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CANCER MOST COMMONLY OCCURS in older dogs, although cancer in younger dogs is not unheard of. Common canine cancers include bone cancer, lymphoma, and mast cell tumors. |
| According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the ten most common signs of cancer in dogs are: |
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Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow |
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Sores that do not heal |
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Weight loss |
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Loss of appetite |
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Bleeding or discharge from any body opening |
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Offensive odor |
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Difficulty eating or swallowing |
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Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina |
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Persistent lameness or stiffness |
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Difficulty breathing, urinating, or deficating |
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BONE CANCER (Osteosarcoma)
Osteosarcomas account for only 5% of all canine tumors, but 80-90%
of malignancies that involve the bone. Much more common in large
breed dogs, osteosarcoma is an aggressive cancer of the bone that often
requires amputation of the affected limb coupled with chemotherapy.
LYMPHOMA (Lymphosarcoma)
Lymphosarcoma is a common cancer of lymphocytes in dogs and can
occur in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and other organs. The cancer
can be aggressive but treatment with chemotherapy has been very
successful in adding months, and occasionally years, to the dog’s life.
MAST CELL TUMORS
Canine mast cell tumors account for up to 20% of all skin tumors in
dogs. While they often appear small and somewhat insignificant, they
can be a very serious form of cancer in the dog. Some mast cell tumors
are easily removed without the development of any further problems
while others can cause life threatening disease. Proper identification
and treatment are very important in controlling these tumors.
In early 2010, look for a new drug by Pfizer called Palladia, a drug
that may hold promise for certain canine mast cell tumors.
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