Canine Thyroid Cancer Explained from Causes to Treatment

Canine thyroid cancer is a serious health issue that affects many dogs. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that thyroid cancer is the most common type of cancer in dogs.

Thyroid cancer in dogs is more common in certain breeds, such as German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers. According to the American Kennel Club, these breeds are at higher risk due to their genetic predisposition.

Thyroid cancer can occur in dogs of any age, but it's most common in middle-aged to older dogs. The median age of dogs diagnosed with thyroid cancer is around 10-11 years.

Symptoms of canine thyroid cancer may include weight loss, lethargy, and difficulty swallowing.

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Canine thyroid cancer is a serious condition that affects dogs. The most common sign is a mass in the neck, often on one side, but in some cases, cancer can be found in both thyroid glands.

These tumors can grow large enough to cause clinical signs such as coughing, difficulty breathing, or swallowing, and rarely, swelling in the face. Some dogs may experience difficulty swallowing food and water due to the pressure of the tumor.

If the tumor is producing thyroid hormone, dogs can exhibit signs of hyperthyroidism, including increased thirst and urination, panting, and a fast heart rate. Large tumors can also be painful for dogs.

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A mass in the neck is the most common sign of thyroid cancer in dogs. In most cases, this mass is on one side of the neck, but it's possible for cancer to be found in both thyroid glands.

Clinical signs can appear if the mass grows large enough, including coughing, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and rarely, swelling in the face.

The majority of these tumors are non-functional, meaning they don't produce thyroid hormone. Some dogs with this type of cancer are actually hypothyroid, meaning they have low levels of thyroid hormone.

If the tumor is producing thyroid hormone, dogs can show signs of hyperthyroidism, such as increased drinking and urinating, weight loss, increased panting, and restlessness.

In some cases, dogs may have no signs at all, while in others, a tumor is felt along the throat. Some dogs may cough or have trouble swallowing food and water due to the pressure of the tumor.

Large tumors can be painful and cause a range of symptoms, including weight loss, a good or even increased appetite, agitation, increased drinking and urinating, panting, and a fast heart rate.

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones, which are essential for regulating metabolism, growth, and development.

This can be caused by a variety of factors, including autoimmune disorders, thyroid surgery, radiation therapy, and certain medications.

The most common symptom of hypothyroidism is fatigue, which can be debilitating and affect daily life.

Other symptoms may include weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, and cold intolerance.

In severe cases, hypothyroidism can lead to heart problems, infertility, and cognitive impairment.

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Overfunctioning of the thyroid gland can be a serious issue in dogs, leading to a range of symptoms.

The most common sign of overfunctioning thyroid is the presence of a mass in the neck, which can be unilateral or bilateral in some cases.

If the tumor is producing thyroid hormone, dogs can exhibit signs of hyperthyroidism, such as increased appetite and weight loss.

Some dogs may also experience increased thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased heart rate, all of which reflect an increased metabolic rate.

A key indicator of thyroid function is the T4 blood test, which measures the level of thyroid hormones in the blood.

However, this test may not always reveal the type of pathology present in the gland.

Here are some common symptoms of overfunctioning thyroid in dogs:

These symptoms can be a sign that the thyroid gland is producing too much thyroid hormone, leading to hyperthyroidism, which is often associated with thyroid cancer in dogs.

If your dog has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, surgery is usually the best option. With complete removal, the prognosis can be more than 3 years and some dogs are cured. You may need to give your dog thyroid replacement medicine after surgery.

Radiation therapy is an alternative to surgery, but it's not as effective. It can stabilize or even shrink the tumor, but the prognosis is shorter, typically 1-2 years with more aggressive therapy. Palliative radiation therapy is less intensive, but the prognosis is even shorter, around 5-6 months.

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Chemotherapy is recommended for some dogs after surgery, depending on the size of the tumor and biopsy report. There are both intravenous and oral options for treatment. The benefit of chemotherapy is generally unknown, but some dogs with metastasis can live for months as those tumors are typically slow growing.

Here are some treatment options and their indications:

Keep in mind that these costs are estimates and may vary depending on your location and the specific treatment plan for your dog. It's essential to discuss the treatment options and costs with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action for your dog's specific situation.

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Thyroid gland and cancer in dogs is a serious issue, and it's essential to understand the basics. Thyroid tumors are relatively uncommon in dogs, making up about 2% of all canine tumors and 10-15% of tumors in the head and neck.

These tumors can be either benign or malignant, with malignant carcinomas being more common, representing up to 90% of palpable thyroid tumors. The abnormal cells of the carcinoma may not respond normally to the TSH from the pituitary gland.

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Dogs with thyroid carcinomas often have thyroid hormone levels that are either within the normal range or not produced enough. About 10% of affected dogs have functional thyroid tumors that secrete excess thyroid hormone.

The breeds most commonly affected by thyroid tumors are Beagles, Boxers, and Golden Retrievers. Dogs presenting with this tumor are usually older, about 7 years or more.

A combination of tests can give us a good idea of your dog's prognosis and the best treatment choice.

The prognosis for canine thyroid cancer can vary depending on several factors.

The size of the tumor plays a significant role in determining the prognosis. For small and freely movable tumors, surgery alone can be effective, resulting in a median survival time of 2 years.

Larger tumors may require a combination of treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. This can extend the survival time to 18-24 months.

For tumors that cannot be removed, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are often recommended. Dogs in this category can experience survival times of 6-12 months.

While thyroid carcinoma is not usually curable, treatment can help control the cancer and maintain a good quality of life for your pet.