Signs of Cancer in Dogs

What’s the worst thing to witness if you are a dog parent? Seeing your doggo ill. However, you can get so much information about the symptoms of cancer in dogs and preventive measures on the internet.

Some of it might be right while some might not fit your pup’s problem. 

So, we have decided to compile all the signs and preventive measures about cancer in dogs. It will help you identify any worrying signs that you might notice in your four-legged baby. 

Note: This is a general guide. It is not comprehensive, so please consult your vet.  

5 COMMON TYPES OF DOG CANCER

Hemangiosarcoma (HSA)

This is a common type of cancer in dogs that invades the blood vessels. Though it can be found anywhere on a dog, but it is most commonly found on the liver, heart, spleen, or skin. It is usually seen in older dogs. It can occur in any breed but commonly, it occurs in Shepherds, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers. 

Common Symptoms of HSA:

• Weakness, collapse
• Lethargy
• Pale gums
• Mass under skin (in cutaneous hemangiosarcoma cases)

Your dog could experience more severe weakness and lethargy if the tumor has ruptured. For this type of cancer, surgery is the most common treatment. Chemotherapy is often delivered so that the cancer doesn’t spread to other parts of the body after 1-3 months of the surgery.  

Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma is seen in people, while canine lymphoma is similar to it. Lymphoma isn’t one type of cancer, but it is used to cover all the different cancers that stem from the lymphocytes. 

You may not know but there are 30 kinds of lymphoma which vary in signs, severity, and survival rate. Multicentric lymphoma is the most common of these types and makes up about 80% of all lymphomas. The enlargement of the lymph nodes is the most obvious manifestation. 

Osteosarcoma 

This type of cancer that originates in the bones and bone marrow poses more risk to the larger breed dogs. Osteosarcoma is very aggressive, and causes painful bone destruction where the tumor’s growth is taking place. 

Some signs of osteosarcoma are swelling, degrees of lameness, loss of appetite, irritability, weight loss, aggression, sleeplessness, and decreased physical activity. If you notice any of the such symptoms, you should contact your vet immediately so he can make a proper diagnosis. 

Melanoma

Melanoma is most commonly found in the mouth, on the skin, or around the nail bed of dogs. It may start to present itself as dark, raised masses on the skin or mouth, though the color can appear as pinkish too. 

Some signs of melanoma include bad breath, bleeding, excessive drooling, pain, and difficulty eating.

Majority of the times, melanoma is benign. However, melanoma in the mouth or around the nail beds can be malignant. It can even spread to other parts of the body. It can appear as small, dark lumps or maybe large wrinkled areas on their skin.  

Most common treatments include surgery and/or radiation therapy.

Mammary Carcinoma

If you have a neutered female dog, you might be happy to know that those have a lower risk for this type of cancer. It is very common in non-sprayed female canines. 

Signs of mammary carcinoma can include pain, inflammation in the overlying skin, ulceration, edema, redness, etc. 

The treatment for this type of cancer depends on the stage that the disease is in, but most common form of treatment is surgery. 

SIGNS OF DOG CANCER: WHAT TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR

Flint Animal Cancer Center has concluded that some of the recommended signs to watch out for in your dogs for early diagnosis and treatment of cancer are the following:

• Excessive diarrhea
• Excessive vomiting 
• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Open wounds that are not healing at a normal pace. 
• Unusual swelling that has grown or has not gone down in a few days
• Lumps that are enlarging over time
• Discharge of any part of the body 
• Bleeding
• Bad odor
• Decrease in stamina 
• Issues with breathing 
• Straining to urinate or poop. 

If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet. 

PREVENTING Dog CANCER 

Nutrition and exercise can play very important role in your doggo’s healthy and happy life. Not all cancers can be prevented

Awareness helps in minimizing the chances of your dog getting cancer. 

Read our guide on how to find the best vet clinic in Dubai

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