Poor old Belle

Cancer is an unfortunately common disease in dogs as well. For dogs over 10 years of age, approximately 50% of deaths are cancer-related. Like humans, there are many types of cancers and many clinical signs.

• Any new lump or bump.
• A change in size, shape, or consistency of an existing lump.
• Runny nose, especially if bloody.
• Difficulty urinating, blood in urine (also very common with urinary tract infections).
• Vomiting, diarrhoea (common with many diseases).
• Limping, change in gait.
• Foul breath, excessive drooling, teeth that have "moved."
• Drainage and odour from ears (also very common with ear infections).
• Increased water intake and urination.
• Lethargy, lack of appetite.
• Loss of weight.

Any time your dog is not "himself or herself" it is the time to check in with your vet.

Belle's give away symptons were refusal to eat, loss of weight and lethargy.  A blood test followed by an echo sound confirmed she had liver cancer. She passed away on 4th October 2010.