Nonspecific symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting or diarrhea also may be causes for concern. Your veterinarian must determine what type of tumor your pet has and how far it has spread. A biopsy, and additional tests to determine whether or not the tumor has spread, will help determine your pet's long-term outlook. If the tumor is malignant, you and your veterinarian will have to decide the best treatment for your pet. Your veterinarian can tell you which treatment would be best for your pet.
Treatment varies greatly depending on the tumor type.
Also, animals as young as six months have been diagnosed with cancer. Annual physical examinations are appropriate for young animals, twice a year is recommended for older pets, but you should take your dog or cat to the veterinarian anytime you suspect a problem. Golden retrievers tend to have a high rate of cancer, likely because of a genetic problem. No cat breeds are more at risk than any other. Other risks vary with the type of tumor.