Gus, a Chinese Crested with one eye and three legs, who was named World’s Ugliest Dog at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in California, died on Monday, Nov. 10.

Not only did Gus just struggle with his deformities, he also battled with cancer before he died.

Cancer in pets is a problem that hits home for families across the nation, and also here in DeKalb.

Carlos Dominguez, veterinarian at Bethany Animal Hospital, 2400 Bethany Road in Sycamore, said he has seen Rottweilers, St. Bernards, retrievers, labs and Great Danes diagnosed with bone cancer more prevalently.

But Dominguez said detecting cancer in dogs can be difficult.

“Dogs are tougher than us and can hide illnesses very well,” Dominguez said. “So a dog that looks normal could really have cancer, that can be easily overlooked.”

Karen Stuedemann, director of Veterinary Medicine Services for Tails Humane Society, 2250 Barber Greene Road, said because animals hide their illnesses, subtle symptoms should be brought to a veterinarian’s attention immediately.

“Something the owner sees on the skin like a lump, swelling or any other subtle symptom could actually be cancer forming,” Stuedemann said. “These subtle symptoms should be checked by a veterinarian immediately.”

Dave Emmert, co-owner of Prairie View Animal Hospital, 24 Rich Road, said those subtle symptoms can be quite variable, and any subtle symptom could be traced to the tumor process.

For pets that are diagnosed with cancer, Dominguez said treatment is extremely advanced.

“Surgery is the most common treatment, but if that doesn’t work there is chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments clients can choose to do,” Dominguez said. “The owners typically consult with a veterinary oncologist who formulates the best treatment plan for the sick animal.”

Dominguez said insurance may help cover more costly animal treatments.

“Treatment prices can range anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 for surgery,” Emmert said. “But it can be more expensive if the dog needs a transfusion, or less expensive if we’re just removing a mammary tumor.”

It is possible that dogs with cancer might be “put down” rather than receive treatment or surgery.

“It’s an individual family decision,” Stuedemann said. “It’s a very difficult decision for people to make because families bond with their pets, and all they want is for their pet to be comfortable.”

Dominguez said “putting dogs down” is certainly a possibility.

“Oncologists can treat every form of cancer, but the question usually is, can owners afford it or not?” Dominguez said. “Because of the high costs of treatment, those owners who can’t afford treatments resort to euthanasia.”