Everything You Need to Know About Canine Cancer

Hearing the news that their dog is diagnosed with cancer could be frustrating for any pet parent. No one would like to hear that their fur baby will be battling cancer, yet it often occurs to dogs more than ten years old; nevertheless, it does not eliminate the possibility of affecting younger pups.

Like in humans, dogs are prone to getting different sorts of cancer. Fortunately, most of it can be treated, and the way veterinary oncology manages cancer in dogs is very much the same treatment used in humans.

Common Types of Cancer in Dogs

• Mammary Cancers – are more common in female dogs that are not spayed or were spayed after two years old. Mammary tumors represent 42% of female dogs’ cases; this risk is much higher than breast cancer for women.
• Mast Cell Tumors (MCTs) – are common in dogs, making up around 20% of all skin tumors in dogs. MCTs can occur in any part of the body and vary in appearance. It can be very invasive and commonly regrow even after surgical removals.
• Melanomas – malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer in dogs; most occur on the mouth or mucous membranes, although 10% are found on parts of the body covered with hair. They tend to proliferate and may affect other organs such as the liver and the lungs.
• Lymphomas – are a diverse group of cancers. This is also among the most typical in dogs, representing 7-14% of all cancers detected. Lymphomas might likely affect any organ in the body however are most common in lymph nodes.
• Hemangiosarcomas – are malignant tumors stemming from the cells lining blood vessels. It’s prevalent in geriatric dogs making up around 5% of cancer cases. Hemangiosarcoma can develop anywhere where there are blood vessels.
• Osteosarcomas – are malignant tumors of the bone. This cancer has the same appearance as human pediatric osteosarcoma. The long bones in arms and legs are the most commonly affected, although the jaw and hips might also be affected.
• Lung Cancers – are relatively uncommon in dogs; of all the cancers detected, lung cancer makes up simply 1% of the cases. This type of cancer has a moderate to high risk of metastasis.

Dealing with Canine Cancer

Acknowledge that cancer in dogs is common; about 47% of fatalities in dogs are because of cancer. Early awareness is the key to cancer prevention; it needs to start while the dog is very young. Your family vet is still the best source of relevant information regarding your dog’s overall health.

There are likewise numerous Lexington vets facilities with a wide range of fields of expertise that you can visit when your dog starts showing symptoms beyond the scope of the regular veterinarian.

Cancer treatment starts with an appropriate diagnosis and staging. Therapy could combine chemotherapy and surgery, radiation, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy only. Your pet’s oncologist is in the best position to chart the therapy options that would suit your dog’s condition best. If you’re searching for oncology facilities, visit sites like www.bgvets.com.

Emergencies like when lung cancer is in its advanced phase would render the dog unable to breathe. Other issues like a malignant tumor pressing on critical tissue and your dog’s life hang in the balance; or when a blood vessel ruptures in case of hemangiosarcoma. In these scenarios, you need to promptly bring your dog to emergency vet care facilities for quick medical interventions.

Conclusion

The advancement of veterinary oncology gives hope to so many pet animals. Vaccines are available for some types of cancer for dogs. Spaying and neutering also lower the chance of getting some form of cancer. Treatment options to combat cancer abound.

Animals tolerate therapies like chemotherapy a lot better than people. After treatment, some dogs have diarrhea or vomiting, but most don’t experience side effects. Cancer research for animals is making significant progress; hopefully, this will equate to preventative, treatment, and cure soon.