Can Puppies and Kittens Get Cancer?

Cancer in human beings is most often diagnosed from middle to advanced ages, and the same is true of our dog and cat friends.  When asked about their cancer patients, most veterinarians will tell you that the average age of cancer onset for their patients is also middle to old age; for cats the average is 9 to 12 years and for dogs it is 6 to 9 years. Similarly, little children are rarely diagnosed with cancer and fortunately, the same is true for our puppies and kittens. But sometimes, the news is not as good as we hope.

Is There a Vaccination Connection for Cancer?

Vaccination is the number one ammunition for puppies and kittens to grow into happy and healthy pets and there is no compelling reason not to give them. After all, they protect your pet from dangerous diseases such as distemper, rabies, parvovirus and more.  However, in some cases, a lump may form at the place where the injection was given. The reason this lump forms is because of the reaction of the puppy or kitten’s immune system as it begins to build protective antibodies. The lump itself is the result of amassing immune cells. Normally these cells simply become absorbed into the puppy or kitten’s system, but sometimes it doesn’t. The basic rule of thumb is that if the lump remains after three months, it is time to go back to your vet and probably get it biopsied. Chances are nothing will be found, but in remote cases, the lump could be malignant.

What if it is Cancer?

Nothing is as devastating to a pet own than finding out their pet has cancer. If your puppy or kitten is diagnosed with cancer, is it an immediate death sentence? No. There are many effective treatments that are curing and extending the lives of pets today. First is removal of the tumor itself, which can completely cure the cancer. Radiation and chemotherapy treatments are also used to successfully treat pet cancers.