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Here is a list of the Ten Common Signs of Cancer in Small Animals;

1. Swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6. Offensive odor
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating.
These signs may occur singly or in any combination, but are not necessarily diagnostic; however, should always be evaluated promptly.

"How will I know if my pet is in pain"? is a common question we hear from owners of pets who are going through cancer treatments.
Pain may provoke dramatic changes. In the early stage discomfort may be so subtle that only careful observation would recognize the adjustments to normal activity and behavioral normalcy. Some pets may appear dull and depressed, others may appear tense and agitated. They may eat less, routine grooming may decrease, normal activities and interaction with family may change.
Your veterinarian can help you detect subtle changes during a routine exam.

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Studies conducted at Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences have found that second-hand smoke has been associated with lung and nasal cancer in smoker's dogs.
Dogs who live with smokers are more likely to have cancer than dogs that live with non-smokers.
Long nosed dogs with nasal cancer were two and a half times more likely to live in smoking households than in non-smoking households. Short nosed dogs with lung cancer were two and a half times more likely to live with a smoker.
Smoking May Increase Risk Of Lymphoma In Cats

Excerpts from an update from the 2001 Veterinary Cancer Society meeting......
Tobacco Smoke Exposure/Feline Lymphoma Connection.
Lymphoma is the most common malignancy in the cat, and it is possible that environmental exposure to carcinogens may be a risk factor. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and the development of lymphoma in cats.
Metabolites of smoke are found in urine of cats (via grooming and inhalation). Also, exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of development of oral squamous cell carcinoma in cats. Some of the results of the study findings were that the risk of lymphoma exposed to tobacco smoke was 2.4.
Cats with five or more years of tobacco exposure had a relative risk of 3.2 compared to cats living in a non-smoking household. The relative risk with one smoker was 1.9, with two smokers 4.1, and with over one pack per day, 3.3.
These findings suggest that household smoking may increase the risk of lymphoma in pet cats.

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Odors............

What can I do for a dog with smelly ears?

Smelly ears are a clear sign of an ongoing ear infection problem. Dogs with floppy ears are notorious for getting very chronic ear infections. Regular cleaning with veterinary approved cleaners can help, but often antibiotics are also needed. It's best to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate medications and cleaning supplies to keep your pets ears odor-free.

Body Odor

Help, how do I get rid of my dog's bad body odor?

Many dogs are afflicted with seborrhea, which is a skin condition producing excessive oil and odor. The ears can also be affected, adding to the smell. Seborrhea can be primary, or secondary to such conditions as hypothyroidism. A complete physical examination will be helpful in your diagnosis and management plan that may include tar shampoos on a regular basis, as well as other medications. Please consult with your veterinarian as soon as you can. There are effective therapies available, which will make her a more appreciated member of the family.

How can I stop my puppy from urinating when she gets excited?

The problem of submissive urination is a combination of a physical condition and a behavioral one. The physical component is a lack of tone in the sphincter of her bladder that holds the urine in. It's more common in females due to the shortness of their urethra (the connection between their bladder and the outside). This may improve with age.

The behavioral factor is a contraction of the muscles that empty the bladder when she is placed in a very submissive situation or is very excited. She is probably naturally submissive, which makes these experiences stronger stimulants to her.

The best control is dealing with the behavioral aspect. Maturity will lessen her submissiveness, but you must work to ensure she becomes more confident in herself.

Avoid situations where the urination occurs. When you come home, instead of greeting her at the door and making a big deal about the reunion, try to diffuse the situation by ignoring her. Just walk right by her, and let her outside before you acknowledge her. Eventually, she will learn not to become too excited about your returns.

Other situations can be dealt with the same way. When strangers approach her, give her a treat or get her attention some other way to diffuse the excitement or threat of the approach. Consult with your veterinarian for further information.

*Grieving Pets

We've made the decision to euthanize one of our two dogs. How can we help the other one through the grieving process?

It's very common for our pets to go through a grieving process a lot like our own when they lose a person or animal they know well. This process may have begun with your dog when his canine companion became ill and perhaps was hospitalized. You may have seen signs of sadness, depression, searching the house, a reduced appetite, or other unusual behaviors.

Some pet owners choose to allow the remaining pet a chance to view the body of the deceased pet after euthanasia. They believe that it helps the pet that's left behind to understand what's happened and to process the loss. You may want to discuss this option before euthanizing the household pet that is ill.