Quick Information On Canine Tumors And Cancer

Pets can get cancer too. And when this happens, it can be devastating to the owners and

parents of these animals. There are a variety of different types of dog cancers and canine

tumors, but one of the deadliest (and most silent) is hemangiosarcoma, which is cancer of

the blood cells.

This type of cancer can show up as skin cancer. If this is the case, it’s good news because

skin cancer in dogs can be effectively treated if caught early enough. Hemangiosarcoma can

also show up as cancer of the internal organs like the heart or the spleen.

If canine tumors are found in the heart or spleen, the prognosis tends to be extremely poor.

Aggressive treatments aren’t that effective with this type of cancer. Generally the only time

the owner knows their dog has this type of cancer is when the dog tumor ruptures and

there’s massive internal bleeding.

Blood cancer is extremely difficult to treat. Usually by the time of diagnosis, the cancer will

have spread to other parts of the body. Often a dog will only have weeks or months to live

after the diagnosis even with aggressive therapy like chemotherapy and surgery.

Any breed of dog can get blood cancer. But this type of cancer is more prevalent in certain

species of dogs, mainly Labrador retrievers, German shepherd dogs and golden retrievers.

But other species like Siberian huskies and miniature poodles have been known to die due

to blood cancer.

As a pet parent, you need to be especially vigilant with your pet’s health to be able to catch

blood cancer early enough. Still, even the most vigilant pet parents miss the symptoms.

They can be so subtle.

Skin based canine tumors are easier to find. You’ll notice an unusual growth on the skin and

get a biopsy done so your vet can determine if it’s cancerous. Only your vet will be able to

identify tumors as cancerous. Many canine tumors on the skin are benign.

Cancer of the internal organs is much more difficult to diagnose. The symptoms are very

subtle and more often than not, there are no symptoms at all. A few signs include weight

loss, weakness, loss of appetite, lack of energy and difficulty breathing. These can be signs

of another condition, aging or they could be a sign of canine tumor growth. In order to get a

definitive diagnosis, your vet may need to order an ultrasound, CT, other diagnostic scans

or x-ray.

If you have found any symptom that your pet is facing, maybe a trip to the vet cannot be

ruled out. You need to ensure that all preventive tests and examinations are done to catch

any growth of cancer in the early stages. These can be treated comparatively easily before

the malignancy spreads. Additionally, care about your pet. If it is too weak or cannot walk,

it needs all your love and care as it heals or takes the last few breaths.

Symptoms And Signs Of Dog Cancer

Animals are susceptible to many of the same illnesses and diseases that humans have.

People can have cancer, for example, and there is dog cancer and animal cancer as well.

Dog cancer, just like cancer in people, has the potential to be a deadly disease. It becomes

more deadly if the cancer isn’t caught early enough which is common. Animal cancer

symptoms may not show up early enough in dogs until the cancer has become chronic or

advanced. As a dog owner, it’s a good idea to educate yourself about the basics of dog

cancer so that you can get your pooch the help she needs before the cancer becomes

untreatable.

Weight loss is a common sign of poor health. It could mean any type of health problem, but

a lot of the time it can be an indication of cancer. Consider it a warning sign if your dog

suddenly starts to lose a lot of weight even though he’s been on a healthy diet. Rapid

weight loss could be a sign of a tumor in the digestive tract.

Lumps are one of the most recognizable signs of a cancer. If you discover any unusual

swelling or lumps in your dog’s body, you should consult your vet right away. There is the

possibility that the lump or swelling is benign, but it’s better to be safe and get it checked

out. Your vet will complete a biopsy to determine if the lump is cancerous.

Stiff limbs in canines can be a sign of age. It can also be a sign of dog cancer. Prolonged

stiffness in the limbs is often one of the main symptoms of this type of animal cancer. It

could be a muscle pull or arthritis, but your dog’s health depends on you not assuming that

is the case. If you notice your dog has difficulty moving, take your pooch to the vet.

Strange or unusual eating habits can be a sign of cancer. If your dog starts to eat irregularly

or if your dog refuses any food, this could be an indication that your dog has cancer. Dogs

can get mouth cancer and if this happens, they usually don’t want to eat. Common signs of

mouth cancer are strange growth on the gums, bleeding of the gums and extremely bad

breath.

Difficulty pooping and peeing can be a sign that your dog has cancer. Prostate cancer is

dogs may be rare, but it’s possible so this type of cancer can’t be ruled out. If you suspect

your dog has difficulty urinating and defecating, watch him closer and report your

observations to your vet. It is important to refer to an experienced vet as they have seen

and treated different stages of cancer in animals and would be able to guide you properly.

Not just your pet, but it can be devastating for you as your pet suffers and you cannot really

do much about it.

Ways To Treat Dog Tumors

Depending who you talk to, there are people who insist that dog cancer and dog tumors are

becoming an epidemic. Discovering that your canine has cancer doesn’t need to be a death

sentence. While many dogs, just like people, may die because of cancer, there are also

many who can be treated of the tumors and go on to live a happy dog life.

The most common type of dog tumors is mast cell tumors. Some suspect the reason for this

is that too many commercial dog foods are poisoned with chemicals or harmful inhalants.

But there are no definitive studies to prove this point.

Cancer Remission

Mast cell tumors are also called mast cell sarcoma or mastocytomas. Whatever the type of

mast cell tumor your dog may, you’ll discover that the treatments are similar. The

treatments are effective with those dogs treated for cancer having 80 percent remission

chance. The chance of a remission depends on how soon the cancer is discovered and the

stage and grade of the tumor. It also depends on the type of cancer and if it requires

surgery to remove. Skin tumors, for example, tend to be considered treatable if discovered

early enough. Surgery is generally required to remove the dog tumor, but once removed,

the skin cancer rarely returns.

Is Surgery Important?

Surgery is difficult on your dog and so are other cancer treatments, like chemotherapy. Your

vet will help you determine if your dog will be able to tolerate these types of treatments or

if your dog is to a point where it may be best to let him go. The vet may prescribe pain

killers to help reduce the pain and swelling caused by surgery or chemotherapy. Prednisone,

a corticosteroid, is one of the most common ways of treatment. It should be noted that

prednisone is not a cure. It will not treat the underlying cause of whatever is bothering your

dog. It’s meant to treat the symptoms.

Holistic Healing

Some vets may want to work on helping triggering your dog’s natural immune response.

There is a place for medicinal treatments but it’s often a good idea to use natural and

alternative options as well. Dogs cannot generally cure themselves of dog tumors. If your

dog already has cancer, he’ll need medical help from the vet. But using steps like food and

the right amount of exercise to trigger the internal healing system can help a dog better

handle the grueling treatment process and assist in reducing the chance of a remission.

It is best to discuss the health details and things about your pet that you have noticed over

the weeks, with the vet. Working with an experienced vet becomes important as they have

treated and cared for innumerable animals suffering with debilitating diseases. This practical

experience helps them judge better. Thus, you can use different techniques and incorporate

holistic healing methods along with traditional treatments to alleviate pain in your pet.

Are Some Dog Breeds Susceptible To Pet Cancer?

Pet cancer is more common than many people think. Any animal can get cancer. Although

any animal can get cancer, there are certain breeds and species that are more likely to get

this disease.

In the case of dogs, any canine can get cancer. But studies show that pet cancer is more

prevalent in certain species of dogs. Here’s a look at some of the breeds of dogs that get

cancer more often than other breeds.

Bichon Frise: Small and absolutely adorable looking, this dog is also known for its overall

cheerful attitude and playful nature. They’re often a great family dog, but they are prone to

certain types of health issues. They are at high risk for cancer, but also allergies, liver

disease and patellar luxation (dislocated knee cap).

Rottweiler: A huge, powerful breed with a large head and solid body. They’re known for

their stretch. They’re also known for having a higher rate of bone cancer than any other dog

breed. One way to help minimize cancer is to provide them with plenty of exercise.

Bouvier Des Flandres: Not as common as the above two species, this one is known for being

great farm dogs. They’re fearless and strong. They’re also one of the top breeds for getting

pet cancer. Other health conditions this breed experiences is elbow and hip dysplasia, heart

diseases and glaucoma.

German shepherd: This is an intelligent breed of dog make great companion dogs. They’re

often the breed used as police dogs. This dog is susceptible to many forms of cancer but is

most susceptible to hermangiosarcoma, which is a type of blood cancer.

Labrador retriever: Generally known for being friendly and loyal, the lab has a high cancer

rate. They also have the tendency to gain weight and need to be kept active to help

maintain a healthy weight and a healthy body.

Great Dane: These large dogs have a beautiful sense of gracefulness and are known for

their hunting skills. They’re also at a high risk of a variety of illnesses like cardiomyopathy,

and osteosarcoma (bone cancer).

Bernese mountain dog: Known for their confident personalities, the Bernese is at high risk

for cancer that usually appears between the age of 6 to 9 years old. Other health conditions

include elbow and hip dysplasia and gastric torsion.

Cats can get cancer as well, and birds, too, are just as susceptible to pet cancer as other

pets. Certain species of birds (parrots, macaws, cockatiels) are known for getting

fibrosarcoma, or cancer of the connective tissues.

If you have a pet that has suddenly lost oodles of weight and appears lethargic with stiff

limbs, it needs immediate medical attention. All of these three symptoms are symptoms of

cancer. Your vet will do other tests to check whether the symptoms are indications of other

diseases as well. This will help you get accurate information about the health of your lovable

pet.