Dogs, like humans and other animals, are cancer-sensitive animals. Cancer is a group of diseases caused by uncontrolled cell proliferation. This uncontrolled cell growth produces an excess of tissue called a tumor or neoplasm.
Malignant tumors have the ability to disperse diseased cells to other parts of the body, making them extremely dangerous and called cancerous tumors. On the other hand, benign tumors are not cancerous because they do not spread diseased cells to other parts of the body. However, they may need to be surgically removed when they affect normal bodily functions.
- In this Animal Expert article we will detail everything you need to know about cancer in dogs.
- The different types that exist.
- Symptoms.
- Diagnosis and treatment.
This disease begins at the cellular level, when a genetic error occurs during transcription. A cell that should perform a specific function, stops doing so and begins to multiply uncontrollably, generating an excess of tissue.
There are a hundred different types of cancer that can affect your best friend and they all manifest themselves in different ways. However, cancers are divided into two types, oma (benign) and carciomas or sarcomas (malignant). The fundamental difference is that a benign tumor reproduces in excess without affecting other organs, while malignant tumors can affect the entire body.
Causes of cancer do not have a specific theory, however, there are factors that can aggravate this situation, such as inbreeding, exposure to toxic substances or extreme solar radiation. There is also a predisposition in the elderly, dogs that suffer from poor living conditions or that suffer from serious and untreated diseases. Quality nutrition, good care and adequate health partly reduce the risk of developing this disease.
Cancer is usually not detected until it reaches a considerable volume. This is where most guardians realize they face an abnormal situation, either because of behavior or the onset of blows.
Strictly monitoring the dog’s vaccination schedule and consulting the veterinarian every 6 months are excellent ways to detect a possible cancer as quickly as possible. The elderly and puppies should consult the specialist more regularly, every 4 months. Here are some of the symptoms that may suggest the onset of cancer:
If you have any of these different signs or behavior than your dog, seek the help of a trusted veterinarian so he can make a correct diagnosis.
Cancer is common in dogs, it is more common in dogs over 10 years old. However, diagnosis is not always easy, as symptoms can go unnoticed in the early stages of the disease.
Blood tests, x-rays, routine veterinary tests, and ultrasounds can provide circumstantial evidence of cancer. However, a reliable diagnosis usually requires a biopsy.
Biopsies consist of a small extraction of possibly cancerous tissue from the animal being tested. As mentioned above, the veterinarian is the only professional trained to propose a correct diagnosis of this disease, indicating whether it is a benign or malignant cancer.
Treatment of cancer in dogs should be recommended and followed by a veterinarian. This treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. As these treatments are often specific and complicated, a veterinarian specializing in oncology may be necessary. Treatment will depend on the type of cancer your pet has and the physical location of the tumor.
The consequences of cancer in dogs may vary. In some cases, dogs may simply not experience any physical changes, but in other cases, this can cause pain and discomfort in the animal. In these cases, it is strongly recommended to use medications or homeopathic products for dogs with cancer in order to try to minimize the dog’s feeling of pain.
Cancer prevention is very difficult because its causes are often unknown. However, good care of your dog and regular visits to the veterinarian help maintain the overall health of your pet. Early diagnosis of cancer is essential to be able to treat the disease as quickly as possible, preventing it from progressing and even spreading throughout the body.
This article is for informational purposes only, in Animal Expert.com.br we cannot prescribe veterinary treatments or make any kind of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case of any type of condition or discomfort.
If you would like to read similar articles about cancer in dogs: types and symptoms, we recommend that you visit our Other Health Problems section.