04 Jan Dog Cancer And Its Diagnosis

Dogs, like humans, are at risk of various types of cancer, including lymphoma and breast cancer. The good news is that the same treatments used to treat human cancer are also available for pets with veterinary oncology. Therefore, there’s great hope for treating your dog’s cancer. Unfortunately, cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over the age of 10 and often occurs in younger dogs. This article will cover the signs, symptoms, and treatment of typical dog cancer so you can be better prepared as a dog parent.

Types of dog cancer

The uncontrolled growth of body cells causes cancer. These cells can originate in any tissue of the body. If the cancer isn’t found and stopped, it can spread and connect with the circulatory or lymphatic system and infect other body tissues. Dog cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs aged ten years and older. However, half of all cancers in dogs are curable if caught in the early stages.

Hemangiosarcoma cancer

This dog cancer is a tumour of the blood vessel lining cells called endothelial cells. Although dogs of any age and breed are susceptible to hemangiosarcoma, the disease is more common in middle-aged or older dogs. Also, certain species, such as Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds, are much more common. This form of canine cancer develops slowly and is essentially painless, so clinical signs are usually not apparent until the advanced stages when it is first noticed. The most common clinical sign is an enlarged spleen, which can be detected by palpation, radiology, or ultrasound. The spleen can be surgically removed and then biopsied to determine whether the tumour is benign or malignant.

Mast cell tumours

These are immune cells that are responsible for allergies. Mast cells can be found in all body tissues, but they usually develop tumours on the skin in about 20 per cent of the dog population. They range from relatively benign to very aggressive. Some dog breeds are at a higher risk of developing this tumour, which suggests that genetics may be the cause. Boxers are especially prone to this type of cancer.

Osteosarcoma cancer

This form of canine cancer is the most common type of primary bone cancer in dogs, accounting for up to 85% of tumours originating in the skeletal system. Although this disease primarily affects older large or giant breed dogs, it can affect dogs of any size and age. Osteosarcoma occurs in many areas but most commonly affects the shoulder, wrist, and knee bones. The main symptoms include lameness in the affected leg or swelling in the area that appears painful.

Lymphoma cancer

Lymphoma cancer usually appears as raised lumps. This canine cancer can affect any dog of any breed at any age. It’s often seen or felt as swollen glands (lymph nodes) under the neck, in front of the shoulders or behind the knees. Sometimes, lymphoma can affect lymph nodes that aren’t visible outside the body, such as those inside the chest or abdomen. This disease can cause respiratory problems and digestive problems. Generally, this type of dog cancer is treatable if detected in the early stages. Standard poodles, golden retrievers, and Australian shepherds are a few breeds with a higher incidence of lymphoma.

Bladder cancer

Some breeds are more at risk of developing this type of dog cancer than others. It’s a slow-growing canine cancer, and symptoms may not appear for 3 to 6 months. Urinary obstruction and bleeding are common symptoms.

Breast Cancer

Unspayed female dogs are at high risk for developing mammary tumours, but all female dogs are at risk regardless of reproductive status. Approximately 50% of these tumours are malignant, and if cancer hasn’t metastasized (spreading the tumour throughout the body), complete surgical removal is recommended.

Malignant histiocytosis

This canine cancer often affects larger sporting breeds. This disease occurs in the form of local lesions in the spleen, lymph nodes, lungs, bone marrow, skin and subcutaneous tissue, brain and tissue around large joints. Histiocytic sarcoma can also develop as multiple lesions in single organs (especially the spleen) and spread rapidly to involve various organs. Unfortunately, no effective treatment for this type of dog cancer has been reported.

Squamous cell carcinoma

This disease is often seen in the mouth and the nail beds of the toes. Early diagnosis and complete surgical resection is the most common treatment. Less than 20% of dogs develop metastatic disease. Squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsils and tongue is quite aggressive, and less than 10% of dogs survive a year or more despite treatment.

Oral and nasal cancer

This disease is a prevalent canine cancer that occurs more often in the mouth than in the nose. Symptoms include a lump on the gum, bleeding, odour, or difficulty eating. Because many tumours are malignant, early and aggressive treatment is essential. Also, cancer can develop inside the nose of dogs. Bleeding from the nose, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face are symptoms that may indicate nasal cancer.

Cancer of the anal sac

This cancer affects the olfactory glands on each side of the dog’s anus. The primary role of these glands is to mark territory, as they secrete small amounts of a foul-smelling substance during bowel movements. Anal sac cancer is usually malignant and spreads to other body parts. Both male and female dogs can develop anal sac cancer, and their average age is about ten years. Breeds at risk of developing this type of cancer include spaniel breeds. 

Brain tumours

Sometimes a dog’s brain tumour grows so large that it can change the structure of the skull. Epileptic seizures or other severe behavioural changes can be clinical symptoms of brain tumours. CT and MRI scans determine the location, size, and severity. Although oral chemotherapy and radiation therapy can control some inoperable tumours, surgical intervention may be recommended if the cancer is operable.

Liver cancer

Liver cancer can be a silent killer in dogs because obvious clinical signs aren’t always apparent. Several different types of malignant tumours cause this type of cancer. However, it usually involves a single, large tumour called hepatocellular carcinoma. This tumour is located in the liver and usually doesn’t spread to other body parts. Liver cancer can affect any breed and usually affects older dogs, although it can also occur in younger dogs.

Gastric cancer

Stomach cancer isn’t one of the most common types in dogs, but it can be one of the most devastating. This type of cancer usually doesn’t show symptoms until it has reached advanced stages. Several types of tumours are associated with gastric cancer in dogs, most of which are malignant and may spread to other body parts. This type of dog cancer is more common in older male dogs. Breeds prone to this type of cancer include Rough Collies, Terriers, Belgian Malinois, and Chow Chows.

Thyroid cancer 

This type of cancer includes tumours that affect the thyroid, a gland in the neck responsible for secreting important hormones that regulate metabolism and help control primary body functions. Thyroid tumours are almost always malignant, often spread to the lungs and lymph nodes, and invade nearby structures such as the trachea, blood vessels, and oesophagus. Fortunately, thyroid cancer is relatively rare in dogs. However, Beagles, Boxers, and Golden Retrievers between the ages of 9 and 11 are at increased risk.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is common among older dogs and can be diagnosed through X-rays or CT scans. If there’s only one tumour, surgery is usually recommended. If cancer has already spread, chemotherapy may be used. Lung adenocarcinoma is fast-growing cancer that accounts for 75% of primary lung tumours in dogs. Symptoms can include pain, lethargy, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, and fever.

Signs and symptoms of dog cancer

Some signs of cancer in dogs are easy to spot, while others aren’t. Symptoms of cancer in dogs can vary greatly depending on several factors. However, the following list outlines some of the more common signs of cancer in dogs:

• Lumps and bumps under the dog’s skin
• Abnormal odours emanating from the mouth, ears, or any other part of the body
• Abnormal discharge from the eyes, mouth, ears, or rectum
• Abdominal swelling
• Wounds that don’t heal
• Sudden and irreversible weight loss
• Change in appetite
• Cough or difficulty breathing
• Lethargy or depression of the dog
• Change in bathroom habits
• Evidence of pain

Treatment options for dog cancer

Several factors influence cancer treatment decisions for dogs, including:

• Age of the dog
• The general health of the dog
• Tumour type
• Tumour biological behaviour

Dog cancer stage

The overall health status plays a vital role in the choice of treatment for dogs with cancer. It includes evaluating the dog’s ability to tolerate cancer treatment. Treatment for dogs with cancer is similar to human medicine and can consist of the following:

• Chemotherapy
• Surgery
• Radiotherapy
• Holistic or herbal treatment

To wrap up

If you suspect dog cancer and are finding a lump or seeing behavioural symptoms, see your vet immediately. To have a healthy and lively dog, you need to pay attention to nutrition, activity, health, grooming, etc. You can prevent the disease and have a healthy dog in this case. In all these steps, you can count on the specialized team of MishkaGrooming. Our experienced and precise groomers have carefully and accurately groomed your dogs, so they count the moments before the next session.