Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment of Dog Cancer 

 

Dog Cancer – Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment of Dog Cancer

 

The canine companions  are not just  pets, but that he or she is a beloved, cherished family member. The mutual bond of love and loyalty between you can make a diagnosis of any form of dog cancer very difficult to hear.

Common Types Of Cancer In Dogs

Unlike many other species of animals, dogs are susceptible to the same types of cancer as humans. Cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the body. These cells can originate in any of the body’s tissues. If not found and arrested in time, cancer can expand and connect with the circulatory or lymph systems, and also can spread and infect other tissues in the body. Canine cancer is the leading cause of death for dogs 10 years of age and older. However, half of all cancer in dogs is treatable if it is arrested in its early stages.

Tumors occur when a cell continues to multiply out of control instead of following the natural cycle that ends in cell death. There are two broad categories of tumors: benign and malignant.

Benign tumors lack the ability to spread or invade other healthy tissue. Although they may need medical attention, these are not cancerous.

Malignant tumors, or cancers, spread to other organs and tissues in a process called metastasis. Depending on the type of tumor and how aggressive it is, cancers can pose serious health risks for your dog. To determine how dangerous a tumor is, your vet will examine it and, depending on the type of tumor, assign a grade or stage to your dog’s tumor.

Canine tumors are staged somewhat differently than human tumors. Depending on the type of tumor, they may be staged numerically with Roman numbers ranging from 0 – IV. A higher number means the cancer has spread further.

Other types of tumors are graded differently, so it’s important to work with your vet to understand how any particular type of canine cancer is staged.

The most common types of cancer in dogs are:

• Hemangiosarcoma
• Mast Cell Tumors
• Lymphoma
• Osteosarcoma
• Brain Tumors
• Bladder Cancer
• Mammary Carcinoma
• Malignant Histiocytosis
• Squamous Cell Carcinomas
• Mouth and Nose Cancer
• Melanoma
• Testicular

 

• Hemangiosarcoma:This form of dog cancer is an incurable tumor of cells that line blood vessels, called endothelial cells. Although dogs of any age and breed are susceptible to Hemangiosarcoma, it occurs more commonly in middle aged or elderly dogs. Also certain breeds have a much higher incidence including Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds. For this reason, we may recommend additional screening for these breeds after age 7. This form of dog cancer develops slowly and is essentially painless, so clinical signs are usually not evident until the advanced stages when the tumors are resistant to most treatments. Less than 50% of treated dogs survive more than six months, and many die from severe internal bleeding before there is an opportunity to institute treatment.
• Mast Cell Tumors:These are immune cells that are responsible for allergies. Mast cells can be found in all tissues of the body but typically form tumors on the skin in close to 20 percent in the canine population. They range from relatively benign to extremely aggressive. Certain breeds of dog are at an increased risk for the development of this tumor, indicating that genetics might be a cause. Boxers are especially prone to this type of cancer.
• Lymphoma:This form of dog cancer can affect any dog of any breed at any age. Most of the time, it appears as swollen glands (lymph nodes) that can be seen or felt under the neck, in front of the shoulders, or behind the knee. Occasionally, lymphoma can affect lymph nodes that are not visible from outside the body, such as those inside the chest or in the abdomen. This can cause trouble breathing and digestive trouble. Generally this form of dog cancer is considered treatable if arrested in its early stages. Standard Poodles, Golden Retrievers and Australian Shepherds are a few of the breeds with higher incidence of lymphoma.
• Osteosarcoma:This form of dog cancer is the most common type of primary bone cancer in dogs, accounting for up to 85% of tumors that originate in the skeletal system. Although it mostly affects older large or giant breed dogs, it can affect dogs of any size or age. Osteosarcoma occurs in many areas, but it most commonly affects the bones bordering the shoulder, wrist and knee. A major symptom is lameness in the affected leg, or a swelling over the area that seems painful at the site.
• Brain Tumors:Epileptic-like seizures or other extreme behavioral changes are usually the only clinical signs of a brain tumor. CAT scanning and MRI at a veterinary specialist is used to determine location, size and severity. Although some oral chemotherapy and radiation therapy can control some inoperable tumors, surgical intervention may be recommended if the tumor is operable.
• Bladder Cancer:Some breeds are more at risk for this form of dog cancer than others. This is a slow developing dog cancer, and symptoms may not show for 3 to 6 months. Urinary obstruction and bleeding are common symptoms.
• Mammary Carcinoma:Non-spayed female dogs are at high risk for developing malignant mammary tumors, but all female dogs regardless of reproductive state remain at risk. Approximately 50% of these tumors are malignant, and complete surgical removal is recommended if the cancer has not metastasized.
• Malignant Histiocytosis:This dog cancer affects larger sport breeds most often. It occurs as localized lesions in the spleen, lymph nodes, lung, bone marrow, skin and subcutis, brain, and periarticular tissue of large appendicular (limb) joints. Histiocytic sarcomas can also occur as multiple lesions in single organs (especially spleen), and rapidly disseminate to involve multiple organs. Unfortunately there is no reported effective therapy for this form of dog cancer.
• Squamous Cell Carcinomas:It is most often found in the mouth and the nail beds of the toes. Early detection and complete surgical removal is the most common treatment. Fewer than 20% of dogs develop metastatic disease. SCC of the tonsil and tongue are quite aggressive and fewer than 10% of dogs survive 1 year or longer despite treatment measures.
• Mouth and Nose Cancer:This is a very common form of dog cancer, more so in the mouth than the nose. Symptoms include a mass on the gums, bleeding, odor, or difficulty eating. Since many swellings are malignant, early, aggressive treatment is essential. Cancer may also develop inside the nose of dogs. Bleeding from the nose, breathing difficulty, or facial swelling are symptoms that may indicate nose cancer.
• Melanoma:This form of dog cancer most commonly occurs in canines with dark skin. Melanomas arise from pigment producing cells called melanocytes, which are responsible for coloring the skin. Melanomas can occur in areas of haired skin, where they usually form small, dark (brown to black) lumps, but can also appear as large, flat, wrinkled masses. Malignant melanoma, which develops in the mouth or in the distal limbs (usually the toenail beds), is an incurable disease. These tumors have very often spread to distant parts of the body by the time they are first noticed, making complete surgical removal impossible.
• Testicular:This form of dog cancer is common in unneutered dogs or in dogs with retained testes. This form of dog cancer is largely preventable with neutering, and curable with surgery if arrested early in the disease process.

Symptoms And Signs Of Cancer In Dogs

Some signs of cancer in dogs are easy to spot and others are not. Signs of cancer in dogs may vary greatly depending upon a number of factors. However, the following list identifies some of the most common signs of cancer in dogs:

• Lumps and bumps underneath a dog’s skin
• Abnormal odors emanating from the mouth, ears or any other part of the body
• Abnormal discharge from the eyes, mouth, ears or rectum
• Abdominal swelling
• Non-healing wounds or sores
• Sudden and irreversible weight loss
• Change in appetite
• Coughing or difficulty breathing
• Lethargy or depression
• Changes in bathroom habits
• Evidence of pain

 

What You Need To Know About Tumors In Dogs

Tumors in dogs usually appear as fleshy but solid lumps of tissue underneath a dog’s skin and fur. Not all tumors will be outwardly evident. Sometimes you can see evidence of tumors and sometimes they are deep within the body of the dog. However, early detection and treatment are key to preserving your dog’s health and quality of life. Therefore, it is important to periodically inspect your canine companion for any abnormal lumps and keep a semi-annual veterinary appointment schedule.

Owners most commonly find a tumor on their dog while petting or bathing. If you are running your hand over any part of your dog’s body and feel a lump, call to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Most likely, the veterinarian will want to do a needle aspirate to get cells from the tumor to get a diagnosis on the type of tumor. The diagnosis is helpful in determining what if any type of surgery and or follow up cancer care may be necessary. Some tumors in dogs cannot be visualized but can be palpated (felt with touch) by your veterinarian during the exam. For instance, an enlarged spleen may be palpable to your veterinarian but not visible to the owner. You can reference the list of canine cancer symptoms above to get a better understanding of what symptoms to be on the lookout for.

Diagnosing pet cancer

Currently, there are several tests that help detect cancer in pets. Depending on the location of the tumor, the oncologist will determine the method that will best help to visualize the area in question. The following are some of the methods utilized in diagnosis:

• Biopsy – Remove a sample mass of the affected area and have it lab tested for cancerous cells. If those tests are positive, more samples might be necessary to see if cancer is spreading.
• Blood tests/chemistry functioning – Test doesn’t diagnose cancer, but major changes in the composition of blood indicate health problems. High white blood cell count, low red blood cell count, and changes in kidney and liver functioning are all examined.
• Bone marrow aspiration – Involves removing and testing bone marrow.
• CT scan/MRI – Used to identify tumors near the bone that cannot be seen with an X-ray.
• Endoscopy – A thin tube with a camera attached is inserted into the mouth and nose to discover tumors. Similar to an ultrasound, a biopsy is then required to test the findings.
• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) – Similar to a biopsy, but does not require removal of a mass. Cells are extracted for testing from the mass with a needle. If those cells test positively, more cells might be tested to see how far cancer has spread.
• Immunologic studies – Entails testing the dog’s immune system response.
• Lymph node aspirate – Requires removing and testing lymph node fluid.
• Surgery – Enables veterinarian to examine all potentially cancerous areas in question.
• Ultrasound – Typically used to indicate tumors in the abdomen; a biopsy is then performed to verify the findings.
• X-ray – Allows veterinarian to detect and visualize tumors in chest, bones, and lungs.

Treating pet cancer

In planning your pet’s cancer therapy, we utilize different approaches depending on the type of cancer and how far it has progressed. In learning about various forms of treatment, it is important for pet owners to understand cancer and how it advances.

Cancer is more commonly referred to as a tumor, and it manifests itself as a bump internally or just under the surface of your pet’s skin. Tumors (collections of cancer cells) come in two forms:

• Benign: Slow growing; don’t spread. Usually surgically removed, but sometimes left alone if they are considered a non-threat.
• Malignant: Also called carcinomas, sarcomas, and lymphomas; spread to other parts of the body. Can lead to pet death.

While healthy cells within a feline age and die, they are also limited in the number of times they can replicate. Malignant cancer cells are mutated and don’t age, enabling them to reproduce an unlimited number of times. This mutation allows cancer cells to outlive healthy pet cells, slowly outnumber them, and take over. In treating pet cancer, we strive to kill these mutated cells and stop the cancer before it spreads.

The most common cancer treatment methods for pets include chemotherapy, cryosurgery, electrocautery, immunotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Depending on your pet’s circumstances, one or multiple treatments might be appropriate for their particular cancer. Also, some pet cancer cases might need to be referred to an oncology specialist. If your pet requires treatment beyond what we offer in-house, we may refer you to a specialist that we are in close contact with.

The following briefly describes what each treatment method entails:

Electrocautery/Cryosurgery – Surface tumors are removed by electrically burning them off or by freezing them off.

Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy kills cancer cells along with normal, healthy cells. “Chemo”, as it is commonly referred to, tends to be more toxic to the cancer cells rather than healthy cells, but can kill both, leaving a pet fragile and potentially more susceptible to catching a viral or bacterial illness.

Immunotherapy – The veterinarian injects the patient with antibodies that engage the patient’s immune system to help kill malignant cancer cells.

Radiation – Radiation localizes energy waves to penetrate cancer cells, killing them by damaging their DNA and stopping them from multiplying. The veterinarian focuses treatment only on the affected area.

Surgery – Completely removes certain cancers and makes others much less substantial. Surgery is typically performed before cancer cells further replicate and advance to other areas of the patient’s body.

 

Treatment Options For Dogs With Cancer

Several factors influence cancer treatment decisions for dogs with cancer, including:

• Age of the dog
• General health of the dog
• Tumor type
• Biological behavior of the tumor
• The Stage of the Cancer

The patient’s overall health status plays a major role in therapy choices for dogs with cancer. This includes evaluating the patient for his or her ability to tolerate cancer treatment. Life expectancy should be taken into consideration as well; for a slow-growing tumor in an older dog, for example, treatment drawbacks may outweigh potential benefits.

 

Dog Tumors FAQs

How do you tell the difference between a cyst and a tumor on a dog?

A cyst and a tumor are differentiated by a fine needle aspirate or biopsy. Cysts are usually filled with fluid or waxy debris, whereas tumors are usually more solid.

Can dogs live with mast cell tumors?

Mast cell tumors that are low grade may be present for years without being detected. Mast cell tumors can look like just about any other type of tumor, so a fine needle aspirate is needed to help diagnose them.

High-grade mast cell tumors can spread, invade healthy tissue, and are fatal in the long term. The only way to determine a high-grade versus a low-grade mast cell tumor is through removal and testing with a pathologist.

What does a tumor look like on a dog? What does a benign tumor look like on a dog?

Tumors can present in lots of different ways on your dog: a lump or bump on the skin, a change in coloration, or even a change in the consistency of the skin. Tumors are frequently found on routine physical exam by your veterinarian, which is one of the many reasons you should have your dog checked by the vet regularly. The only way to determine whether a mass is benign or malignant is to take a sample of the tumor for testing.

Are cancerous tumors in dogs hard or soft?

Cancerous or malignant tumors can be hard or soft. The feel of a mass and whether it bothers your dog has little to do with whether it is cancerous or not.

How can you tell the difference between a tumor and a fatty tumor on a dog?

The only sure way to determine whether a tumor is a fatty tumor (lipoma) or something else is with a fine needle aspirate or biopsy. Lipomas are very common in dogs, and while it can be tempting to diagnose them based on feel, this can end up missing a more dangerous diagnosis. Any new lump or bump on your dog should be checked by your veterinarian.

What do skin tumors look like on dogs?

Skin tumors in dogs can come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. The bumps vets get more concerned about are ones that are in the skin layer versus on top of it like a skin tag or wart-like growth common in older dogs.

10 Early Warning Signs of Cancer in Dogs

 

1. Lumps and bumps underneath your pet’s skin

You can gently run your hands across your dog’s skin like this, feeling for abnormal lumps and bumps beneath the skin. Unfortunately, to the touch, you can’t tell if a lump is cancerous or not, so it’s best to have it tested by a vet.

Lumps can form on any part of your dog’s body, including between the toes, so it’s great if you can train your dog to be able to look at it’s feet.

2. Abnormal odours from the mouth, ears, or other parts of your dog’s body

If you notice an unusual smell coming from your dog’s mouth or ears, this is a warning sign of cancer in dogs. They may need a dental or have an ear infection. Tumours in the mouth can result in a bad smell too.

3. Non-healing wounds or sores

Persistent, non-healing wounds or sores can be a sign that your dog’s immune system isn’t functioning properly, or is busy combating another infection. Cancers can also look like non-healing sores.

4. Loss of appetite or weight loss

Loss of appetite or rapid weight loss is a sign that something isn’t right with your dog.

Sometimes this can relate to dental or other medical issues, and in other instances, it’s an indication of something more serious – particularly if it’s out of character for your dog, or is also combined with other warning signs of cancer in dogs.

5. Coughing or difficult breathing

If your dog has had a persistent cough for longer than a couple of days, or has started to display breathing difficulties, this can indicate more serious health issues that need to be investigated.

Dogs don’t really get colds and coughs like humans, so this could be a sign of cancer in dogs.

6. Increased drinking or frequency of urinating

Increased drinking or urinating can be a warning sign for certain types of cancer in dogs, as well as other metabolic illnesses.

If your dog has started to go outside multiple times in an evening, it’s time to get this checked.

7. Difficulty in swallowing

If your dog is having difficulty in swallowing then this may be a potential warning sign of throat and neck cancers. This is something you should be paying attention to.

8. Changes in bathroom habits

If your dog is starting to display trouble when urinating or is struggling or straining when defecating it could be an infection or a sign of cancer in dogs.

9. Evidence of pain

Some cancers, in particular bone cancer, show themselves through your dog presenting signs of pain or discomfort such as limping and lameness.

If your dog is showing reluctance to do physical acts that were previously, it’s time for a check up – arthritis is also common in older dogs, and there are ways we can make them more comfortable.

10. Lower energy levels

If you dog is lethargic, and isn’t showing enthusiasm for its usual favourite activities, then you should be alert and have your pet checked.

Lower energy levels can be a sign of different ailments in older pets, many of which can be treated, such as heart disease and cancer.

Dispelling the Myths of Pet Cancer Treatment

There are many misconceptions regarding pet cancer care treatments. Below, we have listed a few of the most common myths along with explanations as to why they are false. If after reading these, you still have questions or concerns about treating your pet’s cancer, please contact us. We’re happy to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient locations in Westford, MA or Windham, NH to see your pet and answer any additional questions you may have.

Myth 1: The prognosis is always poor with a cancer diagnosis.

• Truth:Every prognosis (the pet’s expected lifespan after being diagnosed with cancer) depends on the type of cancer and how advanced it is at the time it is diagnosed. Many cancers can be effectively managed for an extended period of time.

Myth 2: My pet has been diagnosed with cancer, but he seems fine, so it’s okay to watch and wait.

• Truth:Early detection and treatment is key to the best outcome possible for your pet. Surgery is less complicated with smaller tumors, and chemotherapy and radiation are more effective in the early stages of the disease. However, if your pet’s cancer is more advanced at the time of diagnosis, there can still be options to help maintain an excellent quality of life for a period of time. Treating your pet’s cancer while he feels good can improve the prognosis and response to treatment.

​​​​​​​Myth 3: There is only one treatment option for cancer.

• Truth: Chemotherapy is one treatment option for cancer. Other modalities to treat cancer are radiation, surgery, and immunotherapy. The oncologist will discuss which treatment or combination of treatments is most appropriate for your pet’s cancer. We work hard to personalize a therapeutic plan that works best for you and your pet.

Myth 4: Cancer treatment is too expensive.

• Truth:The cost of treatment is dependent on many factors, and there are moderately priced options that may be appropriate to treat your pet’s cancer. The oncologist can discuss your options and will come up with a treatment plan that’s right for you and your pet.

Myth 5: Chemotherapy will make my pet sick.

• Truth:The number one goal of chemotherapy is to maintain the quality of life for as long as possible. The chance of significant side effects of this treatment is less than 10% in most cases. If side effects do occur, they tend to be temporary, and they resolve within a few days.

Myth 6: My pet is too old to undergo therapy.

• Truth:Age is not a disease. As long as they are otherwise healthy, dogs and cats can tolerate chemotherapy treatment very well, regardless of age.

Myth 7: My pet will have frequent long visits to the hospital.

• Truth:Treatment protocols range from once a week to once a month. Most on-going treatment visits are on an out-patient basis and are scheduled for 30 minutes.

Myth 8: My pet’s quality of life will be reduced during therapy.

• Truth:Our goal is to extend an excellent quality of life, longer than would otherwise be possible without treatment. Your pet’s quality of life will never be sacrificed just to buy more time.

​​​​​​​Myth 9: My pet will go bald during chemotherapy.

• Truth:Most cats and dogs have fur—not hair—and their fur is not continuously growing. For this reason, most pets do not go bald during therapy. However, there are a few breeds of dogs with continuously growing hair that can experience hair loss, and cats may lose their whiskers.

Myth 10: My pet’s daily activities will need to change during treatment.

• Truth:Pets continue to live normal active lives during therapy. There are no restrictions on their activities. We have successfully treated police dogs, agility dogs, and assistance dogs who all have continued to perform at a high level throughout their treatment. With this in mind, you should expect your dog to continue to do all his normal activities while undergoing chemotherapy.
• https://www.pashudhanpraharee.com/dog-cancer-chemotherapy-treatment-procedure-in-dogs/