Vet Corner: How to Know If Your Dog Has Cancer

by Jaron Lukas September 9, 2022

There are many different types of cancer, each with its own set of symptoms and treatment options. Your dog may have cancer if he or she is not acting like their normal self or has changes in eating habits, drinking habits or behavior. While there are many different types of canine cancer, they can be broken down into three main categories: bone tumors; skin cancers; and other tumors that affect other organs throughout the body. In this article we will discuss some common cancers found in dogs as well as how you can help diagnose your pup if you suspect something is wrong!

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs, especially as they age.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs, especially as they age. According to the American Cancer Society, cancer is one of the leading causes of death in humans and accounts for approximately 1 in every 4 deaths. This makes sense when you consider that we live longer than most dogs do. Cancer affects dogs at all ages, but older dogs are more likely to develop it.

There are many different types of canine cancer. They're usually named for the type of tissue where they originate.

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. There are many different types of cancer, which can be named for the type of tissue where they originate. Examples include lung cancer, breast cancer and brain tumor (also called glioma).

The most common cancers in dogs are:

Bone tumors or osteosarcoma (cancer that affects bones)
Lymphoma (cancer that starts in lymphatic tissues)

Bone cancer, known as osteosarcoma, is the most common type of cancer among dogs, and is typically found in large or giant breeds.

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of cancer among dogs, and is typically found in large or giant breeds. Osteosarcoma most commonly occurs in the leg bones, especially among German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers. It can also affect your dog's spine and skull.

When bone cancer first develops, it may not be apparent to you that there’s anything wrong with your pet—it may just appear as a sore on his leg that won't heal. However, once osteosarcoma begins spreading through the body (metastasizing), symptoms become much more obvious: swelling around the tumor site; disfigurement around the skeleton; lameness or difficulty walking due to pain caused by pressure from nearby organs pressing against protruding bones caused by metastasized tumors; visible deformity when looking at your dog from above

Melanoma is the second most common malignant tumor in dogs. It usually develops on the toenails and footpads, mouth, rectum or vagina, eyes or inside the ears.

Melanoma is the second most common malignant tumor in dogs. It usually develops on the toenails and footpads, mouth, rectum or vagina, eyes or inside the ears. Melanoma can occur anywhere on a dog’s body but it is rare for it to develop in other areas such as its skin or gums.

There are two types of melanoma: superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) and nodular melanoma (NM). SSM most often affects older dogs while NM occurs more commonly in younger dogs.

The most common signs of both SSM and NM include discoloration of skin around a tumor mass; ulceration of the skin; bleeding from a tumor mass; lameness due to bone destruction by swelling; weight loss/loss of appetite

The third most common cancer in dogs is mast cell tumor (MCT), which affects the cells that produce histamine and other chemicals necessary for immune function. MCT can occur almost anywhere on a dog's body but most commonly appears on hairless areas such as inside the thigh and on areas with sparse hair.

MCTs are usually benign, but they can also be malignant.
MCTs are usually treated with surgery, which is often successful in removing the tumor.
MCTs can be fatal if left untreated or if improperly treated (for example, treating a mast cell tumor that isn't actually a mast cell tumor).
Mast cell tumors may metastasize to other parts of the body.

Lymphoma is a cancer that originates in lymphocytes, a part of the immune system found in lymph nodes throughout the body. It affects an average of one in every 400 dogs.

Lymphocytes are responsible for fighting off infections and other diseases, so when they become cancerous they can cause serious health problems. As with any form of cancer, early detection is key to treating it successfully.

Mammary gland tumors are more common among spayed dogs than unspayed bitches. After spaying, the risk goes down by at least 90 percent -- even more if it's done at a young age.

Spaying reduces the risk of mammary tumors.

When a female dog is spayed before she reaches sexual maturity, her risk of developing mammary gland cancer drops by at least 90 percent. The younger she is when spayed, the better. Spaying after first heat does not seem to offer any additional protection against breast cancer in dogs.

Conclusion

If you notice any of these signs in your dog, make an appointment with your veterinarian immediately. Your vet will be able to perform tests to determine whether your dog has cancer and can give you information on treatment options if so.