Symptoms of Cancer In Dogs: Causes, Types and Treatments

Cancer with dogs these days has become very prevalent. Many dogs are diagnosed with cancerous situation which is hard for them to recover . However tracing cancer early in our Dogs with the help of an experienced vet, is very needful to get them treated, as early as possible which fosters immediate remission in them. So below are some symptoms, types, causes and treatments of cancer-

General Symptoms of Cancer in Dogs

Dogs show different symptoms of the cancer which are noticeable in various forms but we should not assume anything. Sometimes some illness or injury can hamper dog’s health as well, so it is important to consult a vet at this time. Some general signs or symptoms of cancer are as follows –

• Feeling very uneasy, anxious, exhausted and energy drained, thus limiting to physical activity as well.

• Lumps or Bump in the skin in different parts like lymph nodes, testicles.

• Sudden Weight loss.

• Loss of Appetite.

• Difficulty in swallowing food.

• Unexpected bleeding or Injuries that don't heal, due to weakened immunity.

• Issues of bowel exposing to excessive diarrhea or chronic constipation.

• Bladder problems like urge of urination or frequent urination. 

• Swelling of the lymph nodes, legs, abdomen or other parts. 

Common Types of Cancer in Dogs

[1] Mast Cell Tumors (MCT)

MCT is a skin cancer that is most frequent skin cancer in Dog's. Mast cells are the white blood cells from which MCT is derived. Mast cells play a very essential role in Dog's immune system by strengthening it to fight back against certain infection and bacteria by liberating Histamines and other chemicals. MCT forms lumps on or underneath the skin, these lumps can be soft or firm ranging from benign(less chances to spread to other parts) to malignant(high chances of spread to other parts) in behaviour.

[2] Hemangiosarcoma

Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer that derives its origination from the blood vessels. This cancer is very malignant in nature and is very hard to trace out, until its too late and progresses to a an unexpected stage. The dogs who are diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma usually die within a span of 1 year of getting the diseases. This tumor develops rapidly and regularly affecting the spleen, heart or liver.

[3] Melanoma

Melanoma is a skin cancer that derives its roots from melanocytes. In simple words, melanocytes are cells that are responsible for production of melanin in the body that provides skin its color. Melanoma cancer can  occur on different parts like orally in mouth, eyes or skin. It can range from being highly malignant, if occurs in the mouth called Oral melanoma to Benign, in aggressiveness when appears on the in skin which is called Skin melanoma.

[4] Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that is derived from the abnormal or uncommon lymphocytes (white blood cells). These uncommon lymphocytes multiply themselves with time, thus hampering the strength of immune system. Lymphoma can affect different parts of the body in a Dog like lymph nodes, spleen and bone marrow.

[5] Mammary Gland Carcinoma

Mammary Gland Carcinoma is a cancer impacting female dogs. This is the cancer of of mammary gland also called breast cancer. A tumor grows in the mammary gland of the milk producing ducts and this infact is more usual with dogs whose reproductive parts are not eliminated by clinical procedures meaning unspayed females. We can sense the presence of lumps or bumps near or on the nipples of the dog, which causes immense pain in them.

[6] Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC)

TCC is the urinary bladder cancer that has serious impact on the urinary tract. The result of which we can see our dog having issues while urinating like painful or recurring urination, infections in the urinary tract, bloody urine. TCC is highly aggressive in behaviour as it can spread to different parts of the body. 

[7] Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is also called bone cancer that is affecting the bones cells of dogs. This generally develops in large boned dogs, thus affecting big breeds like Rottweilers, Great Dane and German Shepherds. This cancer is very highly malignant in behaviour as it can spread and affect to different parts of the body like lungs. Dogs can fell agonizing  pain in the affected bones and problems in walking, inflammation or swelling as well.

[8] Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma

This is the cancer that affects the anal glands of the dogs. Anal glands are accountable for producing a foul smell of scent marking during excretion time. As a result of this tumor, dogs can feel issues during excretion time maybe feeling constipated or straining to pass the stool during excretion. This is the most severe type of cancer but is very unusual. The tumor is malignant and can metastasize(escalate) to different body parts lungs, spleen or liver.

General Causes of Cancer in Dogs

• Due to age as immunity weakens up with time.

• Due to genetical inheritance, certain breeds are more likely to get affected with certain cancers.

• Being exposed to sun's UV radiation that are harmful. 

• Being exposed to environmental components such as direct or indirect contact with pesticides, herbicides or other toxic chemicals.

• Due to certain viruses, prolonged inflammation from injuries or infection.

Surgery– The most old form of treatment and most usual which involves eliminating the affected part of the tumor. The primary aim of surgery is to remove all cancer cells that are abnormal or uncommon cells, that multiply and escalate rapidly with time.

Chemotherapy– Chemotherapy is procedure used for killing large number of cancer cells by most common procedure of injecting drugs and medication through Intravenous needle into the veins or through mouth in the form of capsules or pills. Chemotherapy is generally used for cancers like lymphoma in dogs.

Radiation Therapy– Radiation therapy is also called radio therapy. In this treatment high energy emitting radiations, like x rays or gamma rays are used. These rays are responsible to lay attack upon the abnormal cancer cells, that keeps on multiplying with time, thus compressing the size of tumor.

FAQs on Dog cancer

Q1- Which is the most aggressive and deadliest dog Cancer?

Hemangiosarcoma is the most aggressive and deadliest form of cancer in dogs, as this grows in blood vessels and it's very difficult to trace this cancer, until it reaches to an unexpected advanced stage. 

Q2- Are interdigital cyst a cancer ?

Interdigital cyst are knots of inflammation formed between dog's toes, but generally they are not cancerous. They are painful and can develop due to some illness, allergy or infection, but constantly growing size is a matter of concern, so at this point you should consult a vet.

Q3- Can dog cancer be contagious or transmitted to other dogs or humans?

No cancer in dogs is not contagious to humans as there is no strong proof to support this claim. But contrary to this, two cancers named CTVT and DFTF are contagious cancer that transfers between dogs during a close contact, might be during mating, licking each other or if a dog bites another.

Q4- My dog has a lump is that cancer?

No, a lump on a dog is not particularly cancerous, as many a times these lumps are non aggressive and cancer free. But if the lump is constantly growing, so this should be taken into consideration and reported to the vet as soon as possible.

Q5- How can we reduce the risk of cancer in dog?

We can reduce the risk of cancer in dogs by scheduling timely routine checkups with the vet, prevention of dogs from toxic chemicals present in the environment most commonly pesticide, to make them exercise on daily basis for at least 1 hour and a proper nutritional balanced diet.

Q6- What is the role of prednisone in treating dog cancer?

Prednisone is a steroid medication that is used to treat different conditions like providing relief from swelling, allergies, eye problems and many complications. As a steroid it is used to increase quality life of the dog and reduce the impact of symptoms, but it's not a full proven cure. 

Note: “This article is based on my experience as a dog enthusiast and handler. Based on years of experience and thorough research, this is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Please consult a licensed veterinarian for any concerns of your pet’s health.”