Cancer in dogs instils anxiety in pet owners because of the prognosis and potential loss of their close friend. Unfortunately, cancer is more common in older than younger dogs. In fact, half of all dogs above the age of ten will develop cancer. Dogs develop metastatic disease but they are also living longer because of improving health care and developing technologies. It does help catching the condition during the early stages. Much the same way as people, dogs are vulnerable to these conditions and suffer the same way.
Article Summary
Warning Signs Your Dog May Have Cancer
The progress of canine cancer is similar to that of people. A warning sign may be a lump or a wound that does not heal. Usually, the dog owner can check for abnormal changes in consumption, urination or sleeping, as these can be the first warning signs. If their emotional state is withdrawn or irritable, it can also be a sign.
When you go for a check for your dog at the veterinarian, they may pick things up quite often. When they feel the dog’s abdomen as part of an exam, they might find a tumor that presents as a lump. There are cases when lumps are not benign, but the only way to know is taking a piece of them by aspirating via a needle. Alternatively, the vet will do a biopsy. The lymph nodes are also felt for signs of enlargement as they are present all over the body. Some of these are easy to palpate, which means they can be felt on the examination.
Cancers must be detected earlier because it would be possible to treat them effectively. They can be diagnosed quickly, and a treatment regime would begin meaning that the prognosis would be better. A diagnosis of canine cancer dog requires that the vet confirm the medical history and assess the problematic area or lump. Blood work usually does not confirm dog cancer, but it could show that there is a problem. For example, if the white blood cell count is high while the red blood cells are few, these are telltale signs.
Common Types of Cancer in Dogs
Hemangiosarcoma
It is a form of cancer that starts within the blood vessels. Hemangiosarcomas in dogs can grow anywhere in the body, but the main areas are the spleen, skin and the heart. This cancer also tends to affect middle-aged and older dogs. Every breed can develop this cancer, but the German Shepherd and Golden retrievers are more predisposed. It is slow and painless during the early stages, only appearing in the advanced stages.
Lymphoma
It is a cancer form that can affect any dog breed and at any age. Cancer presents in swollen lymph nodes, which can be seen, or you can feel them below the neck. Sometimes, lymphoma affects the lymph nodes that are not visible like those in the abdomen. As a result, it will lead to digestive or respiratory issues. It is also treatable during the early stages. The cancer is also prevalent in golden retrievers.
Liver cancer
It is caused by several malignant tumors within the liver, though one large one is known as hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver cancer in dogs also starts off silent because the symptoms are not apparent, but it becomes apparent during the later phases. It can also spread to other parts of the body, increasing the potential for death. Liver cancer can develop in any breed though it usually appears in older dogs.
Mast cell tumor
Mast cell tumors are cancer forms that develop from normal healthy cells, which lump together and form a mass. The mast cells are found in every area of the dog’s body, but they form tumors on the skin when they clump. It can be benign as a lump or malignant and can spread to other body areas. Though the mast cell tumors may develop in dogs of any age, they are more typical in the elderly dogs such as the Labrador retrievers and Boston terriers.
Stomach cancer
Stomach cancer is rare in dogs, but it is very aggressive when it occurs. Unfortunately, there are few early warning signs until the more advanced stages. It also can spread to other parts of the body easily. Stomach cancer is more common in the Belgian Shepherd dog, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the Rough Collie.
Treating Cancer in Dogs
Several factors need to be considered to treat cancer in dogs. These include the general health of the dog, its age, and the tumor’s behaviour. Surgery and radiation therapy are available options for cancer treatment, but it also depends on the ability of the animal to tolerate the treatment approach. Many cancers occur in older dogs, and some are detected in the later phases. Should surgery be done, the dog may not survive the chemotherapy procedure. Chemotherapy surgery radiation therapy is very taxing on the animal so it has to be relatively healthy enough to go through with it. When it comes to prevention, feeding pups fresh dog food, avoiding second-hand smoke getting to your pet, and having an overall healthy lifestyle helps greatly.
FAQs
What percentage of dogs get cancer?
The veterinary Cancer Society [1] estimates that one in four dogs will get cancer. Half of all dogs above the age of ten will also get cancer. Fortunately, half of the canine-related cancer is treatable.
Why is cancer common in dogs?
A lot of dog food today is hard to digest, so they are not getting the nutrients they need. In the long run, it contributes to cancer.
How to prevent cancer in dogs?
Add vegetables to their diet and avoid second-hand smoke getting to your pet. They should have regular checkups at the vet and monitor their weight. You may also try holistic or herbal therapy and a preventive means of treating cancer.
