Canine Intestinal Cancer and Stomach Cancer

Dogs with canine intestinal cancer and canine stomach cancer (gastric adenocarcinomas, gastric leiomyosarcoma) are usually male and 10 years old or older.

Cancer starts in the stomach wall and quickly spreads to the gastric lymph nodes, omentum (fat on the bottom edge of the stomach), liver, duodenum (first part of the small intestine), pancreas, spleen, esophagus, adrenal glands and lungs.

Symptoms of Canine Intestinal Cancer and Stomach Cancer

Symptoms associated with canine intestinal cancer and stomach cancer include:

Vomiting (with or without blood)
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea (cancer in the lower intestine)
Projectile vomiting

Diagnosis of Canine Stomach and Intestinal Cancer

Your Veterinarian will perform a series of tests as part of a standard diagnosis procedure:

Complete blood count
Serum biochemistry analysis (watery fluid of the blood)
Urinalysis
Survey radiographs of the chest cavity
Abdominal ultrasound

Your veterinarian will look for masses on the ultrasound in the stomach and entire gastric region. They will also look at the lymph nodes near the stomach. A sample of any masses found and the lymph node may be taken with a needle for further testing in a lab.

Treatment of Canine Stomach and Intestinal Cancer

If surgery is recommended, any masses will be removed. Masses will be sent to a lab for additional examination. Surgery should help remove anything that was obstructing your dog's gastric system immediately improving your pets health.

To ensure that all the cancer cells are killed chemotherapy has been shown to be effective and usually starts 1 week after surgery. A common treatment cycle is chemo (Adriamycin) every 2 weeks for 5 treatements and then weekly (Cytoxan chemotherapy, along with daily Doxycycline (for antiangiogenesis) and Piroxicam (immune support as a COX2 inhibitor) and monthly (Vincristine) treatments.

Chemotherapy may result in some stomach discomfort including upset stomach, diarrhea and vomiting.

Some Homeopathic Veterinarians like to supplement treatment with natural herbal remedies known to bolster the immune system and protect against the progression of cancer and tumors. A good choice to consider is PetAlive C-Caps Formula for Prevention and Treatment of Cancer in Pets.

The goal is to put the cancer into remission.

Prognosis of Dogs with Canine Stomach and Intestinal Cancer

Most canine intestinal cancer and stomach cancer is advanced when diagnosed resulting in a poor prognosis for recovery. If caught early enough, treatment could result in remission over a 1 to 2 year period. However, a recent study showed a that the cancer could come back as early as 3 days to 10 months after treatment.

Sources:

Kevin A. Hahn, DVM, Phd, Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology), drhahn@gcvs.comJanet K. Carreras, VMD, Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology), drcarreras@gcvs.comGlen K. King, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVR (Radiology & Radiation Therapy)

Hound Health
Betsy Brevitz, D.V.M.

Dog Owners Home Veterinary Handbook
James m. Giffin MD
Liisa D. Carlson, DVM

Canine Lymphoma: Protocols For 2004
Gregory K. Ogilvie, DVM, DACVIM (Internal Medicine, Oncology)
CVS Angel Care Cancer Center
San Marcos, CA, USA

Canine Intestinal Cancer and Stomach Cancer to Canine Cancer Home To Dog Health Guide Home

footer for Canine Intestinal Cancer page