Dog Cancer

Dog Cancer Recommendations

According to curecaninecancer.org one in four dogs die each year from this horrible disease. The thing about dogs is they are great at masking pain and health issues. This is why it's critical for dog owners to closely observe their dog's behavior regularly. Dogs can't check themselves into a Veterinary Clinic - we of course have to do this for them.

But what if you don't realize that your four-legged friend has cancer? How can you tell?

Regrettably, noticeable symptoms are not always present at early stages of dog cancer. No indications such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea or skin rashes and ultimately no unusual signs that may alert the owner that something may be wrong with their dog.

In fact our own old girl "Lulu" seemed perfectly healthy and happy when indeed she had a tumor in her bowel. Because she always had allergy and stool issues, we didn't think much of the trace of blood in her stool. It wasn't until we noticed that she was continuously trying to move her bowels that alerted us to that fact that something else might be going on. Therefore, it's critical that dog owners are vigilant in monitoring the health of their dogs, especially in dog breeds that are known to have a history of hereditary cancers such as boxers who are predisposed to dog skin cancer.

The most important tools for dog owners to detect dog cancer is regular checkups with a veterinarian and physical exams by the dog owner. A full physical examination including blood work may be needed to detect tumors early.

Routinely give your dog a thorough check up yourself by running your fingers through the fur and really feeling the skin for any raised growths or lumps. Thoroughly feel underneath the arms and shoulders, along the belly, around the torso, down the legs and between the toes. Check behind the ears and along the neck. Look inside your dog's mouth for any unusual redness or growths and take notice to any other discolorations to existing growths on the skin.

The following is a compressed guide into the different types of canine cancer and what to look for. Depending on the cancer type, it can grow gradually or quickly.

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Ten Symptoms To Watch Out For

These are some of the most common symptoms that dog owners should be aware of that may indicate dog cancer:

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1. Abnormal bumps that continue to grow, this is especially prevalent in the lymph nodes.
2. Skin sores that do not seem to heal.
3. Bleeding coming from the orifices.
4. A bad smell coming from the dog .
5. Loss of appetite or trouble swallowing food can indicate dog cancer.
6. Difficulty breathing
7. Trouble urinating or defecating.
8. Lethargy
9. Lumps in the breast area may also indicate dog cancer.
10. Difference in size of the testicles

Dog Cancer - Tumors Are Not Always Cancerous

Here is a list of the different kinds of tumors that are often not cancerous:

1. Dog Warts or Cutaneous Papillomas are pale small cauliflower like tumors that often appear on the head, feet, ears and genitals. However, they are not limited to these areas and some dogs develop them all over the body. Our dog "Lulu" has them just about everywhere. Papillomas are usually benign and most likely to be caused by sebaceous gland accumulations aka sebaceous gland hyperplasia. A biopsy can rule out any uncertainty and most Veterinarians will tell you to keep an eye on it for any change such as bleeding. They can be removed or left in place. Keep in mind that if removed, they often return. These tumors often affect middle age to older dogs.

2. Dog Sebaceous Cysts, Sebaceous Gland Tumors aka Epidermal Inclusion Cysts are very common in dogs (our dog Lulu has these as well). Caused by an obstruction in the hair follicles, they are often greasy and appear on the head, neck, ears and legs. They are filled with a cottage cheese type sebum and can rupture on their own. They may become infected if they rupture and the area is not kept clean. Clean with a diluted betadine solution.

3. Aural Hematomas or aka Earflap Hematomas are blood pockets located beneath the surface of the skin. Violent shaking of the head or excessive scratching due to ear infections can bruise the tissue of the ear flap. The earflap fills with fluid on either side of the ear creating swelling. It fills with blood and serum and looks like a big blood blister. A blow or bruise can also cause a hematoma on other parts of the body.

4. Histiocytomas are raised red tumors that look like a button and appear on the head, ears and legs. Usually benign and Veterinarians indicate that they often disappear on their own (8 -12 weeks). However, if the tumor doesn’t disappear, a biopsy is recommended. Dr. Ackerman recommends that dog owners find a pathologist that is familiar with veterinary medicine so that the tumor is not misdiagnosed as a Malignant Cutaneous Histiocytoma which requires very aggressive cancer treatment. The reason it's so important to find a qualified pathologist is because these tumors do not appear in humans.

5. Perianal Gland Adenomas are round, pink benign tumors located around the anus and in the skin. They can also be found on the tail or the groin. They typically affect male dogs and certain breeds such as German Shepherds and Cocker Spaniels as well as other breeds seem to be affected more than others.

6. Fatty tumors or Lipomas are also very common in older dogs over the age of 8. These tumors are soft and found around the neck, chest, abdomen and legs. While most fatty tumors don't cause problems and can be left alone, dog owners still need to keep a close eye on them. They can become large and interfere with other organs or just simply bother the dog. At that point your veterinarian might want to discuss removing it.

and then there are the growths that ARE cancerous, such as.....

1. Dog Skin Cancer - may resemble the tumors above but the difference is that it grows. If you have any doubts at all, have a biopsy done on your dog.

2. Sebaceous adenomas - these are less than an inch long and also look like a cauliflower.

3. Mast cell tumors - these mostly occur on older dogs and are commonly found on the hind legs.

4. Epidermoid carcinoma - this is a hard, grey-colored ulcer that doesn't heal. This is usually found on the feet.

Once a biopsy has been done and the tumor is found to be cancerous, then treatment should be done immediately. Depending on the size and malignancy of the cancer it could either be surgically removed, treated with radiation therapy and/or the use of tumor-killing drugs.

Whatever the dog cancer treatment done, it will undoubtedly leave your dog weak and without appetite. Dog cancer treatments will cause nausea so feeding him may be a challenge.

Dog Cancer Tips For Feeding, Strengthening and Comforting Your Recovering Pet

1. Just like with people, nausea and vomiting are commom in dogs undergoing chemotherapy. Vomiting also causes dehydration which in turn reduces electrolytes. Dehydration is dangerous and dog owners must take every step to be make sure their dog gets the fluids he needs. Pedialyte is a product that we often keep on hand and recommend for quick hydration. We also keep oral syringes on hand to administer the Pedialyte easily.

   Remember, don't force her to eat if she feels nauseated, but at the same time, remember that is is critical to keep cancer patients eating.

   DIET IS CRITCAL for your recovering dog. We strongly recommend feeding healthy homemade meals to cancer patients. Again, a healthy diet plays a significant role in your dog's recovery.

2. If the nausea and vomiting becomes a problem, ask your vet if he can recommend something to help. Metaclopramide is often prescribed for dogs who experience nausea.

3. Feed him frequently, but in small portions.

4. Never give your pup medication while eating.

5. Again, DO NOT force feed your dog. Remember that dog's react to our actions. Talk in a low comforting tone to your best friend to assure him that it's o.k. If you are worried that he's not eating, try hand feeding in small amounts in a comfortable relaxing atmosphere. Lulu would often accept a bland diet when whe wasn't feeling well.

6. It is also critical that you strengthen your dog's immune system IMMEDIATELY. Besides Cancer itself, the many drugs included in treating Cancer will also weaken the dog.

   The link below will tell you more about repairing and strengthening the immune system through "Immune Modulation Therapy".

Cancer is a horrible disease for people and pets alike.

If your dog has been diagnosed with Cancer, whether it's bone cancer, canine osteosarcoma, lymphoma or any other type of cancer; PLEASE READ - Cancer Is Treatable. Click Here to Learn How! Early detection is the key for successful treatment and eradication.

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