While not many pet owners know about it, dogs can also be a victim of cancer. This deadly disease can affect your pooch and can put them in great pain. However, all is not bad as effective care, and the right treatment can help rule out cancer in dogs and ensure your pet faces no issues going forward.
It is important to know about the symptoms of the cancer so that you can get a qualified vet to check your dog. Most importantly, you need to know that there are different types of cancer that can affect your dogs. While this is not a definitive list, below are a few cancer types that are common in dogs.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that is quite common among dogs. This type of cancer can impact dogs of all ages and breeds. However, it is quite common among the golden retriever breed, and among dogs between the ages of six and 9. This type of cancer can impact the lymph nodes and lymphatic system,
An important thing to note is that lymphoma can impact various organs of the dog’s body. However, the most common place where it is found is the peripheral lymph nodes, which are situated in the depth of the subcutaneous tissue (the innermost skin layer).
Mast Cell Tumors
The mast cell tumor (MCT) refers to the cancer type in dogs where different healthy cells group together and create a mass. While it is quite common for this type of cancer to form on the skin, it can impact other parts of the body, such as the respiratory and digestive tracts.
This type of cancer is quite aggressive and can quickly spread to other body parts, if not treated. However, you can rule out cancer in dogs, especially this type with surgery. Although MCT can develop in dogs of all ages, they are quite common in old-aged dogs, and breeds of:
- Boxers
- Bull terriers
- Boston terriers
- Labrador retrievers
Hemangiosarcoma
Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that forms in the blood vessels, but the tumor starts forming in the liver, skin, spleen, or heart. Nevertheless, this cancer can grow in any part of the dog’s body and typically impacts dogs who are old or middle-aged.
This type of cancer is quite common in German shepherds and both golden and Labrador retrievers, though it can be found in other types of breeds as well. Male dogs are also more prone to this type of cancer.
Liver Cancer
An important thing to note is that liver cancer doesn’t show obvious clinical signals. As a result, it can be a silent killer for dogs and slowly impact their overall body. Furthermore, this type of cancer is caused by various malignant tumors. However, hepatocellular carcinoma is a single, large tumor that causes this type of cancer.
This tumor is found in the liver and there is a good chance it won’t spread to different parts of the body. Furthermore, liver cancer can be found in dogs of all ages and breeds, but it is known to be quite common among dogs at a younger age.
Bladder Cancer
When it comes to Bladder cancer, there can be different types of tumors that can lead to this type of cancer. Most commonly, it occurs due to transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and will form in the deeper layers and muscles of the bladder wall.
With the tumor continuing to grow, it will attack the urethra and block the flow of during. As a result, it will lead to issues with your dog urinating or a complete blockage. It can become a serious pet emergency where you would have to take your pooch to the vet immediately.
Middle-aged and elderly female dogs are more likely to become a victims of bladder cancer. While it can occur with dogs of all breeds, bladder cancer is a common occurrence among dogs of the following breeds:
- Shetland sheepdog
- Scottish terrier
- Iirehair fox terrier
- West Highland Terrier
- Beagle
Breast Cancer
Female dogs are prone to breast cancer, just like humans. The emergence of breast cancer in female dogs is due to the mammary glands. Dogs have 10 mammary glands that extend in rows of two from the chest to the abdominal wall.
Though the tumor can form in any of the mammary glands, it is quite common to find two sets closest to the hind legs. Additionally, female dogs in the middle and old ages are more like to develop mammary tumors.
It can be especially possible for female dogs to develop mammary tubes if they have been unspayed or were spayed after 2 years of age. English spaniels, terriers, poodles, and English setters are at a greater risk of developing mammary tumors.
Final Words
Seeing your pooch suffer from cancer can be devastating. Therefore, it is highly important that you show them to the vet as soon as you any signs to rule of cancers of dogs.
