It's easy to panic when our pets get sick and tumors in dogs scare the hell out of us, but it's not the end of the world. Not all tumors are malignant. Explore in this post everything you need to face this situation and move on.
cancer in dogs
When we decide to bring a dog home as a pet, we consider it part of the family and it becomes a fundamental part of our lives. That is why their well-being is of the utmost importance, especially when it comes to cancer in dogs.
In both humans and pets, cancer is a disease surrounded by many myths, which undoubtedly make the tension surrounding its diagnosis dramatic. However, this disease is relatively common in its late adult stage and detecting it early is crucial for the effectiveness of treatment.
A large part of these tumors can be discovered through palpation, as they appear as bumps on the skin with various characteristics (which the veterinarian will be able to identify just by looking at them) and define as soon as possible whether or not it is a tumor evil one.
As for internal tumors, they can be confused with other pathologies and for this reason the diagnosis is usually known when the disease is advanced, which makes its treatment more complicated.
Symptoms of tumors in dogs
In general, the symptoms associated with tumors in dogs can present themselves like any other health problem, so it is important to take them to a veterinary consultation in case of any new developments that occur with your pet. The most obvious cases are those of skin bumps.
Symptoms may vary depending on types of tumors, and among the most common we have:
- Tiredness and fatigue without justification
- Unjustified weight loss
- feverish states
- Inapetence
- pain and crying
- Bumps
- massive hair loss
- Inflammation
- bleeding or discharge
- Vomiting and / or diarrhea
- Wounds that fail to heal
- Bad breath
- Difficulty doing your physiological needs
Types of skin tumors in dogs
These types of tumors are usually the most common and notable, because being on the skin of our pets we can see or feel them when we caress them.
papillomas in dogs
They appear as warts or a kind of pterygium caused by the canine papillomavirus, they generally appear around the eyes, nose, ears and genitals. This type of tumor is benign and not considered a serious problem unless they are in an uncomfortable location or are bleeding.
lipomas in dogs
Lipomas are lumps of fat that can grow under the skin or in the dog's muscle tissue. They are quite common in obese and middle-aged or elderly animals, although they can reach considerable sizes, they are benign and grow slowly.
Histiocytomas in dogs
This kind of benign tumors are observed as well-defined nodules, their size ranges between 1 and 3 cm in diameter and they usually disappear quickly. These occur in young dogs, aged between 1 and 3 years.
mast cell tumors in dogs
These neoplasms are quite common in older animals, especially in Dog breeds brachycephalic, such as: Bulldog, Boxer, pug, Pekinese, among others. These tumors are malignant in at least 50% of cases and if they are not detected in time they can quickly metastasize.
Squamous Cell Carcinomas in Dogs
Although they are more common in cats, this type of cancer in dogs It is related to exposure to sunlight. The most vulnerable areas are those with the least fur, initially lesions are usually observed on the nose, snout or belly.
melanomas in dogs
Melanomas are malignant tumors that usually appear as lumps in older dogs, originating in the melanin-generating cells. They have a shiny appearance, are highly pigmented and are located mainly in the mouth and eyelids.
Types of tumors of the reproductive system in dogs
In both females and males, there are several types of tumors that are related to their sex and can be benign or cancerous. The veterinarian will always be his best ally to diagnose and treat your pet in each case.
It is extremely important to bear in mind that any anomaly in our dog's body should be reviewed as soon as possible by a specialist, since its cure depends largely on the speed with which the respective treatment begins.
Testicular Tumors in Dogs
Testicular tumors are recurrent in older dogs and usually present two or three types of neoplasms at the same time. The most common are: seminomas, Leydig cells and Sertoli cells. The most effective treatment in these cases is castration.
Venereal tumors in dogs
The so-called TVT (transmissible venereal tumors), are exclusive to dogs and are transmitted by genital or mucous contact (licking and smelling), resemble a cauliflower, are usually red and tend to bleed. They are also known as infectious sarcoma, transmissible lymphosarcoma, Stiker's tumor or granuloma venereum.
vaginal tumors in dogs
This tumor is located in the vaginal canal and/or vulva of the bitch and although it begins as a small lump, it grows disintegrating like a cauliflower. Because they have frequent spotting and urination, the bitch usually licks herself constantly.
Ovarian tumors in bitches
They occur in bitches between the ages of 5 and 15 years old, these tumors are associated with reproductive problems and most of them do not present symptoms. Malignant neoplasms of this type can be confused with ascites because they extend into the abdomen.
Breast tumors in dogs
They are easily detectable through palpation. They are characterized by being hard, cold and painless. They generally arise in bitches from 6 years of age (especially those that have not raised puppies)
Types of soft tissue sarcomas in dogs
Sarcomas correspond to malignant tumors that develop to a greater extent in Medium dog breeds and large, which can be located in the organs, skin, muscles, nerves or blood vessels. Among the most common we have:
Hemangiosarcomas in Dogs
Also known as angiosarcomas, they originate from blood vessels. Many times they arise due to secondary effects of radiation on some part of the body.
lymphosarcomas in dogs
It is one of the malignant tumors in adult dogs with the shortest life expectancy, since they attack the lymphatic system, that is, they alter the balance of body fluids (other than blood) and increase vulnerability to infections. Pets suffering from this type of cancer show weight loss, discouragement and swollen glands.
osteosarcomas in dogs
This is definitely not a tumor that patients should be concerned about. Small dogs, since it is a cancer in the primitive cells of the bone that mainly affects large and giant breeds of dogs in the limbs, ribs and jaw. It causes discomfort and difficulty moving around and tends to metastasize to the lungs.
leukemia in dogs
Leukemia is one of the types of cancer in dogs that can hardly be overcome, although it can lengthen your life, it is a life-threatening disease. Faced with a diagnosis like this, your pet will need your unconditional support more than ever.
This cancer affects the white blood cells, greatly weakening their immune system, which makes them vulnerable to complications with other conditions that ultimately end their lives.
Generic symptoms such as weight loss, feverish episodes or anemia can easily confuse us and, unfortunately, we discover the disease when it is very advanced.
Treatment of tumors in dogs
The best and most effective treatments for tumors in dogs depend on the moment of detection, since the earlier it is diagnosed, the greater the chances of eradicating it completely. Veterinarians generally consider it more forceful to choose to use a combination of these.
surgery in dogs
It is an invasive treatment, but without a doubt effective in removing the tumor and surrounding tissues in order to prevent its spread.
radiotherapy in dogs
It consists of eradicating cancer cells through radiation, it must be carried out in certain facilities, which turns out to be an expensive treatment.
chemotherapy in dogs
Chemotherapy treatment can affect them in a significant way, since it is a mitigating factor without a cure for cancer, since its purpose is to prevent its spread (metastasis). For this reason, it is usually combined with other types of treatments.
immunotherapy in dogs
It is a biological therapy under development, which consists of stimulating the immune system through substances in dogs with cancer. Its effect on pets has not been scientifically proven.
Home remedies to dissolve tumors in dogs
Although home remedies are usually extraordinarily effective for many diseases, tumors in dogs cannot be cured through this means.
Veterinarians, preferably oncologists, are the ones who have the ability to decide which specific treatment(s) your pet requires to deal with this condition.
To the treatment designed by experts, we can integrate the stimulation of the immune system through affection, optimal nutrition, relaxation exercises and positive reinforcement, basically to contribute to the dog's mood and improve its quality of life, either during the process of cure or his until his death in some cases.
Homeopathic treatment of cancer in dogs
Homeopathy is a completely harmless alternative, therefore, although it does not cure cancer, it will not exacerbate your pet's condition and will be a palliative in treatment.
One of the most relevant benefits of this health scheme is that homeopathic medicines do not have alternate or harmful effects.
Many times we focus so much on the tumor that we forget about the animal, and precisely homeopathy focuses on caring more for the patient than for the disease. This is how it guarantees the personalization of the diagnosis, considering the specific and particular symptoms presented by the patient in order to choose the best option for their treatment.
This makes it an excellent proposal to complement any recommended treatment, since it is inspired by the following objectives:
- Reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
- Contribute to healing and post-surgery recovery.
- Reduce anxiety and stress.
- Minimize pain.
- Stimulate the immune system.
Homeopathic prescriptions can be obtained in various editions, such as: pills, drops, powder, injections, lotions or creams. The most important thing is to define the least amount for the greatest benefit.
Most common causes of cancer in dogs
The causes of cancer in dogs are linked to the type of pathology, mostly it is a genetic alteration that develops tumors through cancer cells that increase and move aggressively.
The transformation of these genes is varied, because they can mutate due to factors in the daily life of any dog, such as: diet, stress levels or constant exposure to toxic environments that can trigger the risk of cancer.
In the case of mammary tumors, it has been determined that they are closely linked to hormonal changes in the processes of the sexual cycle, which is why sterilization is suggested as a preventive treatment in female dogs.
In summary, we could classify the causes of cancer in dogs as follows:
viral agents
Viruses can become a common cause in some types of cancer, such is the case of the venereal tumor, detailed above.
Genetics
Undoubtedly, there may be a genetic predisposition in the dog, either ancestral (by breed) as in the Rottweiler, Boxer, Golden Retriver, Doberman or German Shepherd or directly inherited from their parents or grandparents. It's unpredictable.
Radiation
It has been proven that another cause of the spread of cancer in dogs is temporary or permanent exposure to toxic chemicals (herbicides, fertilizers, petroleum derivatives in general) and radiation that can stimulate the appearance of skin melanomas.
Hormones
In both females and males, hormonal ups and downs are capable of causing gene alterations that incite the appearance of cancer. That is why castration is recommended in adult dogs and sterilization in females (removing ovaries and uterus)
Age
Age as such cannot be considered a cause but the general deterioration of the dog's health as it ages, where its immune capacity gradually decreases.
