Unfortunately, cancer is as common in dogs as it is in humans. It can affect all canine breeds and ages, particularly older ones. Every vet knows getting a cancer diagnosis in your animal companion can be heartbreaking and devastating. But like humans, dog cancers caught early can be treated or sometimes successfully cured.
As we get going, we’ll discuss the different types of cancer in dogs and the treatment options commonly used to treat them.
Dog Cancer Types You Should Know About
Finding a lump on your four-legged companion can be disturbing. Although not all lumps are cancerous, there are a few cancer types commonly found in dogs.
Here are five to name a few:
1. Soft-tissue Sarcoma
Soft-tissue sarcoma can develop inside or outside a dog’s body. These cancer bumps can be easily spotted outside, especially in their early stages. However, sarcomas that develop inside a dog’s body are difficult to recognize until they grow big enough to be seen.
2. Mast Cell Tumors
A mast cell tumor is a type of skin cancer in the connective tissues, particularly the vessels and nerves near the dog’s external surface (mouth, nose, lungs, and skin ). Mast cell tumors are evaluated and graded according to their presence of inflammation and location in the skin. Just as mast cell tumors are common in canines, so are brain tumors. However, brain tumors often develop in older dogs and are treated by vet neurologists in facilities like The Regional Veterinary Referral Center.
3. Lymphoma
This type of pet cancer can cause cancer bumps on the lymph nodes and targets the dog’s immune system. While lymphoma is among the most common pet cancer types, the causes of its high occurrence rate remain unknown. Lymphomas in dogs have no known cause, although particular aspects like genetics and environment are believed to be contributors.
Some of the common symptoms of lymphoma in canines include:
- Fever
- Swelling or enlarged lymph nodes
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Increased urination and thirst
- Difficulty breathing
- Weight loss
If you notice these signs altogether, don’t try any home remedies to make your pet feel better. It’s best to have them checked by a vet oncologist so diagnosis and treatment can begin right away. You may check their website for more info on oncology vet specialists.
4. Melanoma
Melanoma tumors can be found anywhere on a canine’s body, usually 1/4 inch to 2 inches in diameter. Swollen lymph nodes are among the primary signs you should look out for. Generally, melanoma can be treated by removing the tumor and addressed through early detection. Pet parents can spot unusual masses by regularly inspecting their pet’s toes, eyes, and other body areas.
When you see suspicious round masses that quickly develop, this could be an alarming symptom of melanoma. Take your pet to professionals specializing in dog surgery in Springfield, VA, to be examined and treated.
5. Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer)
Osteosarcoma is an excruciating form of bone cancer typically found in longer or larger bones of dogs, such as the pelvis or leg bones. Although any canine breeds are susceptible to osteosarcoma, vets often see this condition in larger dog breeds like Golden Retrievers, German shepherds, rottweilers, weimaraners, dobermans, Irish Wolfhounds, and boxers.
Pet Cancer Treatment Options
As veterinary medicine continues to advance, treatments for pet cancer are being made more available and effective than ever. In some cases, it’s even possibly curable. However, this does not mean every cat or dog cancer can be cured. Factors like tumor type, location, size, specific treatment options, and early detection will determine the result for individual patients.
Depending on the type of cancer your animal companion has, treatment might include the following:
- Palliative Care
- Surgery
- Conventional Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Holistic or herbal therapy
Final Thoughts
Cancer can be a distressing medical diagnosis for pets and their fur parents. While the road ahead may be full of uncertainties and mixed emotions, you can still improve your dog’s quality of life by connecting them with expert pet oncologists who can provide tailored treatment plans to guide you through this difficult process.
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