Home     After Hours Emergencies     About Us     Tour the Hospital (360°)     Contact Us     Forms     Health Certificates     Health Library     News & Events     Pet Care     Pharmacy      
Addison's Disease
Allergies
Anal Glands
Arthritis
Bloat
Cancer
Diabetes Mellitus
Heart Disease
Hip Dysplasia
Hot Spots/Skin
Hyper/Hypothyroidism
IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)
Kennel Cough
Kidney Disease
Liver Disease
Obesity
Pancreatitis
Periodontal Disease
Reverse Sneezing
Subcutaneous Fluids
Urinary Incontinence
UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)

Cancer

 

Cancer is a class of diseases in which cells grow uncontrollably, invade surrounding tissue and can spread to other areas of the body. As with people, pets can get various kinds of cancer. The disease can be localized (confined to one area, like a tumor) or generalized (spread throughout the body).

Cancer is a “multifactorial” disease, which means it has no known single cause. However, we do know that hereditary and environmental factors can contribute to the development of cancer in dogs. Symptoms of cancer in dogs may include: lumps (which are not always malignant, but should always be examined by a vet), swelling, persistent sores, abnormal discharge from any part of the body, bad breath, listlessness/lethargy, rapid, often unexplained weight loss, sudden lameness, black tarry stools (a symptom of ulcers, which can be caused by mast cell tumors), decreased or loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating. If a lump is present, the first step is typically a needle biopsy, which removes a very small tissue sample. Alternately, surgery may be performed to remove all or part of the lump for diagnosis by a pathologist. Radiographs, ultrasound, blood evaluation and other diagnostic tests may also be helpful in determining if cancer is present or if it has spread.

 

Older dogs are much more likely to develop cancer than younger ones, and certain breeds are prone to specific kinds of cancers. Boxers, Boston terriers and golden retrievers are among the breeds that most commonly develop mast cell tumors. Large and giant breeds, like Great Danes and Saint Bernards, are much more likely to suffer from bone cancer than smaller breeds. It is important to be familiar with the diseases to which your dog might have a breed predisposition. You can dramatically reduce your dog’s chance of getting certain types of cancer by having him or her altered at a young age. Breast cancer, the most common cancer for female dogs, can be avoided almost completely by having your dog spayed before her first heat cycle. And of course, a properly neutered male dog has zero chance of developing testicular cancer. Additionally, some believe that adding antioxidants such as vitamins C and E to a dog’s diet will reduce the likelihood of cancer.

 

Treatment options vary and depend on the type and stage of cancer. Common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. A combination of therapies may be used. Success of treatment depends on the form and extent of the cancer and the aggressiveness of the therapy. Of course, early detection is best. Some dog owners opt for no treatment of the cancer at all, in which case palliative care, including pain relief, should be offered. Regardless of how you proceed after a diagnosis of cancer in your pet, it is very important to consider his quality of life when making future decisions. Some cancers can be cured, and almost all patients can receive at least some benefit from treatment. Please note that if your dog’s cancer is not curable, there are still many things you can do to make your pet feel better. Don’t hesitate to talk to your vet about your options. And don’t forget that good nutrition and loving care from all the members of your family can greatly enhance your dog’s quality of life.

 

 

** This information was retrieved from the ASPCA website.