Dog Cancer Symptoms" Dog
cancer symptoms tend to be common to many types of canine diseases.
Cancer is an emerging health issue and is of great importance since it
is life threatening in most cases.
Some dogs are genetically predisposed to it while others may acquire it
from pathogens (disease causing), toxins, drugs and as a complication
of some common
health problems. Canine cancer symptoms are highly non specific and
resemble many common health problems in the initial stages of the
disease. Unfortunately, once the cancer is identified as the cause it
is often incurable, such it will be in a more advanced stage. Both
benign (slow spreading) and malignant (fast spreading) forms of dog
cancers
can be result in severe symptoms, benign tumors are less dangerous.
Clinical studies show that dog cancer symptoms are exhibited in two
different phases, initially mild, while recurring and severe in
advanced stages. Dog cancer symptoms are only helpful in suspecting
that cancer is the cause and not that helpful. Only
detailed laboratory and pathological sampling can confirm the presence
and extent of the disease. Along
with specific treatment through surgery, chemotherapy and the
application
of radiation, symptomatic therapy can help in improving the quality of
the affected
dogs. Incurable dogs are usually kept on life long symptomatic
treatment plans only.
" General Dog Cancer Symptoms:Dog cancer symptoms are highly non specific, any dog can acquire cancer, but older dogs and females are more susceptible. Similarly, some breeds such as boxers, terriers and retrievers etc are potentially predisposed to cancer genetically. Dogs with a malignant (fast spreading) form of cancer show more severe and generalized symptoms, while those with benign (slow growing) tumors/cancers usually show no or less symptoms initially, but the severity increases gradually. Generally, a dog with cancer appears dull, non social, anorexic (appetite loss), ataxic (uncoordinated muscle movement), intolerant and gradually loses weight. Any of these symptoms usually do not help in making a confirmatory diagnosis, as these symptoms may be seen in many other health problems of dogs. Involvement of a specific part, system or organ of the body can help to some extent to suspect dog cancer as the underlying cause. The Veterinary Cancer Society publishes a helpful list of common cancer symptoms in small animals. These include: 1. Abnormal
swellings that persist or continue to grow Systemic Dog Cancer Symptoms:Dog cancer can appear at any part of the body, and can be caused by any number of factors as pathogens such as viruses, high doses or prolonged use of some drugs, extreme defects in physiology etc. Age is a significant factor in the development of dog cancer. Different organs/systems such as the bladder, liver, pancreas, intestines, lungs, spleen, mammary glands, testes or bone marrow can be the site of a dog cancer. Similarly the lymphatic system, musco-skeletal system, circulatory system and urinary system are the most commonly affected parts of a dog's body almost all types of malignant forms of cancer. Lymphomas (lymphatic tissue), hemangiosarcomas (bleeding in the heart, liver, spleen and skin), osteosarcomas (bone) are some examples of such deadly dog cancers. Specific dog cancer symptoms that are related to affected organs or systems are sometimes helpful in making a diagnosis. Difficulty in urination, abdominal pain, bleeding through open cavities (ears, nose, anus etc), unusual growths and lumps on the dog's body which grow larger with time, recurring vomiting, incurable diarrhea etc. are somewhat specific signs for dog cancer. One most common finding which lead to the suspicion of a dog cancer is the recurrence and incurability of symptoms, even if symptomatic treatment has been applied. Ulcers are the best example, which are related to abdominal pain. Ulcers that recur even after symptomatic treatment, can cause the passing of blood into the feces and may develop into an incurable malignant form of dog cancer. Dog Cancer Symptoms and Diagnosis:Canine cancers which occur on the surface of the skin, such as dog skin lumps or lesions can be diagnosed symptomatically, but confirmation usually requires a biopsy (tissue sample lab test) and detailed studies. Dog cancers which occur in deeper tissues and systems can be suspected based on a dog's history and clinical symptoms, but can never be confirmed this way. Different procedures involving pathological sampling, biopsy, biochemical profiling and radiography can only confirm the type, severity and possible outcome of dog cancer. Treatment of Dog Cancer Symptoms:After confirmation of the disease, a veterinarian usually decides the prognosis or possible outcome of condition. Treatment of dog cancer is purely dependent upon the prognosis. Specific treatment options for dog cancer are surgical excision of the tumors, use of chemotherapy (anti – cancerous drugs) or application of radio waves to eliminate it. Along with specific treatment and to counter the side effects of treatment, symptomatic and supportive treatment options are highly recommended. These may include pain management, approaches to resolve weight loss and stamina and supportive therapies with balanced diets and supplements. Some incurable dog cancer cases are kept on a symptomatic treatment approach only. Symptoms such as vomiting, pain, anorexia, and resolution of body conditions are usually managed by administering relevant drugs. Similarly, regular detoxification and maintenance of body conditions or cellular health is required, which can be done with specific drugs on prescription or through herbal/homeopathic medicines such as an over the counter natural anti-oxidant. These options should be decided by a veterinarian, as different dogs respond differently. References:Morrison, Wallace B. “Cancer in Dogs and Cats” – 1998 Merck Veterinary Manual (Merck & Co. 2008) Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine
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