is it possible to prevent cancer?

Yes, it is quite possible to prevent some forms. If you keep your pet indoors only, you will protect it from skin cancer.

Breast cancer ranks 3rd among other forms. And it can also be prevented by spaying your cat before she matures.

Treatment

Types of treatment vary depending on the type and stage of cancer.

These include:

1. Surgical methods;
2. Chemotherapy;
3. Beam therapy;
4. Immunotherapy.

Sometimes you have to combine several options at once. The success of treatment will also depend on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the animal's immunity. Therefore, the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the greater the chances of coping with it.

Cancer in a cat. Last stage

A photo of an animal at this stage of the disease evokes nothing but pity and a great desire to help him. True, during this period it is unlikely that anything can be corrected.

Here everything depends only on the owner of the animal. Most of people at latest form cancer stops treating them and puts them to sleep. Although this decision is often premature. After all, you can try your luck using another method, you just need to talk to the veterinarian about it and consult with him. And then, perhaps, it will be possible to do something.

Whatever you decide to do, try to stay with him until the last days of the animal’s life, love him the same way as before. After all, animals are like people, and we have the same diseases.

After all, you wouldn’t, for example, put your elderly relative to sleep? Likewise, a cat is a full-fledged member of the family. So try to give her all your love in last days her life.

Some types of cancer are completely curable, others are not, but you can try to help the animal (by alleviating suffering, etc.). So don't be afraid to try new ways. Worse for the pet This won’t make it better, but it might get better.

When should you go to the vet?

Immediately, as soon as at least one of the above-mentioned signs is detected. Delay threatens the animal's death.

How long will a cat with cancer live? Answering this question is extremely difficult. Because everything depends on many factors. But on average, cats can live with cancer for about 4 years.

Prevention

It is very difficult to prevent the occurrence of cancer, but there is still a small opportunity for this. It consists of following all the rules normal life animal, as well as timely vaccinations.

It is important to pass full examination with the animal periodically. Then you will be able to recognize the beginning in time pathological process and take it together with your doctor necessary actions to cure a cat. If your pet is sterilized before puberty, this will help avoid breast and uterine cancer in the future. Of course, if you own an animal rare breed, then sterilization is unlikely to be possible, since most of these species are kept specifically for reproduction.

Another option to protect your pet from cancer reproductive organs-- do not get carried away with taking hormones for contraception. Since it is they who often give impetus to the development of the pathological process.

Conclusion

Now you know what cancer is in a cat and what its symptoms are. Monitor your pets closely for any signs of illness. And then everything will be fine.

- oncologist at the Veterinary Center of Dr. Bazylevsky A.A. Candidate of Veterinary Sciences, Associate Professor. Today Viktor Viktorovich will tell you how to treat and, most importantly, diagnose cancer in animals on time.

Pileiko Viktor Viktorovich

– Viktor Viktorovich, tell us about yourself. How did you get into the profession?

I have been in veterinary medicine since 1992. Then he ended up at the Department of Obstetrics of the Vitebsk State Veterinary Academy. He worked there for 20 years, rising to the position of associate professor and the title of candidate of veterinary sciences. But the moment came when I realized that education and veterinary medicine itself in Belarus are at a low level. And my students, who have achieved quite great success, told me about what was happening in modern world veterinary medicine And I took the plunge and went to work for the largest Russian veterinary network, called Kotonai. During the 6 years I spent there, I made a big leap in experience and knowledge. Got the opportunity to study at one of the leading Russian oncology clinics “Biocontrol” at the Russian Medical Academy Sciences, I interned for a week at Sotnikov’s St. Petersburg clinic, and for a week I interned at the Poisk laboratory. Already working in Veterinary center Dr. Bazylevsky, completed an internship at the Innovative Veterinary Center, which is located on the territory of the Scriabin Veterinary Academy. A master class was also held in Novosibirsk at the Best clinic. Plus I constantly work with foreign literature.

I returned to Vitebsk because a modern veterinary center opened in my hometown, which allows me to work in my specialization. Firstly, chemotherapy is available to me at this center. It should be noted here that chemotherapy is generally possible in few places in Belarus. Secondly, there is a very professional approach to anesthesia, and I can perform any oncological operations that are simply impossible to perform in other clinics in Belarus.

– At the Veterinary Center of Dr. Bazylevsky A.A. You specialize in veterinary medicine. Let's talk about this topic. When should pet owners sound the alarm if they suspect cancer? How does cancer manifest in cats and cancer in dogs? What are the symptoms?

All animals over 6 years old are at risk. Any cancer is a disease of old age. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to such signs as inappropriate behavior, increased drowsiness, rapidly progressing emaciation and even one-time discharge mixed with blood from any physiological orifices should be alarming. It is also worth paying attention to changes in body shape. These may be changes in the shape of the abdomen, swelling. Particular attention should be paid to unsterilized cats: any lump in the mammary gland area is a reason to contact a veterinarian. If we talk about dogs, uncastrated males have problems with defecation or spotting bloody issues after defecation - these may be signs of prostate adenoma. In young animals, both cats and dogs, noticeable progressive wasting may indicate lymphoma.

– What are the most common tumors or neoplasms you identify?

If we talk about cats, this is, of course, . He comes first. Lymphoma is common in young cats. It’s different for dogs, it all depends on the breed, each breed has its own breed predisposition to a particular disease. If the dog is black in color, melanomas are very insidious. – aggressive tumors that arise on the skin and mucous membranes.

If an uncastrated male has adenocarcinoma of the paraanal glands or some formations in the reproductive system. If an animal has free access to the street, then there is a danger of translational venereal sarcoma. Dogs with a lot of skin (Shar Pei, Bulldog, Boxer) are more likely to develop. Large dogs often suffer from bone sarcoma. If the wound is long-lasting and does not heal, it may be squamous cell carcinoma.

– Owners often describe situations where swelling occurs after tooth loss or extraction. Should I be afraid to bring animals for scheduled removal?

– I would answer the question with a question, why is the tooth removed? So there is a reason. Just healthy teeth not deleted. That is, most likely, a neoplasm arose, for example, squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma, and against the background of this the tooth began to suffer, it was pulled out, there was no research into why this happened, and as a result we saw further growth of the tumor.

– The animal is older than six years. What to do with the tumor? Treat or leave the animal to live out its life? Or is it still euthanasia?

I constantly read foreign veterinary literature. Recently I came across an American book, the title of which included the phrase: there are four most terrible words in oncology. Let's just watch. Absolutely agree. If there is oncology, then we must fight it. Of course, it depends on the stage of the disease. If the animal is treated in the earliest stages, it can be successfully treated. For more later we are able to achieve stable remission, i.e. the animal will be able to live full life. Therefore, at any stage of cancer, you should contact a qualified doctor who can decide on the choice of treatment. We must understand that in most cases cancer is a disease of old age. With proper observation and treatment, the animal will most likely die, but not from cancer, but from other diseases of old age. Yes, I have terminal stages, then a decision must be made to euthanize so that the animal does not suffer. Again, such a decision can only be made after consultation with a specialist. Unfortunately, the concepts cancer and euthanasia go side by side.

– What recommendations can you give to all owners? How to protect yourself from or recover from cancer?

The simplest and most easily implemented recommendations. The most important thing is early sterilization. The earlier an animal is sterilized, the less chance develop concomitant oncologies. I recommend sterilizing cats not as in the old stories “after the first heat,” but as early as possible, from five to six months. In this situation, the possibility of breast cancer occurring is minimal. There is another misconception that childbirth can prevent the occurrence of breast or uterine cancer. Nothing like this. Let's judge for ourselves. If labor occurs, then response lactation occurs. During lactation, in the future, a small local infection may form, which will constantly simmer in the mammary gland, and this process will lead to the development of breast cancer much faster. Any inflammation is a potential provocation for cancer. No one should be left unattended non-healing wound. Owners often believe that the dog will lick itself, however, the opposite happens and there is constant tissue irritation. This provokes the development of squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore, the recommendation is this: any wound should be treated in a timely manner. Another very important recommendation- This is an annual medical examination of the animal. That is, you come with your pet, donate blood, the animal undergoes an examination and control, if necessary. With this approach, early tumors can be identified.

– Radiation and chemotherapy are considered the “heavy artillery” against cancer. Many owners immediately ask for such treatment. Should everyone be irradiated and undergo chemotherapy courses?

I would like to note that this opinion is considered erroneous. Animals don't tolerate it at all like people do. Due to the fact that they have more short term life, they have higher metabolic processes in cells. Naturally, in order to kill cancer in cells, a lower dose concentration of chemotherapy drugs is required than those used in humans. Therefore, animals practically do not experience the problems that people experience during chemotherapy. Baldness never occurs, hospitalization is not required, most often it is ambulatory treatment. As a rule, a chemotherapy session requires 6-8 hours, 3-4 sessions at intervals of a week. It's all available. Even if post-chemotherapeutic complications such as vomiting or diarrhea occur, this can be treated at home within 2-3 days with conventional medications. Hospitalization is extremely rarely required. The fatality rate is 5%. The same percentage can be given during a sterilization operation, so chemotherapy is not something terrible and can hardly be called “heavy artillery.” In the 21st century this is no longer the case. fades into the background in comparison with chemotherapy. As for irradiation, this is a very promising method, but unfortunately, it is not yet available to us. We are now working to install a radiation therapy machine in our clinic. Radiation therapy in combination with chemotherapy works wonders on many tumors.

– Is there a great demand for your services at the Veterinary Center of Dr. Bazylevsky A.A. specifically as a specialist oncologist?

– In general, yes, every day I see 2-3 oncology patients. I attribute this to the fact that recently the veterinary education of the population has been growing. People have begun to treat animals more carefully and perceive them as pets. People began to understand that oncology is not a death sentence; they can fight it and fight it successfully.

At the Biocontrol clinic forum, increasingly concerned dog and cat owners are seeking advice on cancer issues. We talked to veterinarian, the leading oncologist of the clinic, candidate of biological sciences Alexander Alexandrovich Shimshirt, and asked him the most frequently asked questions from the owners.

When should pet owners sound the alarm if they suspect cancer? How does cancer manifest in cats and cancer in dogs? What are the symptoms?

In fact, for the owner of any animal, cat or dog, there must be a guideline. This guideline for concern is everything that suddenly appears in the animal, is abnormal and does not grow symmetrically on the body. Everything that grows quickly, that changes over a short period of time, that has signs of inflammation - swollen, hot, painful. All this requires control and mandatory inspection by a specialist.

Regarding a specific tumor. In males, after reaching a certain age, it is necessary to monitor the testes, control everything related to urination and the prostate gland. Females have mammary glands. Ideally, from an oncological point of view, as in a person after forty years, after the animal reaches the age of six, it is advisable to undergo routine inspection. Blood tests, ultrasound, general examination, examination of the mammary gland in females.

What are the most common tumors or neoplasms you identify?

In the first place are neoplasms of the skin, mammary glands, tumors oral cavity.

Cases of neoplasms after vaccination have become more frequent. What is this connected with?

This problem is very relevant, especially for cats. Chronic inflammatory process, with its long-term existence, it transforms into tumors (tissue features). If after vaccination the granuloma (lump) exists for more than two months and its size is more than two centimeters, it is recommended to surgically remove it. Even if the inflammation is local and the neoplasm itself is benign.
Complications after vaccination are more common in cats. Dogs also have a risk of developing post-vaccination sarcoma, but it is not as great.
How to prevent it? Immediately show the animal to the doctor, go with any neoplasm. If something bothers you, if you notice something and it’s still small, show it to your doctor. It's a lipoma or not a lipoma - let the oncologist find out. The sooner you notice this and contact a specialist, the more likely it is that the doctor will help.

Is histology and tumor biopsy always required?

The choice of cyto or histo - this issue is decided by the doctor. For example, in a situation where there is already inflammation or there are changes in the skin, a biopsy is not advisable. But I repeat - only a doctor can assess the place where the neoplasm is located and, guided by his practical experience, will suggest solutions.
There are tumors when it is preferable to take a biopsy from a lymph node rather than from a neoplasm, for example, in the case of melanoma. If the melanoma is actively growing and ulcerated, then in order not to seed everything around with its cells, so as not to cause more pronounced inflammation, we take a biopsy from a regional lymph node. This way we will not “disturb” the primary focus. And then we answer the question: is the lymph node affected? This is important, since the answer to this question will help us determine the stage of the tumor process.

Owners often describe situations where swelling occurs after tooth loss or extraction. Should I be afraid to bring animals for scheduled removal?

It happens that a tumor grows along the dental alveolus and, by and large, this tumor itself pushes out the tooth. So here you need to understand what was primary – the tumor or the prolapse. If an animal spontaneously loses a molar, or if a tooth needs to be removed and the doctor is confused about something, then a piece of tissue is taken from the tooth socket for histological examination.
The best way to prevent such problems is to prevent oral diseases (gingivitis, periodontitis): regular inspection, oral cavity sanitation, dental health monitoring.

Is osteosarcoma common?

Osteosarcoma is actually not that common. According to statistics, there is one dog in ten thousand. The fact is that this tumor is very aggressive. And the problem of osteosarcoma itself worries people greatly and is often mentioned on the Internet and in specialized literature. That's why she's popular.

Is sterilization a reliable cancer preventative? Is ovarian cancer and subsequent neutering a standard situation for cancer in cats?

To some extent, castration can also be included here. In males, after castration, the problem with the prostate gland goes away, and the possibility of developing a skin tumor, which in males is hormone-dependent (the so-called adenoma of the hepatoid glands), is reduced. In females, the mammary gland is at risk. Ovarian cysts - there is, of course, only one way out - sterilization. Both dogs and cats.
It is believed that spaying cats before their first heat significantly prevents both mammary and ovarian cancer. If the animal is not planned for reproduction, then after 6 years, both females and males are recommended to undergo sterilization and, accordingly, castration.

The animal is older than six years. What to do with the tumor? Treat or leave the animal to live out its life? Or is it still euthanasia?

There are situations in which surgery is not recommended, but only a doctor can decide this. The concept of “oncological disease” is very broad, and the development tumor processes sometimes it can be unpredictable. The tactics of treatment and management of the patient are chosen by a specialist after examination. Tumors are different and diverse, they behave the same way. Eat general rules, but treatment tactics are chosen individually. There is no need to hack rashly, you need to get research results.
An important point is that by this age animals already have a certain number of chronic diseases. Yes, there are situations when you don’t need to do anything radical. Again, cats are different. One feels great at 12 years old, but the other has arrived - and at 12 years old she is dehydrated, can barely walk, and has chronic renal failure and breast cancer. Such a cat cannot be treated urgently; even if the tumor is removed, it will not live longer.
The main goal of treating a cancer patient is not to achieve an oncological result, not to “cure the tumor.” The main task is to treat the patient with the tumor. And here the question is this: a few months of relatively quality life or a few months of torment or suffering? Here a person already has a choice. For a veterinary oncologist, the primary task is to provide the animal with such therapy so that it can live its last days well.

Timely clinical examination, examinations by a doctor, an attempt to catch the disease by initial stage. After all, curing cancer is a relative matter. Often, especially in serious stages, it is almost impossible to recover completely. We slow down, stop the process, pause, suppress, in a word, we do everything to ensure that the remaining life of the patient passes well.

What is the life expectancy of animals with cancer?

Radiation and chemotherapy are considered the “heavy guns” against cancer. Many owners immediately ask for such treatment. Should everyone be irradiated and undergo chemotherapy courses?

Owners must understand that this is very serious. And constant medical supervision, constant examinations and consultations are required. The methods listed are additional therapy when we no longer have initial stages diseases. In such situations, the owner needs to make a decision - to go to the end or not to go. Simply because there are no absolute guarantees of how the tumor will behave. And if you decide to go all the way, then you must scrupulously follow the recommendations and prescriptions of your doctor, see your doctor regularly and believe in the good!