Pit Bull Sharky lost his battle with cancer today. He was a gorgeous American Pit Bull Terrier who made the world ooohhh and ahhhh over his love of chickens, bunnies, cats and babies. Sharky the Pit Bull loved attention and being the life of the party it seemed. This handsome fella was a great representation of the breed and he will be missed dearly.
Sharky had been suffering from his disease for quite some time, which is normal for dogs that get this disease. And just like humans, dogs can undergo treatment such as chemotherapy and medicinal help but there comes a point when the body just can’t fight off the cancer and death is imminent.
Facts About Canine Cancer
Did you know that about 60% of Golden Retrievers will die from cancer and mammary cancer accounts for 70% of female canine cancer? I lost one dog to mammary cancer in 2012 and another in 2013. Both females were spayed before they were one year old and developed tumors late in life. By the time I took notice of them, our veterinarian didn’t feel removing them would work since they were older. Both dogs were about 12 years old when their tumors were discovered.
Signs of Canine Cancer
Canine cancer is growing at a fast rate, approximately 50% of pet deaths are cancer related and all dog parents should be aware of the facts about canine cancer.
If you have a dog or other pet, including cats and rats, watch for these warning signs:
- rapid weight loss
- loss of appetite
- lumps that grow fast
- coughing
- bloody stool or urine
- loss of energy
- sores that never seem to heal
- increased water intake
- swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Canine cancer can develop in many parts of the body and each place could result in different symptoms. Often, your dog might not show any noticeable signs until the cancer has progressed tremendously throughout his body.
If your pet shows any of these symptoms, contact your local veterinarian immediately. Quick action could help prolong your pet’s life. If I had the tumors removed on my dogs early, they might still be with me today.
Rest in peace Sharky,
Kelley Stewart, CEO|Pet Sitter
sit-stay-play In-home pet sitting & more.LLC
p.s. Thanks to HelensPets.com for sharing your beautiful boy with the world! We love him and Sharky the cat 🙂