Dogs with Cancer: Signs, Treatment, and What to Do Next
Dogs, like humans, can suffer from many diseases and illnesses, including cancer. While hearing the word “cancer” can feel overwhelming, it’s important to know that not all cancers are the same. Many are treatable with early detection and proper care.
Understanding the signs, supportive options, and available treatments can help you navigate your dog’s cancer diagnosis with greater confidence. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect if your dog is diagnosed with cancer and share expert advice to help you make informed decisions for your furry friend.
What is Cancer in Dogs and Is It Common?
Cancer occurs when abnormal cells within the body grow uncontrollably and eventually spread to other parts of the body. It's an unfortunate ailment and can be fatal for dogs.
Some cancers are more aggressive and spread quickly, while others can progress slowly. Being aware of signs and symptoms can help to stop the spread and treat canine cancer.
Dogs can get different types of cancer. Here are some of the most common cancers and warning signs for pet owners.
Common Types of Cancer in Dogs
The most common types of cancer in dogs include:
Lymphoma - similar to human lymphoma, dogs can get cancer in the lymph nodes, affecting the immune system cells.
Melanoma - skin cancer is also common in canines; the cells produce different pigments in the skin, mouth (oral cancer), eyes, or nails.
Osteosarcoma - referred to often as bone cancer, dogs that are larger breeds are more affected by these aggressive cancer cells that can spread quickly to other parts of the body if left untreated.
Hemangiosarcoma - malignant tumors that can develop anywhere where blood vessels run throughout the dog's body.
Bladder cancer - bladder cancer is a slow-spreading form of cancer, with frequent UTIs increasing the risk, and some breeds are at a higher risk for this type of cancer than others.
Mast Cell Tumors - Mastocytoma is known as mast cell tumors, a skin cancer type with varying severity levels.
Synovial cell sarcoma - a malignant tumor that’s the most common cause of arthritis in dogs.
Mammary Tumors - unspayed female canines often suffer from this type of cancer.
Each type of cancer comes with its own set of symptoms and needs for treatment. If you have any concerns about your dog regarding cancer, you should contact your veterinarian for assistance immediately. Here are some warning signs to watch out for with canine cancer.
Early Warning Signs of Cancer in Dogs
Pet owners who can detect cancer early stand a far better chance for improved outcomes with their furry companion since cancer in its early stages is far more treatable than advanced cancers. It's a good idea to be alert and watch out for these early warning signs of cancer, which include:
Unidentified lumps or bumps on the skin
Loss of appetite or appetite changes, where your dog is eating more or less
Smells or odors you can't identify that may stem from sores or wounds
Lethargy and mobility problems
Challenges with eating, breathing, or going to the bathroom
Joints swelling or swelling in different areas of the body
Understanding these signs and symptoms can help with early detection. Routine and regular checkups with your dog's vet plays a significant role in catching cancer early, too.
Diagnosing Cancer in Dogs
Your dog's veterinarian can diagnose cancer in various ways. Your dog may need to be examined by a veterinary oncologist for more conclusive results.
The Importance of Early Detection
Early diagnosis of cancer in dogs works in their favor by expanding options for treatment and improving their chance of recovery or long-term management of the problem. As a pet parent, if you detect any unusual symptoms, you're better off being safe by contacting your vet rather than waiting for the issue to worsen since it could be fatal.
Common Diagnostic Procedures
Your dog's vet usually will undergo different procedures for a cancer diagnosis. They may do a thorough physical examination to feel for any visible signs or abnormalities in other parts of your dog.
For a more accurate diagnosis of your pet , they may need to utilize imaging techniques like X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans to locate abnormal cells or tumors. In some cases, an MRI or endoscopy could help determine cancer.
A biopsy may be necessary for a lab to identify the type of cancer in your dog. Your vet may also take blood work from your dog to help gain more insight into your dog's overall health and potential systems of the body involved.
Treatment Options for Dogs With Cancer
There are varying treatment options for dogs with cancer, and the best treatment depends on your vet's medical advice. There may be more than one option you can do to treat your dog.
Standard Treatment Options
The standard options for treatment for dogs with cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Your vet may suggest one, two, or all three depending on the severity of the cancer and what treatments can work best.
Surgery can be the best option when a tumor is localized in one part of the body. Chemotherapy is more effective for systemic cancers like types of lymphoma.
Radiation therapy is often used to target specific areas of the body to shrink tumors, sometimes prior to specialty surgery, so the tumor is more manageable for surgical removal.
Innovative and Emerging Treatments
There are some newer innovative and emerging types of treatments for pet dogs regarding cancer. You may want to discuss immunotherapy with your vet, which helps to boost the immune system to fight cancer cells, drugs designed for specific cancers, and even clinical trials that can offer more experimental treatments for high-risk cancers.
It can be helpful to be aware of all types of treatment options for informational purposes so you can make a more informed decision regarding your dog's treatment. Talk to your doctor about new treatments to see if any can work with other types of therapy for treating your dog's cancer.
Managing Symptoms and Ensuring Comfort
There are several ways to manage pain in dogs with cancer. Topical medications can be used to help treat the type of pain from advanced cancers.
Common pain medications like opioids, tramadol, or anesthetics can help with managing pain. Tramadol is a standard treatment for pain management and may be combined with other medications for severe pain, especially in older dogs.
Alternative therapies, like cold laser therapy, can help manage cancer pain and inflammation. It uses low-level light from lasers to promote healing and cell function.
Once your beloved dog has had a successful treatment, there is a recovery period when you will treat your dog at home. You may also take your dog home for end-of-life care after a difficult decision when there is nothing left your veterinarian can do to help.
Caring for Dogs with Cancer at Home
When you take your dog home, whether during recovery or when the cancer can no longer be treated, it's essential to give your dog a good quality of life. Here are some helpful tips when caring for dogs with cancer at home.
Creating a Comfortable Home Environment
Setting up your home to be a comfortable place for your dog is beneficial. Ensure a quiet and stress-free area is made with comfortable bedding for your dog to rest in, away from other humans and animals.
Ensure that you keep the area clean for your dog, especially if you're treating it after surgery for healing. There should be easy access for your dog to get to food, water, and its favorite resting spots within the home.
Maintaining Routines
There may be adjustments and changes to your dog's schedule, but one of the best ways to reduce stress and anxiety in your dog is by keeping familiar routines. Regular walks, bonding time, and playtime help to maintain your dog's physical and emotional well-being during their remaining time or while healing.
Please pay attention to schedules when it comes to giving your dog medication, and be sure to heed your vet's advice to forego exercise or walks due to serious health issues. Don't give your dog human medicines to treat and manage pain as a substitute, as they can be toxic for domestic dogs and worsen their condition.
Key Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian
When your dog is at risk of cancer or has been given a cancer diagnosis, you will likely have many questions. Here are some more common and helpful questions you can ask your veterinarian in these situations to help get all of the information you need.
What is the type and stage of the cancer?
What are the treatment options for this cancer?
What are the likely outcomes for my dog?
Are there any side effects to cancer treatment?
What other alternative therapies or treatment options are available for my dog?
Are there any risk factors for seeking newer treatments?
How can I manage common side effects or symptoms?
What can I do at home to help support my dog and keep it comfortable?
Remember, there are no bad questions to ask, so feel free to write down a list of everything you want to know regarding your dog's cancer.
What is the Prognosis for Dogs with Cancer?
Every case or incidence of cancer in dogs is unique. Factors such as the cancer type, stage, and your dog's age and overall health can influence the outcomes and treatment options.
While some cancers are easily curable, others may only be manageable without the chance for elimination. Early detection remains the best chance to improve a prognosis, so stick to regular veterinary visits, be mindful of when your dog displays symptoms or behavior changes, and immediately bring it to your vet's attention.
Be Your Dog's Advocate
As a dog owner, you know your dog cannot speak for itself; you must act as their only advocate. Please consult with your veterinarian to get more resources and support when it comes to cancer.
It helps to collaborate closely with your veterinarian and research and explore treatment options while ensuring you prioritize your dog's comfort. Stay informed about a cancer diagnosis, ask questions, and make the best-informed decision for their care to ensure your dog's needs are being met every step of the way.
Are you worried for your dog's health, or has it been a while since your dog's last regularly scheduled checkup? Contact our offices to make a same-day appointment, or reach out to set up a virtual telehealth visit to talk with our expert veterinary technicians about your concerns!