All About Cancer in Dogs

Many people are surprised to learn that just like in people, cancer in dogs is a real problem. An Italian study from the journal BioMed Central Veterinary Research estimated that out of every 100,000 dogs, 800 to 900 will develop cancer. Dogs older than 10 and purebreds are at increased risk compared to mixed breeds.

Cancer affects dogs in the same way that it affects humans: stealing quality of life and years away from our furry friends. However, many treatments are available and veterinary research continues to improve every dog's possibilities at a long and happy life. Learn how to spot the signs so that you and your veterinarian can give your pup the best possible care if he ever needs it.

Types of Cancer in Dogs

Cancer in dogs can affect any and every organ in the body. Dog tumors on the skin may be lumpy and obvious, but cancer in the chest, brain, abdomen or blood can be more difficult to identify. According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the most common types of cancer in dogs include:

• Lymphoma: Cancer of the lymph nodes that attacks the immune system
• Hemangiosarcoma: Cancer of the blood vessels
• Mast cell tumor: Cancer that can develop almost anywhere in the body but is often visible as a skin lesion
• Melanoma: Aggressive skin cancer that can develop in the mouth, eyes or foot pads
• Osteosarcoma: Malignant bone cancer, most common in large dogs
• Mammary gland carcinoma: Cancer of the mammary glands that can often be prevented by spaying a female dog early in life

Signs of Cancer in Dogs

The signs of cancer in dogs vary with what system the cancer is attacking or arising from, and whether it is benign and solitary, or malignant and spreading to distant areas in the body. For example, a lipoma, a common benign tumor of fat cells, shows up as a soft, movable lump under the skin. Mast cell tumors, on the other hand, can show up as red, angry skin bumps that look like an allergic reaction. Hemangiosarcoma, a cancer arising from the cells that line blood vessels, can show up as skin tumors or can spread to the spleen (and in some cases originate in the spleen), causing it to become enlarged, lumpy and fragile.

Keep a close eye on your dog's behavior if you think he may be sick. Limping, a swollen leg or excessively licking a leg may indicate bone cancer, while cancer in the brain can cause abnormal behavior or seizures. Knowing what "normal" looks like for your pup's mouth, paws, neck and joints can also help you spot abnormalities. Melanoma, for instance, can show up as a dark spot in your dog's mouth or a swollen paw. The first sign of lymphoma is often a swollen lymph node or lymph nodes in the neck or knees, the AAHA writes.

Malignant cancer in dogs tends to cause unexpected weight loss, and that may be the only visible sign. If you are concerned that your pet might have cancer, call your vet and schedule a physical exam for your dog as soon as possible.

Treatment Options for Dog Tumors

Cancer in dogs is a common problem, and there are many treatment options available. Because dog and human cancers are so similar, much of the research in human cancer treatment has already been done in dogs, and nearly all of the options for human oncology treatment are available for canine patients, as well.

The treatment for cancer in dogs depends on the type of cancer and whether it is likely to spread. If a tumor is malignant, then treatment and prognosis depends on how far it has spread. The location of dog tumors can also influence what treatment your vet prescribes.

Many treatments work synergistically, meaning they build on each other and fight cancer better together than separately. Your vet or veterinary oncologist (Yes, there is such a person!) can prescribe any or all of the following:

• Surgical removal of cancerous tumors
• Radiation treatment to kill any remaining cancer cells
• Multiple treatments of cancer-killing medications, better known as chemotherapy. But don't worry — chemo is well-tolerated in dogs. They hardly ever get sick, and they don't lose their hair.
• Immunotherapy in the form of an anti-cancer vaccination to strengthen the immune system against invading tumor cells
• Stem cell transplants in dogs who have been diagnosed with blood cancers

Staying Hopeful

If your dog has been diagnosed with cancer, it can be very scary, but there are now more ways than ever to treat and even cure cancer in many canine patients. Many pet parents elect to not treat their pets because they think that the treatment will cause them discomfort, but pets tend to tolerate cancer treatment much better than most humans. This is partially because they don't know what is going on. You may dread taking your pup in for treatment, but your dog usually views it as a trip to the veterinary clinic where everybody is nice to him and gives him dog treats.

If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, then listen to the options that your vet gives you, and choose the best one for you and your furry friend. Organizations like the National Canine Cancer Foundation can help connect you with other dog parents going through cancer treatment for suggestions and support.

As in humans, the earlier you catch cancer, the easier it is to treat, so make sure to get your dog examined by a vet at least annually to allow for early intervention if it is ever needed. Removing one "harmless" lump could give your pup many more happy years.