Thyroid Cancer in Dog
Thyroid cancer in dog is not very common. Because dogs show few symptoms, it can be easy to miss. Catching it early makes all the difference when it comes to treatment and survival. The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones that maintain your dog’s metabolic rate. Any change in the functioning of this gland can have varied effects on your pet’s health. Dog Thyroid SymptomMany dogs with thyroid cancer don’t show many symptoms. Some symptoms of dog thyroid cancer may include urinating more than usual, weight loss, increased appetite, and nervousness. The thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck, may appear enlarged.Some breeds of dogs are more susceptible to thyroid tumors than others, including beagles, boxers, and golden retrievers. Diagnosing Thyroid Cancer in DogBased on your pet’s symptoms, your vet will suspect thyroid problems. However, that does not necessarily mean cancer. Your vet can determine through an examination that the thyroid is enlarged. With x-rays or an ultrasound, your vet may be able to visualize a tumor of some sort growing on the thyroid gland. To make an accurate diagnosis, your vet will need to take a tissue biopsy of the tumor. This is a surgical procedure where a small bit of the tumor is removed and then studied under a microscope. If it is cancerous, sometimes the entire tumor can then be removed at that time.Treating Thyroid Cancer in DogThere are many options for treating thyroid cancer in dog. The best option for your dog will depend on the size of the tumor, how it is attached to the surrounding tissue, and whether or not it has spread to other parts of the body.If it is possible to separate the tumor from other tissues without damaging any major blood vessels or other vital parts, surgery is the best treatment. This is the case whether or not the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, additional treatment will be needed, however. If the tumor involves the surrounding tissue and therefore cannot be removed surgically, radiation therapy is often used. Radiation is directed at the tumor, causing it to shrink. Sometimes after it shrinks sufficiently, the remaining tumor can then be surgically removed. Finally, there is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is often prescribed along with surgical or radiation therapy. It is used when cancer has spread to other organs of the body to slow its growth and is also used to prevent the recurrence of cancer. There are a number of drugs available for these purposes. Early diagnosis and treatment is key to survival. There is a high rate of success in treatment that is begun in the early stages of thyroid cancer in dog. A natural supplement you might want to try is PetAlive Thyro-Pet. It is a herbal remedy that mixes with your dog's food and is designed to improve thyroid function and address some of the symptoms of a malfunctioning thyroid. Have A Question or Helpful Story About Cancer in Dogs?
Do you have a question or story about canine cancer? Share it! Our editors will try their best to answer your question. Please include information such as age, breed, sex, medical history, medications, diagnosis, cancer stage,has it spread and anything you believe that will help us answer your question. SourcesManagement of Endocrine NeoplasiaWithrow, Steven External Beam Radiation Therapy for Thyroid Cancer in the Dog Mayer
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