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When people hear the word “cancer”, fear often arrives before information does. A cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming emotionally, financially and mentally. But having the right support in place can help pet parents focus less on the stress of unexpected vet bills and more on what matters most: Their pet’s comfort, care and quality of life. From diagnostics and specialist referrals to surgery, scans, medication and ongoing treatment, pet insurance can play an important role in helping families access care earlier and with greater peace of mind.
But according to the experts from the South African Animal Cancer Association and veterinary professionals working closely with pets and their families every day, the conversation regarding cancer in pets is changing. Veterinary oncology has advanced dramatically in recent years. Treatments are more targeted. Diagnostics are more accessible. And perhaps most importantly, pet parents are becoming more aware of the small signs that could make a life-changing difference.
To understand cancer in dogs and cats better, we sat down with Dr Tilana Botha from Pinetown Veterinary Hospital to talk about the warning signs owners often miss, how treatment has evolved, and why early detection plus having the right pet insurance plan can make all the difference.
Here are 7 facts vets want pet owners to understand about cancer in dogs and cats.
How common is cancer in dogs and cats?
“Cancer in pets is more common than many people realise,” says Dr Botha.
“Some studies cite one in four dogs. Slightly less so in cats, around one in five, but when they do get cancer, it tends to be more aggressive.
Cancer risk factors for pets
According to Dr Botha, age remains one of the biggest risk factors. “Older animals have an increased risk of cancer, usually 10 years and older. The risk in older pets can be close to one in two pets. Certain breeds are also more predisposed to developing cancer. These include Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Labradors and Rottweilers.” While these statistics can sound overwhelming, Dr Botha believes awareness should empower pet owners rather than frighten them.
Is cancer in pets similar to cancer in humans?
“Cancer in pets is very similar to cancer in humans in terms of how they develop. In fact, comparative oncology actively studies pet cancers to help humans, and vice versa.”
One of the things that surprises many pet owners, according to Dr Botha, is how closely cancer in pets mirrors cancer in humans. However, she explains that factors such as age and breed can influence how cancer behaves in pets. “There are some differences, in that age is a very important factor in dog and cat cancer development, and breed can indicate the types of cancer your pet may be prone to.” She also notes that some cancers behave differently across species, which is why diagnosis and treatment plans need to be tailored to the individual pet.
The most common types of cancer in dogs and cats
“The most common types of cancers in dogs are:
- Lymphoma
- Mast cell tumours
- Bone cancer
- Mammary tumours
- Haemangiosarcomas.
On the other paw, cats tend to be prone to:
- Lymphoma
- Squamous cell carcinomas
- Mammary carcinomas
- Oral cancers.”
Early signs of cancer in dogs and cats
“Early detection is massively important. It can determine whether a certain cancer is treatable or not, or how much good-quality time a pet has left after diagnosis.
The smaller the cancer, the easier and more affordable it is to treat if it is a treatable cancer.” Dr Botha encourages pet owners to pay close attention to:
- new lumps or bumps
- unexplained weight loss
- changes in appetite
- ongoing vomiting or diarrhoea
- unusual tiredness
- wounds that do not heal
- sudden behaviour changes.
“Dogs and cats cannot explain when something feels wrong,” she says. “That is why owners play such an important role in noticing subtle differences early.”
When should you worry about a lump or bump?
“Not every lump is cancer, but every lump should be checked by a vet as soon as it is noticed.”
One of the biggest misconceptions Dr Botha encounters is the assumption that a lump is either obviously harmless or definitely cancer. The reality is far more complicated. Some lumps may be benign growths, while others may be aggressive tumours. And without proper testing, there is no reliable way to tell the difference.
“Your vet will conduct a thorough clinical exam,” she explains. “Your guidance here is crucial because you know your pet best.”
The first steps may include:
- checking lymph nodes
- reviewing weight history
- assessing signs of pain or illness
- taking samples from suspicious lumps.
“If a lump is present, a Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA) will often be done. This can be performed during the consultation and may help confirm a diagnosis.”
From there, vets may recommend:
- bloodwork
- urine tests
- X-rays
- ultrasounds
- biopsies
- staging investigations.
“These tests may not diagnose cancer directly, but they help assess organ function, anaemia, infection versus inflammation and overall health before potential treatment. Sometimes, a simple FNA taken during a consultation can yield answers on the same day. Other cases may require a biopsy for histopathology under anaesthesia. Biopsy results can take up to a week to get back.”
Pet owners should also look out for:
- lumps that grow rapidly
- ulcerated or bleeding masses
- irregularly shaped growths
- lumps causing pain or discomfort.
“These changes may indicate something more serious,” she explains.
Treatment options for cancer in pets
“Treatment options vary greatly among pets and types of cancers.”
According to Dr Botha, one of the most important things pet owners need to understand is that treatment is not only about extending time, but it is also about preserving the quality of life. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve:
- surgery
- chemotherapy
- radiation
- pain management
- palliative care.
Dr Botha also addressed one of the biggest fears many owners have around chemotherapy. “In most cases, chemo is safe for pets when done by a veterinarian skilled in chemotherapeutics. Most pets tolerate chemo surprisingly well, with minimal or very mild side effects only.”
Unlike human oncology, veterinary chemotherapy is usually focused on maintaining comfort and happiness. The aim of chemo in pets tends to be keeping them feeling like themselves.
“Vets use a process called staging to determine the severity of cancer. This tells the vet how advanced or aggressive the cancer is and whether it has spread. The staging will guide how treatable the cancer is and the expected quality of life for your pet.”
Common myths about cancer in pets
“Cancer does not always mean goodbye.
Probably the biggest misconception is that cancer means death. Often your pet can continue to live a happy life with a cancer diagnosis if appropriate treatment or palliative care is given.”
Success stories: pets who responded well to treatment
“A patient of ours was diagnosed with a tumour on his spleen; his owner noticed a strange lump in his stomach every time he ate. His mom was amazing. She brought him in as soon as she noticed the subtle signs, she followed our advice to pursue surgery for spleen removal and to send a biopsy away for histopathology for accurate diagnosis and staging. The dog underwent a few rounds of chemo, was given the all clear a few months later, and he is back to visiting us again, all healed up and doing so well!”
Wholehearted care starts with dotsure.co.za
No pet parent ever wants to imagine hearing the word “cancer”. But preparation can make an incredibly difficult journey feel more manageable.
With the right pet insurance cover, you can focus on:
- getting answers sooner
- accessing treatment options earlier
- protecting your pet’s quality of life
- making informed decisions with your vet.
Because when your pet depends on you to speak up for them, it helps to know you have support behind you, too. Whether it’s getting a suspicious lump checked soon, managing treatment costs or helping your pet stay comfortable during recovery, being with dotsure.co.za means you never have to navigate difficult moments alone. Give us a call today about your protection.
Final advice from our vet
“My one message to pet parents about cancer awareness and early detection would be to be observant- you know your pet best, and you are their biggest advocate. If you notice a new lump or ongoing health concerns, have them checked out. Early detection can save their life or buy them extra time with you. They cannot speak. You need to speak up for them, and your vet will endeavour to do the same for them also.”
About Dr Tilana Botha
Dr Tilana Botha graduated from Onderstepoort in 2014 and has worked across a wide range of veterinary fields, including state veterinary work, private practice, wildlife, production animals and small animal care. Her passion, however, has always been dogs and cats, which ultimately led to her owning and running Pinetown Veterinary Hospital. A vet since childhood in both dream and profession, Dr Botha is passionate about solving the everyday “puzzles” that come with animal healthcare and helping pet parents navigate difficult diagnoses with compassion and clarity. When she’s not at the hospital, she’s at home with her husband, two sons, and their rescue dogs, Lilly and Jessie.
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