Dog Cancer Symptoms and Treatments - Specialty Veterinary Doctors

Finding out that a family pet has cancer can be very overwhelming, but it’s important to keep in mind that different veterinarians might have different views on the best way to treat the disease. When it comes to your dog’s cancer, it’s a good idea to receive more than one opinion and carefully review your choices. Most commonly, veterinary oncologist diagnosis and treat various cancer in dogs. As with people, dogs can get numerous kinds of cancer. The cancerous cells can be localized in a tumor or can be dispersed throughout the body. Unfortunately, no one knows the exact reason why cancer is caused. However, there are studies that points to genetic breed as well as other factors, such as living quarters, food intake, that are claim to attribute to the development of cancer. Older dogs are much more likely to get cancer than younger ones, and certain breeds (Boston terriers, golden retrievers, and boxers) are more likely to develop specific kinds of cancers. Breeds, like Great Danes and Saint Bernard’s, are more susceptible to bone cancer than the smaller breeds of dogs. Before getting a dog, familiarize yourself with the diseases to which your dog might acquire throughout their life. The most apparent and noticeable indication of cancer in dogs would be lumps and tumorous growths on the body. Not all tumors are malignant, but should always be examined by a professional vet. Other symptoms of dog cancer includes: swelling, lethargy, rapid mysterious weight loss, insistent sores and wounds, unusual bodily discharge (urine, feces, blood, etc.), sudden loss of balance or ability to move, difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating and loss of appetite. If a lump is present, the first step is typically a needle biopsy, which removes a very small tissue sample that is sent to the lab for analysis. Vets may also perform surgery to remove all or part of the lump for diagnosis. There are other tests that will help determine whether or not the cells are cancerous including radiographs, ultrasound, and blood tests. You can dramatically reduce your dog’s chance of getting certain types of cancer by having him or her spayed or neutered at a young age. Treatment possibilities differ and are contingent to the type and stage of cancer. Common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. A combination of therapies may be used and the survival rate depends on the form and extent of the cancer and the aggressiveness of the therapy. The truth is, you don’t have to be a veterinary medical doctor to detect cancer in your dog. Regularly inspect them for any abnormal growth and keep track if they start showing any of the related symptoms. Remember early detection is the key in helping your dog survive.