Cancer is one of the most well-known diseases that cause death in dogs, especially in those with an older age. The good news is that with early detection, we can effectively give your dog a higher chance of getting better and recovering from the treatment. Just like in humans, the earlier a problem is identified, the better the chances of successful intervention.

What is Cancer in Dogs?

Cancer is essentially a group of diseases that refer to the growth of abnormal cells. Healthy cells will be working normally and operate regularly. However, the growth of abnormal cells will lead to the formation of tumors. These tumors are abnormal masses that can be benign or malignant. 

How to Tell if Your Dog Has Cancer?

Detecting cancer in dogs can be very difficult. Dogs can’t communicate what they’re feeling, and this makes it even harder to know if they are experiencing symptoms. This makes it all the more important for us as pet owners to be attentive and observant. Here are some common signs of cancer in dogs to help you detect the disease early on:

Lumps or Bumps

Abnormal masses and bumps can be the most common sign your dog has cancer. It’s common for dogs to develop lumps as they age, but not all lumps are created equal. Lumps that change in size, texture, or color should be evaluated by qualified veterinarians, especially if these cause discomfort or pain to your dogs. 

A general rule of thumb is that if a lump is hard, growing rapidly, or is attached to the underlying tissue, it absolutely needs a closer look. Our vets will start by taking a sample using a fine-needle aspirate. This will allow us to identify the mass and determine the next steps to take. 

Changes in Appetite

Dogs can be picky eaters at times, but if your pup suddenly stops showing interest in food or starts eating more than usual, it might be time to visit the vet. A loss of appetite can point to a number of health concerns, including cancer. 

For example, tumors and masses in the digestive tract can make eating uncomfortable. Pay close attention to any changes in your dog's eating habits and how long they last. This information can be really helpful for your vet when diagnosing the issue.

Weight Loss

If your dog starts losing weight suddenly without an obvious cause, it might be a sign that something is wrong with their health. This kind of weight loss could happen because cancer cells are draining a lot of your dog’s energy and resources, leaving less available for their normal cells. Cancer cells need nutrients to grow, just like healthy cells. By doing so, they can take the nutrients the healthy cells need.

This can negatively affect your dog’s well-being. If you notice any of the signs of weight loss, be sure to schedule a quick visit to the vet to help your dog bring back its healthy weight.

Lethargy

If your once energetic dog now prefers to just lay around more than usual, this could mean something concerning. Oftentimes, lethargy can be linked to several diseases that don’t seem too serious. However, when accompanied by the symptoms in this list, this could be a sign of cancer. The fatigue might come from the pain and discomfort of the lump.

If you’ve noticed a significant drop in your dog's energy, it’s a good idea to schedule a vet visit for a thorough check-up. 

Behavioral Changes

Dogs love a good routine, and any changes in this can be super alarming. If you notice your dog not doing any of its usual activities along with a change in behavior, be sure to keep a close eye. Some behavioral changes include an increase in aggression, constant withdrawal, or a reluctance to interact with anyone or anything.

For instance, a dog with cancer may become more irritable due to chronic pain, which can affect their usual temperament. If your dog is behaving differently, it’s important to share these observations with your veterinarian to help identify any underlying issues.

Persistent Coughing

Coughing is relatively common in dogs and can be linked to allergies and respiratory conditions. However, if your dog develops a persistent cough or has trouble breathing, it’s important to act right away. These symptoms could very well point to respiratory issues and tumors affecting the respiratory system.

You might also observe your dog to have a different rhythm when breathing, accompanied by wheezing and a raspy cough. Be sure to monitor this symptom. If it gets worse, be sure to contact us. 

Unusual Odors

Foul odors can also prove to be a warning sign of cancer. Constant bad breath and oral issues could mean dental issues and oral tumors. Besides the gums, strong odors from your dog’s ears could also indicate oral tumors. If your dogs have started to develop these strange and unusual odors, we recommend bringing them in for a quick puppy visit.

Vomiting

While vomiting is completely normal for dogs, the frequency can be where the issue lies. If you notice your dog vomiting more frequently, it could mean a sign of gastrointestinal problems. Cancer can manifest in the form of a tumor disturbing the gastrointestinal tract. 

If this becomes a regular occurrence, it might be time for that quick vet visit. Constant vomiting can lead to more health issues, such as dehydration, so it’s super important to have your dog checked out immediately.

How to Test for Cancer in Dogs?

If we suspect cancer in your dog, we’ll do a series of tests to confirm our findings. These tests will help determine the type of cancer your dog has and will allow us to know what steps to take to treat your best friend. Here are some of the ways we test for cancer in dogs:

Physical Examination

The process usually begins by doing a complete physical test. We’ll look for any signs of lumps, tumors, abnormal growth, and other physical abnormalities. While we take a look at your dog’s body, we’ll also check for its weight and ask you if it has experienced any behavioral changes.

Diagnostic Imaging

We have diagnostic imaging tools to get a deeper look into your dog’s condition. Our team has a series of imaging equipment to accurately determine the type of cancer your dog has. Here are some of the following:

• X-rays

These are often used to assess the chest and abdomen for signs of internal tumors or the spread of cancer. They can reveal masses or abnormalities in the bones and organs.

• Ultrasounds

This technique makes use of sound waves to develop images of soft tissues and areas where the tumor could be present. It’s great for examining abdominal organs to help identify the tumor.

• MRIs

MRIs are super useful when dealing with soft tissues, joints, and muscles. It’s great for detecting abnormalities in tissues in real-time. 

• CT Scans

CT scans can provide a lot of information regarding the differences between tissues and determine the location of the tumor and its size. It can also see if the mass is affecting any other tissues.

Biopsy

A biopsy is often the definitive test for diagnosing cancer. We do this by taking a small sample of tissue from the mass or tumor. Once we get a sample, we’ll start examining it to determine the type of mass it is. The most common method of doing this is by using a fine needle. It’s a quick procedure that is also minimally invasive.

How to Treat a Dog with Cancer?

Treatment options for dogs usually consist of three general options. Surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, cancer has no definite cure, and a mix of the three is usually done, with specific modifications done with each case. Here is an overview of the three types of treatment for cancer in dogs:

Surgery

Surgery is the main treatment option when dealing with tumors and masses located on the surface of your dog’s skin. The lump is surgically removed and then examined to determine the type of cancer your dog has and if the cancer cells have spread to other parts of your dog’s body.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy targets and kills cancer cells in a specific area. By doing so, it hinders spreading and shrinks the tumor, stopping its progression eliminating it visibly. While it does not generally cure dogs of cancer, it can help give relief and make surgery easier.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is one of the most versatile ways to help slow the cancer cells down. It does this by preventing them from multiplying by killing cancer cells. This is done through oral medications or injectable drugs.

Conclusion

Understanding the signs of cancer is important to make sure we can get your dog the help it needs. When it comes to cancer, early detection is always a great way to bring back your dog’s happy smile. As our dogs’ caretakers, it falls upon us to help them in their times of need and our clinic is ready to assist.