Cancer is caused due to abnormal growth of cells. It usually develops in any organ system and gradually spreads to other parts. Read on to know more…
Canine cancer is also recognized as Neoplasia, which causes tumors and dogs are affected by cancer the same way as human beings. Cancer, one of the serious dog health problems can be contracted by any breed of dogs. Apart from old age, dogs are susceptible to cancer due to ancestry inherited genes, infection of poisonous food or other biological factors. Dog cancer can develop at any age, but are most likely to occur due to old age and they can be identified through various symptoms.
Types of Dog Cancers
Histiocytomas
This is the most common type of dog cancer that appears in the form of small tumors like a bald patch that develops on the skin of the head. It usually affects dogs under the age of 3.
Bladder Cancer
It is a slow growing cancer that occurs in some breeds of dogs.
Lymphoma
It is the most common type of cancer that affects dogs of any breed, at any age. Lymphoma most of the time is visible as lymph nodes under the neck or on shoulders or knee. It can develop in chest or abdomen areas. If early medication is provided, it can increase the life of the dog.
Hemangiosarcoma
This is an aggressive and deadly type of cancer that occurs from blood vessels (endothelial cells). Usually, it manifests in dogs during middle age and can develop in any part of the body. Common in breeds such as German Shepherd dogs, Gold Retrievers, boxers, Skye Terriers, etc. As it develops slowly, it is difficult to diagnose at initial stage.
Osteosarcoma
It is an aggressive cancer and common type of bone cancer. As it develops in skeletal system, it affects dogs of any age and size and commonly affects bone areas, like, shoulder, knee and wrist. This type of cancer can be easily detected with symptoms, like, lameness in the legs or swelling over the affected areas.
Mammary Cancer
It is a mild or aggressive type of cancer that usually develops in females.
Testicular Tumors
It is also a common type of cancer usually occurring in male dogs.
Symptoms of Dog Cancer
Weight loss
Loss of appetite and stamina
Blood discharge from the ears or vomiting
Abdominal swelling and growing sores
Difficulty in urinating or blood in the urine
Trouble in swallowing and eating
Abnormal growths or lumps
Difficulty in passing stools or presence of blood in the stools
Bleeding from any body opening
Lameness
Trouble in breathing and coughing, wheezing or sneezing
Bad breath or odor
Tiredness
Excessive thirst and frequent urination
Abdominal enlargement causing a pot belly appearance
Diagnosis and Treatment of Dog Cancer
It is necessary that the symptoms of dog cancer are detected early, before a veterinarian can start the treatment. Some types of dog cancer are diagnosed with a help of a biopsy. Today, there are so many efficacious treatments for treating different types of dog cancers.
In case of early detection of aggressive dog cancer symptoms, a veterinarian may suggest surgery for removal of tumors. It is always observed that there is no metastasis to surrounding organs during surgery. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy uses radiation to kill the cancer cells and treat the tumor. Sometimes veterinarians suggest a combination of both surgery and chemotherapy for aggressive tumors. While treating dog cancer, it is also recommended that you take proper care of your pet dog.
It’s important to mention that today, veterinarians give more emphasis not only to therapies for treating dog cancer but also on nutritious dog foods and overall health and care of your dog.
