Unlike other animal species, dogs are susceptible to cancer like humans. Cancer is caused due to uncontrollable growth of body cells. The cells can take place in any tissue of the body. If it is not diagnosed at the right time, it may turn into a fatal disease. The cancer spreads rapidly and affects the lymph and circulatory systems of the body.
It can also infect other tissue of the body. Among all types of cancer, the most common type of cancer noticed in a dog is canine cancer. This is the leading cause of death of dogs. However, if it is diagnosed at an early stage, it can be treatable.
Here, in this content, you will come to know about the most common types of dog cancer. Let’s have a look at them below:
Hemangiosarcoma
This is a kind of dog cancer that takes place in the form of an incurable tumor in the cells of the body. Dogs of any age are susceptible to this type of cancer. This occurs most commonly in elderly and middle-aged dogs. However, certain types of dog breeds are more susceptible to this cancer, such as German Shepherds and Retrievers.
That’s why it is always recommended to go for additional screening of these breeds after the age of 5. This form of cancer develops at a slow pace and does not show any initial symptoms until it attains an advanced stage. Only 40% of dogs can survive for only 6 months after treatment. Most of them die due to heavy internal bleeding. Proper treatment must be started at an early stage for survival.
Mast Cell Tumors
These are mainly immune cells that are responsible for causing the allergy. These cells can be found in all tissues, but this type of cancer appears in the form of a tumor on the skin. This is an aggressive form of cancer. Certain types of dog breeds are more susceptible to developing this cancer, such as boxers. They are prone to this form of cancer.
Lymphoma
This is a form of dog cancer that can affect any breed at any age. This type of cancer mostly appears as swollen lymph nodes under the neck, behind the knees, or in front of the shoulders.
Lymphoma basically affects the lymph nodes, which is visible outside the body. The basic symptom of this cancer is digestion problem and trouble breathing. This form of cancer can be treated if it is diagnosed at an early stage. Breeds like golden retrievers, Standard Poodles, and Australian Shepherds are most susceptible to this form of cancer.
Osteosarcoma
This is basically a common type of bone cancer that appears in the body’s skeletal system. It affects giant breed and older breed dogs. It can affect any dog of any size. This form of cancer may appear in any part of the body but it mostly affects the bones around the wrist, shoulder, and knee. One of the most common symptoms of this cancer is lameness in the affected part of the body, and they are very much painful.
Brain Tumors
When you notice an extreme behavioral change in your breed, go for CAT or MRI scanning. It is used to determine the disease’s size, location, and severity. To treat this form of cancer, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are applied.
Bladder Cancer
There are some breeds that are prone to this form of cancer. This is a slow developing cancer, and it does not show any symptoms for 3 to 6 months. Bleeding and urinary obstruction are the common symptoms of this type of cancer.
These are the forms of dog cancers. To avoid these fatal diseases, it is important to keep your furry friend healthy. Give them an ample amount of space where they can enjoy playing, jumping, running, and so on. Most of the homeowners in today’s age opt for an underground dog fence to provide a safe and secured playground to their furry friends.
The signs of cancer are not so easy to spot in dogs. The signs vary depending on a number of factors. Here is a list of the most common signs of cancer in dogs. Let’s have a look at those signs below:
- Abnormal odors coming from the ears, mouth, and other parts of the body
- Any kind of lumps and bumps under the dog’s skin
- Abnormal discharge from mouth, ears, and rectum
- Abnormal swelling
- Non-healing sores and wounds
- Coughing and difficulty in breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Change in bathroom habits
- Feeling of severe pain
- Depression and lethargy
These are some of the common symptoms in dogs. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, you should immediately take him for a medical check-up. Only a veterinary doctor can diagnose illness in dogs. Therefore, it is essential to schedule a periodic check-up for your dog.