Any pet coverage can protect your pet in case he gets sick or is involved in an accident. Therefore, whether your pet succumbs to heart disease or is diagnosed with cancer, he will receive the care he needs if you opt for coverage. Most pet policies cover costs up to 80%. As a result, any pet that succumbs to a catastrophic disease or condition can receive the indicated care to prolong his life or promote his comfort.
Regardless of your reason for taking out insurance for your pet, the idea behind the coverage is to add to a dog or cat owner’s peace of mind. Without this protection, you may not be able to pay for your pet’s care, especially if he is diagnosed with a serious condition, such as diabetes or cancer.
A Number One Killer of Pets
Cancer, in fact, is the number one killer disease of cats and dogs. So, it is not only helpful to take out pet insurance to cover therapy, but it is also important to look for marks of the disease. One of the signs of a possibly cancerous tumour is a lump or bump under the skin. Usually, a needle biopsy is performed to see if the lump/bump is benign or cancerous.
Offensive Odours Should be Checked
An offensive odour from the mouth or ears of a cat or dog should be checked too. Frequently, oral cancers or cancers of the nose or anus will emit smells. Therefore, it is also worth checking out if your pet is emitting any discharges in the form of diarrhoea, vomiting, pus, or blood. A bloated or distended abdomen can also indicate an accumulation of abnormal discharge inside the body.
Wounds that Won’t Heal
Another possible cancer warning is sores or wounds that do not heal. This sign could be indicative of a skin disease or infection as well. Weight loss in a dog or cat is also a strong indicator of cancer, so if you notice a sudden drop of weight in your pet and he is not on a diet, you need to have him checked. Cancer may cause a change in appetite In addition to weight loss. For instance, cancer tumours inside the mouth can make it difficult for your pet to eat food and swallow it.
Lethargy
Abnormal breathing or coughing can result from lung disease, heart disease or cancer. Cancer may metastasise throughout the lungs, thereby causing coughing episodes. A pet that is suffering from lethargy may be suffering from cancer too. Whilst lethargy in and of itself might not be indicative of cancer, the above signs plus lethargy may signal a possible cancer diagnosis.
Changes in Bowel Habits
Changes in your pet’s bowel or urinary habits may also be potential cancer signs. If a pet finds it difficult to urinate or defecate, uses the bathroom frequently, or has blood in the stool or urine, these symptoms are potential signs of cancer.
Limping
Sometimes pets that have cancer will limp. Limping is a clue that a pet is experiencing some type of pain, often related to joint or muscle disease or arthritic issues. Limping can be a sign that a pet is suffering from bone cancer as well.