Unfortunately, cancer is as frequent in pets as it is in humans. It can affect all canine breeds and ages, particularly older ones. Every veterinarian knows getting a cancer diagnosis in your animal companion can be devastating and heartbreaking. But like humans, dog cancers caught early can be treated or sometimes successfully cured.
As we proceed, 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 friend can be distressing. Although not all lumps are cancerous, there are a few cancer types usually found in dogs.
Here are five to name a few:
1. Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer)
Osteosarcoma is an excruciating form of bone cancer often found in longer or larger bones of dogs, such as the pelvis or leg bones. Although any dog breeds are at risk of osteosarcoma, veterinarians often see this condition in larger dog breeds like Golden Retrievers, German shepherds, rottweilers, weimaraners, dobermans, boxers, and Irish Wolfhounds.
2. 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 symptoms 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 dog’s toes, eyes, and other body areas.
When you see suspicious round masses that quickly develop, this could be an alarming indicator of melanoma. Take your pet to veterinary surgical specialists to be examined and treated.
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 dog cancer types, the reasons for its high occurrence rate remain unknown. Lymphomas in dogs have no known cause, although certain aspects like genetics and environment are believed to be contributors.
Some of the common symptoms of lymphoma in canines include:
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased urination and thirst
- Swelling or enlarged lymph nodes
If you see these signs altogether, don’t try any home remedies to make your dog feel better. It’s best to have them checked by a vet oncologist so diagnosis and treatment can begin right away. You may visit their website to see their veterinary oncology services.
4. Mast Cell Tumors
A mast cell tumor is a type of skin cancer in the connective tissues, especially the nerves and vessels near the dog’s external surface (mouth, nose, skin, and lungs ). Mast cell tumors are graded and evaluated according to their presence of inflammation and location in the skin. Just as mast cell tumors are common in dogs, so are brain tumors. However, brain tumors usually develop in older canines and are treated by vet neurology specialists. You may click here to learn more about what pet neurologists do.
5. 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 canine’s body are difficult to identify until they grow large enough to be seen.
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 potentially treatable. However, this doesn’t mean every cat or dog cancer can be cured. Factors like tumor type, size, location, specific treatment options, and early detection will determine the outcome for individual patients.
Depending on the type of cancer your animal companion has, treatment might include the following:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Conventional Radiation Therapy
- Palliative Care
- 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 pet’s quality of life by connecting them with professional pet oncologists who can provide tailored treatment plans to guide you through this difficult process.
