Why Did My Pet Get Cancer? (cancer terminology and symptoms)

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in companion animals. It has been estimated that more than half of the animals that live 10 years or longer will die of cancer.

The incidence of cancer appears to be increasing in the canine population at a steady rate. Explanations for this increase include a larger population of geriatric pets (advances in health care mean that fewer dogs die of other diseases at a younger age), improved recognition and diagnosis of cancer, increased willingness on the part of both veterinarians and pet owners to treat cancer, as well as both genetic and environmental changes.