Preventive Oncology – Because Early Detection Can Save Lives
Dr. med. vet. Claudia Cueni
21.05.2025
Preventive Oncology – Because Early Detection Can Save Lives
Dr. med. vet. Claudia Cueni
Dipl. ACVIM SAIM, Specialist in Internal Medicine for Small Animals
Animals can’t express their discomfort in words – which makes it all the more important to interpret their subtle signals correctly. When a dog vomits or a cat barely eats, alarm bells ring for many pet owners. Often, it’s just a temporary issue. But sometimes, there’s more to it – such as a serious chronic illness or even cancer.
Cancer in Animals: Common Among Our Dogs and Cats
Especially in older animals, cancer is one of the leading causes of death and is often only detected at an advanced stage.
Modern veterinary medicine now offers ways to detect and treat malignant changes at an early stage, thus improving the animal’s quality of life.
The timing of the diagnosis is crucial. The earlier a tumor is found, the better the chances of a cure or long-term control of the tumor with good quality of life.
Not All Cancers Look the Same – An Overview of Symptoms
There are many different types of cancer – and they can present very differently depending on their location and nature. This makes early recognition of warning signs all the more important.
Common Symptoms by Cancer Type:
- Skin tumors: Hardened areas or lumps under the skin, changes in the color or shape of skin patches, wounds that won’t heal.
- Mammary tumors: Lumps in the chest area, especially in non-spayed or late-spayed female dogs.
- Gastrointestinal tumors: Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloated abdomen.
- Lymph node cancer (lymphoma): Swollen lymph nodes, lethargy, fever, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite and weight.
- Bone cancer: Lameness, swelling of limbs, pain when walking or touched.
- Tumors in the mouth or throat: Difficulty eating, increased drooling, foul-smelling breath.
- Urinary tract tumors: Blood in the urine, frequent or painful urination, repeated “bladder infections,” increased drinking.
These symptoms do not necessarily mean cancer is present. But they should always be taken seriously and examined by a vet.
Prevention Provides Peace of Mind – For Pet and Owner
Just like in humans, regular check-ups can help detect bodily changes early – often before symptoms appear.
This “medical attention in advance” not only creates clarity but also valuable room to act, since animals often show severe clinical symptoms quite late.
At VetTrust, we rely on a combination of experience, cutting-edge technology, and individual care. Specifically, this means:
- Individually tailored health checks – based on age, breed, and needs
- Modern imaging techniques such as ultrasound, digital X-ray, CT, and endoscopy
- Blood and urine analyses to detect metabolic abnormalities early – even if results may remain inconspicuous in some cancer types
- Cell and tissue examinations when a concrete suspicion exists
What Happens if a Diagnosis Is Made?
If a tumor is confirmed, we analyze the type, location, and stage of the disease and develop an individual treatment plan.
Not every diagnosis automatically means a poor prognosis. Our top priority is to improve quality of life and, if possible, achieve a cure.
Treatment Options Include:
- Surgical removal – depending on tumor type, stage, and location
- Chemotherapy – used in a targeted way, with most patients experiencing no severe side effects
- Radiation therapy – a highly effective option for certain tumor types
- Palliative care – to relieve pain and preserve quality of life when a cure is not possible
Advice With Heart and Mind
Every animal is unique – and so are its needs.
That’s why we take the time for a careful, empathetic consultation. Together with you, we will determine which measures are appropriate and how we can best support your pet – whether it’s a young animal or a faithful senior companion.
Your pet’s well-being is always our focus.
Do you have questions or want to schedule a consultation?