Do dog’s get cancer?

Dogs just like people, they can get cancer. About 1 in 4 dogs will develop cancer at some time in their life. Almost 50% of dogs over 10 years old may develop some type of cancer. Don’t be alarmed because many of those cancers can be successfully treated especially with early detection, diagnosis and advanced cancer therapy. Moreover, many cancers are completely preventable

What are the top cancers in dogs?

Mast Cell tumor (MCT) – MCT is a malignant neoplasia of the skin that can develop in any breed of dog, but it is most often seen in Boxers, Boston Terriers, Pugs and Pit Bulls. If you see a tumor or growth on your dog’s skin, get it checked out ASAP because MCTs are called the “great pretenders” thus it can look like anything. What seemingly looks like an innocent skin tag can be a MCT. Early diagnosis and surgical removal can be curable. If MCT becomes large, it has the potential to metastasize (spread) to the organs and can be fatal.

Melanoma – Melanoma is a malignant neoplasia of the skin and mouth. It can develop anywhere on the body, and the most aggressive and lethal forms of Melanoma are on the toes and in the mouth of a dog. Early and complete surgical removal of the Melanoma can be curative on the skin, but Melanomas on the toe and mouth are most aggressive so additional therapy from a veterinary oncologist may be needed.

Lymphoma – is a cancer of the lymphocytes and lymphoid tissues. Lymphoma can involve the lymph nodes, organs, gastrointestinal tract, bone and even skin. It is seen most often in dogs 6-9 years old in any breed, but is most often seen in Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Bull Mastiffs and Basset hounds. Lymphoma appears as swollen lymph nodes anywhere in the body, but is most readily seen or felt under the jaw, front of the chest and behind the knees. If you feel a swelling or lump, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) – is the most common bone cancer in dogs and can affect any breed, but most commonly affects older large breed dogs. It can affect any bone in the body, but a common area affected is the humerus. The most common problem that you may see is limping on the front leg and pain when you squeeze the front part of the humerus/shoulder area. Don’t worry, not all lameness is caused by Osteosarcoma, but if you have a lameness that does not resolve with rest and medical therapy, your veterinarian may recommend x-rays to rule out Osteosarcoma.

Hemangiosarcoma – is a malignant neoplasia that originate from cells that line the blood vessels. Hemangiosarcoma can develop in the spleen, liver, heart and even the skin. This tumor is filled with blood and when the tumor becomes too large, it can rupture which may cause life threatening bleeding. Most of the time, there are no warning signs of this disease until it is too late. It is very important to have your older dogs examined by your veterinarian twice a year to hopefully find a Hemangiosarcoma before it becomes too large.

Mammary gland carcinoma – is the most common cancer in unspayed female dogs. As your female dog gets older, you may notice a firm nodule around her nipples. This should not be ignored and your pet will need to be seen by a veterinarian right away. About 50% of the mammary tumors are cancerous and can be fatal, so it is best to surgically remove theses tumors as soon as they are discovered. If the tumor is small, your veterinarian has a higher chance of achieving clean surgical margins free of cancer cells to give your pet a surgical cure. If you spay female dogs before their first heat cycle, you will significantly reduce the risk of getting mammary carcinoma.

Prostate adenocarcinoma – is a cancer that develops from the prostate gland. Prostate cancer is rare in dogs, probably because most male dogs that we see are neutered. However, we do diagnose intact male dogs (not neutered) with prostate cancer. Prostate adenocarcinoma metastasizes to the bone and can be fatal.
Some common signs of prostate cancer are: blood in the urine, difficulty urination, straining to defecate, pain in the abdomen or lower back, decreased appetite and weight loss. If your dog is intact and exhibiting these symptoms, take him to your veterinarian right away.

Testicular cancer – is an uncontrolled growth of cells within the testicles. The cause is not clear; however, environmental, older pets and certain breeds have higher incidence. Intact older male dogs and cryptorchid pets (those who have one descended testicle) tend to have a higher risk of developing testicular cancer. Clinical signs of testicular cancer may not be obvious in the early stages; however, as the disease progresses, you may see a nodule or enlargement of the testicles. If you notice any abnormalities, please have your pet seen immediately.

How should I monitor for signs of cancer at home?

  • any new growths, swelling, especially those are rapidly growing
  • weight loss and decreased appetite
  • change in bowel and urine function
  • unusual bleeding
  • difficulty eating, swallowing, or breathing
  • lameness or pain

Regular veterinary exams and early detection is most important, and at home look out for these clinical signs. If you see a lump, don’t just watch it grow. It is not going to go away.