Cancer Canine Information for Pet Owners

If you're a pet owner, it's essential to know the warning signs of canine cancer. According to research, 1 in 4 dogs will develop cancer in their lifetime.

Cancer can affect any breed of dog, but certain breeds are more prone to specific types of cancer. For example, Golden Retrievers are more likely to develop hemangiosarcoma, a type of cancer that affects blood vessels.

Early detection is crucial in treating canine cancer. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help identify potential issues before they become serious.

Some common symptoms of canine cancer include weight loss, lethargy, and changes in appetite or water intake.

There are several types of cancer that can affect dogs, including skin cancer, which is the most common type of cancer in dogs.

Lymphoma is another common type of cancer in dogs, and it can affect their immune system, causing symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes and loss of appetite.

Skin cancer in dogs can be caused by exposure to the sun, and it's more common in dogs with light-colored coats.

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Carcinomas are the most common type of cancer, accounting for about 85-90% of all cancer cases. They arise from epithelial cells, which form the lining of organs and glands.

Leukemias are blood cancers that start in the bone marrow. They can be acute or chronic, with acute leukemias developing rapidly and requiring immediate treatment.

Lymphomas are cancers that begin in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. They can be either Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Sarcomas are rare cancers that develop in connective tissue, which includes bone, cartilage, and fat.

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Osteosarcoma is a highly malignant tumor that affects both dogs and people.

It's the most common primary bone tumor in dogs, accounting for 85-98% of all primary bone tumors. Large breed dogs are most commonly affected, including Scottish Deerhound, Rottweiler, Irish Wolfhound, and Great Dane.

In dogs, osteosarcoma often occurs in the appendicular skeleton, particularly in the distal radius, proximal humerus, distal femur, and the proximal or distal tibia.

Primary tumors are most commonly found in the fore and hind limbs of dogs.

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A diagnosis is made based on radiographic findings of the affected bone, and fine needle aspirate or biopsy of the boney lesion.

In people, osteosarcoma is typically seen in children and teens, although it can occur at any age. It accounts for about 2% of childhood cancers.

With current treatment options, the average 5-year survival rate for osteosarcoma in people is roughly 70%.

Melanoma is a serious type of cancer that affects both humans and dogs. It's a malignant disease that arises from pigmented cells called melanocytes.

In dogs, melanomas are typically benign, but malignant ones can be highly aggressive, invading local tissue and bone, and metastasizing to lymph nodes and lungs. Oral melanoma is common in older, black-coated dogs, often causing bad breath, eating difficulties, and pain when chewing.

Tumors are diagnosed through fine needle aspiration or biopsy, and chest radiographs are taken to check for spread. Treatment involves surgery and/or radiation therapy to control the local tumor, and systemic therapy to address metastatic lesions.

The prognosis for oral melanoma in dogs is guarded, with median survival times of 5-7 months depending on the stage at presentation.

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Symptoms of cancer in dogs can be subtle and may not always be noticeable, but there are some common signs to look out for. These include lumps and bumps under the skin, abnormal odors from the mouth, ears, or body, and abnormal discharge from the eyes, mouth, ears, or rectum.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to make a veterinary appointment right away. Your veterinarian can accurately diagnose canine cancer, which is why regular wellness exams are crucial.

Some tumors in dogs may not be visible, but can be felt by running your hand over your dog's body. If you find a lump or feel something unusual, it's best to consult with your veterinarian, who may want to do a needle aspirate to get a diagnosis on the type of tumor.

Here are some common symptoms of cancer in dogs:

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the immune system, and it's a common condition in dogs.

It's characterized by a malignant overgrowth of immune cells called lymphocytes, which can appear in any organ in the body.

The most common form of lymphoma in dogs is multicentric, which affects the lymph nodes and can cause them to become enlarged.

Other common forms of lymphoma include cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and mediastinal lymphomas.

A diagnosis of lymphoma is often made by aspirating cells from the affected lymph nodes.

Imaging studies are also performed to help stage the disease.

Significant tumor burdens can cause dogs to become lethargic, weak, anorexic, dehydrated, and even cause a fever.

Chemotherapy is the most common form of treatment for lymphoma in dogs.

If an initial remission is achieved with treatment, dogs will often live at least a year before the disease returns.

People can also be affected by lymphoma, which is typically subtyped into Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The majority of canine patients with lymphoma have a similar disease to non-Hodgkin lymphoma in people.

The five-year and ten-year survival rates for people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma are 69% and 59%, respectively.

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Tumors in dogs can appear as fleshy but solid lumps of tissue underneath a dog's skin and fur. Not all tumors will be outwardly evident.

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Tumors can develop in any internal organ, including circulating in the blood, and may be soft or solid on palpation. Most often, they are solitary raised masses or lumps in or just underneath the skin.

Some breeds, such as Boxers, are predisposed to mast cell tumors, which account for 11-20% of all skin tumors. Tumors typically develop in older dogs (mean age 8-9 years) and may appear in any internal organ.

Early detection and treatment are key to preserving your dog's health and quality of life. Owners most commonly find a tumor on their dog while petting or bathing.

If you feel a lump while running your hand over your dog's body, call to make an appointment with your veterinarian. A needle aspirate may be performed to get cells from the tumor for diagnosis.

Only a veterinarian can accurately diagnose canine cancer. Treating canine cancer before it advances is key to successful recovery.

Primary lung disease in dogs is relatively rare, accounting for only about 1% of all tumors.

Older dogs, typically between 10-12 years old, are more likely to develop primary lung tumors.

There's no clear breed or gender predisposition for primary lung tumors in dogs.

These tumors tend to grow slowly, so clinical signs often don't appear until the cancer has spread or the tumor is large enough to cause breathing difficulties.

A common symptom of advanced primary lung tumors is pleural effusion, a buildup of fluid in the chest cavity that can make breathing more difficult.

In some cases, primary lung tumors can cause hypertrophic osteopathy, a painful condition that leads to abnormal bone growth in the distal limbs.

A diagnosis of primary lung disease is often made with chest radiographs (x-rays), which may be done incidentally while checking for other issues.

Advanced imaging, such as a CT scan, may be recommended to look for metastases in other parts of the lung.

The abdomen should also be examined to check for distant spread of the cancer.

Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the tumor, if possible, and chemotherapy is only used if metastases are detected or surgery is not an option.

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If you notice any unusual lumps or bumps under your dog's skin, it could be a sign of cancer. These lumps can appear anywhere on the body.

Abnormal odors emanating from the mouth, ears, or other parts of the body are another common symptom. This can be a strong indicator that something is amiss.

Abnormal discharge from the eyes, mouth, ears, or rectum is also a warning sign. This can be a sign of an underlying health issue.

Abdominal swelling is another symptom that requires immediate attention. This can be a sign of a tumor growing inside the abdomen.

Non-healing wounds or sores can be a sign of cancer. If a wound is not healing after a few weeks, it's a good idea to get it checked out.

Sudden and irreversible weight loss is a common symptom of cancer in dogs. If your dog's weight is dropping rapidly, it's essential to get them checked out.

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Changes in appetite can also be a sign of cancer. If your dog's appetite is decreasing or increasing, it's worth investigating.

Lethargy or depression can be a symptom of cancer in dogs. If your dog is acting lethargic or depressed, it's a good idea to get them checked out.

Coughing or difficulty breathing can be a sign of cancer in the lungs or chest area. If your dog is experiencing these symptoms, it's essential to get them checked out.

Evidence of pain can be a sign of cancer. If your dog is showing signs of pain, such as whining or limping, it's a good idea to get them checked out.

Changes in bathroom habits can also be a sign of cancer. If your dog is having trouble urinating or defecating, it's worth investigating.

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If you suspect dog cancer, don't hesitate to make an appointment today. Our veterinarians and support staff are here to provide compassionate, comprehensive dog cancer care and support services.

Some common signs of cancer in dogs include lumps and bumps underneath the skin, abnormal odors emanating from the mouth, ears, or other parts of the body, and non-healing wounds or sores. These symptoms can be a cause for concern.

If you notice any of these signs, it's essential to schedule a veterinary appointment immediately. Your veterinarian can check your dog for signs of canine cancer during a preventive exam. Treating canine cancer before it advances is key to successful recovery.

Here are some common signs of cancer in dogs to look out for:

Don't go through dog cancer alone – our team is here to help ease your dog's pain and suffering and eliminate the cancer through the best dog veterinary care available.

If you're looking for treatment options for your dog with cancer, there are several factors to consider, including their age, general health, tumor type, biological behavior of the tumor, and the stage of the cancer.

Age plays a significant role in therapy choices for dogs with cancer, with older dogs often requiring more consideration due to their overall health status.

The patient's overall health status is evaluated to determine their ability to tolerate cancer treatment, and life expectancy is also taken into account to decide whether the potential benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Treatments for dogs with cancer are similar to human therapies and can include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, and holistic or herbal therapy.

Chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy are common treatments for dogs with cancer, but it's essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your veterinarian.

Combining treatment options can be effective, but it's also possible that some treatments may interfere with each other and cause unintended harm.

Here are some common treatment options for dogs with cancer:

If you're interested in participating in canine health research, there are several ways to contribute, including providing samples or enrolling in a clinical trial.

You can learn more about participating in research by visiting websites that provide information on canine health concerns, such as canine cancer, tick-borne disease, hemangiosarcoma, and epilepsy.

Research is ongoing to find new and innovative ways to treat many types of cancer in both humans and dogs, with some studies focusing on the use of dog tumors to develop treatments for human cancer.

Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant cancer of cells that line blood vessels called vascular endothelial cells.

This type of cancer is most commonly seen in middle-aged to older large breed dogs, specifically German Shepherds, Golden and Labrador Retrievers.

Tumors typically form in the spleen, skin, and heart, and can cause sporadic bleeding events due to the formation of tortuous and abnormal vessels.

Cutaneous (skin) hemangiosarcoma has a guarded prognosis, but may potentially be cured by surgically removing the tumor.

Dogs with internal organ hemangiosarcoma often show no clinical signs until acute collapse occurs due to severe internal hemorrhage, and may wax and wane with signs of unexplained weakness, tiring more easily, and depression.

Treatment involves surgery to remove the primary tumor, if possible, and chemotherapy.

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