Cancer Relay

Last weekend North Platte held it's annual Relay for Life to fight against cancer. Paws-itive Partners members made donations, bought luminaries in honor/in memory of loved ones and some members walked the course to show support for the cause. Although Relay for Life is to help with the fight against cancer in humans, it made me think of the pets who have also had to fight cancer. Just as in people, early detection is critical. Here some early pet cancer warning signs to be aware of:
persistent, abnormal swelling

• sores that do not heal
• loss of weight
• loss of appetite
• bleeding or discharge from any body opening
• offensive odor
• difficulty eating or swollowing
• hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
• persistent lameness or stiffness
• difficulty breathing, urinating or deficating.

Due to improper breeding prcatices certain breeds of dogs are genetically prone to cancer. The high-risk dog list includes Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Boxers. In order to discourage improper breeders, always avoid purchasing animals that have been mass bred in puppy and kitten mills.