Dog Neoplasia

Overview

Canine neoplasia is an abnormal mass of tissue, the growth of which exceeds and is uncoordinated with that of the normal tissues, and persists in the same excessive manner after cessation of the stimulus which evoked the change. In other words, it is a collection of cells that are either growing in the form of a tumor or on the surface of another organ.

Symptoms of Canine Neoplasia

The American Veterinary Medical Association has published a list of ten signs of cancer. They are:

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6. Offensive odor
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

Common Dog Neoplasia Types

Dog Skin Neoplasia

Older dogs often get skin neoplasia. In dogs this type of problem is usually benign, meaning that it is not a threat to health and does not spread. A veterinarian may test a neoplasia to determine if it is malignant or cancerous.

Dog Breast Cancer

When a neoplasia is found on a dog mammary gland, it is malignant or dog breast cancer 50% of the time. The risk of this type of cancer is reduced by spaying.

Dog Neck and Head Neoplasia

Dog mouth cancer or neoplasia is common. Tumors tend to form on the dog gums with symptoms such as a bad odor, dog nose bleeding, dog gum bleeding or refusal to eat. The dog mouth cancer spreads quickly, so early treatment is essential.

Dog Lymphoma

This type of dog neopalsia is suspected when there is an enlarged dog lymph node.

Dog Testicle Cancer

This type of cancer is common in dogs, particularly if a dog has a condition where the testicles did not develop normally and did not move into the proper position (called canine retained testicles).

Dog Ear Neoplasia

In terms of dog neoplasia in the ears, your veterinarian will examine the ear canal using a device called a otoscope (Otoscopic examination). A general anaesthetic may be necessary for good visualisation. The Neoplasm has a space-occupying type appearance and may require a biopsy to distinguish it from other possible causes.

Ceruminous gland adenomas or adenocarcinomas are the most common otic neoplasms. When examining the ear canal, your veterinarian may see small, pink, well-circumscribed, often ulcerated lesions.

In cases of dog ear cancer, the cells or tumor that is blocking the ear canal will need to be surgically removed. After removal symptoms will disappear and your dog will be considered cured.

Dog Abdominal Cancer

This type of canine neoplasia is common, and difficult to diagnose during the early stages of disease. Dog stomach cancer or abdominal cancer symptoms include loss of weight and swelling in the abdomen.

Dog Bone Cancer

Dog bone neoplasia is more common in larger breeds and dogs over the age of 7. Dog bone cancer symptoms include swelling in the affected area.

Dog Neoplasia Diagnosis

A veterinarian will suspect that a neoplasia exists after an examination and history. Confirmatory tests include x-rays, ultrasound and blood tests. When possible a biopsy or skin/lymph node sample will be examined.

The veterinarian will determine the type of neoplasitc cells that are present, whether the neoplasia is malignant (cancerous) or benign, and possible treatment approaches.

Treatment of Canine Neoplasia

Dog neoplasia treatment varies based on the type of cancer diagnosed and the ability to use one or more of the most common therapies.

Dog cancer treatment therapies include:

• surgery
• immunotherapy
• radiation
• chemotherapy
• freezing (cryotherapy)
• heating (hyperthermia)

For cases that cannot be treated in the veterinarian's office, a referral will be made to s specialist called a veterinary oncologist that specializes in dog cancer treatment. To find a veterinary oncologist visit the Veterinary Cancer Society (VCS).

Dog Neoplasia Diet

Sometimes, dog neoplasia patient health suffers not from the neoplasia itself, but from poor nutrition. Dogs may not have an appetite and refuse to eat the foods that would help to starve cancer cells and improve overall nutrition.

In general, neoplastic cells have a higher rate of metabolism and require more glucose (from carbohydrates) to grow.

Dog cancer diet recommendations provided by Royal Canin include:

• Foods should be rich in protein and fat with reduced levels of carbohydrates. Carbs are used as energy to fuel the higher metabolism of dog cancer cells. Good commercial choices are working or sporting dog foods.
• Fat levels increase the amount of concentrated energy in dog dog, a helpful factor in dogs with low appetite. The goal is to pack as much energy into every bite.
• Supplements such as long chain omega-3 fatty acids have anti-neoplastic properties.
• Dog cancer diets with higher levels of protein can help to maintain muscle strength. Amino acids such as arginine, glutamine and leucine, isoleucine and valine can all be of help.
• Above all else, it's important to get your dog to eat by providing palatable, good tasting food.

Natural Support, Antioxidants and Dog Neoplasia

Natural remedies can play a supportive role in helping to strengthen the dogs immune system and cellular strength. Products such as C-Caps may be of help in protecting healthy cells.

Natural ingredients such as Huang Qi, Mistletoe, Echinacea, Ashwagandha, Milk Thistle (antioxidant) and Cat's Claw all have clinical support for their role in supporting immune system health.

Dog antioxidant supplements such as Vitamin E, Vitamin C, b-carotene, polyphols and selenium are all considered to have a role in preventing cancer although the research in this area is not absolute.

Before giving your dog any supplements, check with your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist. If your dog is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, it is advisable to only use supplements that improve cell strength such as homeopathic natural remedies and antioxidants before and after treatment in order to avoid protecting cells that are being killed during treatment.

Should You Treat Dog Neoplasia?

Dog cancer treatment often requires a significant commitment from the dog owner in both time and money. Also treatment for some forms of canine neoplasia can last for a long time and negatively impact the dog's quality of life.

If you decide to go forward with treatment, it is important that you fully participate in your dog's care, such as providing the required dog cancer medications, supplements and care.

If you do decide to treat your dog, like in human medicine, there are clinical trials going on that may help your dog. For a list of hospitals that are currently holding trials, visit the Veterinary Cancer Society.

A helpful brochure is available for download from the American Veterinary Medical Association (PDF download).

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References

Cytology of Neoplasia
R.E. Raskin and D. DeNicola
School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University

Pathophysiology of Otitis Externa
R. Mueller
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Germany

The Patient with Otitis Externa
R. S. Mueller
Department of Clinical Sciences Coll. of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO, USA

Nutritional Status of Dogs with Cancer: Dietetic Evaluation and Recommendations
J. J. Wakshlag and F.A. Kallfelz
College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University