At only 7 years old a cat called Pickles here at the GSPCA Animal Shelter in Guernsey has been diagnosed with skin cancer and needs your support.
Every year we get cats with the early stages of skin cancer in their ears and Pickles is one that is in urgent need of an operation.
Not all forms of skin cancer in cats and dogs are caused by sun exposure, but it can happen occasionally. On dogs, the nose and pads of the feet contain sensitive skin and no fur to protect from the sun. Also, cats and dogs with thin or light-coloured coats such as white coated animals are at a higher risk of sun damage over their entire bodies.
You can take precautions to help your pets in summer and sunny days using sun creams and lotions but it is always best to get advice from your vet.
Cat skin cancer is the second most common cancer in cats. Skin cancer is more common in middle-aged to older cats (ages 6 – 14 years), although it can occur in younger cats as well. White cats may be more susceptible to skin cancer, because their skin has more exposure to the sun.
Skin disease is often referred to as a tumor which is an abnormal growth of cells. It can be on top of the skin or just under the skin. Diagnosis without testing is difficult since a tumor could be malignant (cancer) or benign (not cancer).
In all cases early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent the spread of cancer from the skin to other parts of the body. Tumors that are not cancerous (benign) may be left alone by a veterinarian. There are multiple treatment options depending on the type of cancer but for Pickles an operation to remove the ears is the only course of action.
Cat Skin Cancer Symptoms
Cat skin cancer symptoms may resemble other skin conditions but can include:
A lump on the skin, especially if it seems to be getting bigger
Sore tips to the ears
Swelling
A sore that doesn’t heal
Bleeding from an ulceration, lesion on the skin
Hair loss
Itchy skin
Redness of the skin
If your cat has any of these symptoms, he or she needs to go to the vet. Chances are it’s not cancer but some other skin infection, but they will still need treatment.
We are hopeful that with this operation we can help save Pickles life and then find her a new and loving home.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said 'Pickles is so sweet and we are asking for any donations to help towards her operation.'
'We see many cats every year with this form of skin cancer and we do urge owners to take care if they have light coloured pets out in the sunshine.'
'We can't mess about so we are booking in Pickles for her operation but appreciate any support towards her care.'
'We all have our fingers crossed for her and even though she has only been at the Shelter for a short time, she is already one of the teams favourites.'
If you would like to donate to Pickles operation and the other animals in need please call 01481 257261, pop into the Shelter in St Andrews or click on the Paypal link below and reference 'Pickles Appeal'
Here is a short video of Pickles -
We are also appealing for funds to build a new Cattery & Quarantine Building to replace the very old structures we have. To find out more please click here.
To see the story of Jethou Bumblebee the grey seal pup please check out this short video from start to finish on how staff rescued him with a lot of help.
To nominate an amazing animal, a special person (in secret!) who has dedicated time to them or any inspirational animal story for the The British Animal Honours 2013, then please go to http://www.itv.com/beontv/british-animal-honours/
There are always animals at the GSPCA looking for good homes from farm birds to rabbits and to see many of them please click here. Felix in the video is our longest stay cat and really needs your help to find a new home.
There are many items on the GSPCA's Wish List and you can see many of them by clicking here including a list of Amazon items which would make a difference to animals in Guernsey.
To download our latest newsletter or become a member of the GSPCA please
The following are events planned for 2013
Every Tuesday during term time between 10.30am and 12pm at the GSPCA we have a coffee morning with bric-a-brac and pet supplies on sale. Please click here for more details
Saturday Bric-a-brac sale, coffee morning and guided tours at the GSPCA Animal Shelter 9th March - click here for more details
4th April - World Stray Day - more details to follow
Saturday 8th June 2013 Itex Walk Guernsey - We are pleased that for 2013 we are one of the nominated charities benefiting from this years walk. To register and find out more click here for more details.
June 2013 - Summer Fayre and Dog Show - more details to follow
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