Our vets know that finding a lump on your canine friend can be very worrying. While many lumps are not cancer related, there are a number of cancers which are common in dogs and it can be helpful to watch for the signs of this serious disease.
Types of Cancer in Dogs
Our dogs are much loved members of our families and are frequently our most loyal of friends, so we know that it's distressing to think that your dog may have an illness as serious as cancer. While no one really wants to think about their dog becoming unwell knowing what the signs of cancer are in dogs, so that you can spot any symptoms early, is your best way of helping your dog get treatment before the disease becomes more advanced.
It may surprise you to learn that dogs can get many of the same types of cancer that people do, and with very similar symptoms. Here are some of the most common types of cancer that our vets see in dogs:
Lymphoma/Lymphosarcoma
Lymphoma is a very common form of cancer in dogs and there are more than 30 types of lymphoma which dogs can develop. In fact, lymphoma is a generic term used by vets to describe a group of cancers that stem from a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes that help the immune system to fight off infection. The most common types of dog lymphoma are, multicentric, alimentary, mediastinal and extranodal lymphoma.Mast Cell Tumor
Mast cell tumors are found on the dog's skin, and depending on the location can be difficult for your vet to remove. The good news is that this type of cancer in dogs can be cured if the tumor is detected early and fully removed.Melanoma
Melanoma also causes skin tumors. These tumors will often be found in and around the dog's mouth or on the dog's feet. Melanoma can is prone to spreading quickly to other areas of the dog's body and tends to be malignant.Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer)
Osteosarcoma is the most common form of bone cancer in dogs. Although any breed can be affected by this type of cancer, our vets most often see osteosarcoma in larger breeds.Hemangiosarcoma
This form of cancer is very serious and requires emergency intervention or it may be quickly fatal! Hemangiosarcoma tumors in dogs can grow quite large and are often found in the spleen, but may grow anywhere blood vessels are present and can spread to other organs, including the dog's heart and lungs.Fibrosarcoma
This is a slow spreading form of cancer in dogs but can be difficult to treat. Amputation and radiation are commonly used to treat dogs with fibrosarcoma, in order to prevent a recurrence.Signs & Symptoms of Cancer in Dogs
It can be difficult to detect signs of cancer by simply looking at your dog. In fact, even blood work often cannot detect certain cancers in dogs. That said, there are some signs that you can watch for that can indicate your dog may have cancer. As with people, early detection is the key to positive treatment outcomes when it comes to cancer in dogs. If your dog is displaying any of the following signs, make an appointment to see your vet as soon as possible.
- Sores that don't heal
- Bleeding or discharge
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Strong odor
- Swelling
- Lumps or bumps beneath the skin
- Lethargy, depression, disinterest in exercise
- Difficult or painful breathing or coughing
- Straining when going to the bathroom
- Challenges when eating or swallowing
- Pain or difficulty walking, lameness or stiffness
Diagnosis
It is essential to be aware of changes in your dog's behavior and pay attention to any bumps or lumps you may feel while petting and grooming your dog. If your canine friend is displaying one or more of the symptoms listed above, make an appointment to see your vet immediately.
Your vet may perform a biopsy or other test that will be sent to a lab for testing, as well as palpate your dog to feel for any lumps or bumps. Through testing and a thorough examination, your vet will be able to determine if your dog has cancer and what the best treatment options are.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.