How to Address Cancer in Dogs

Hearing the news that their dog is diagnosed with cancer could be frustrating for any pet parent. Nobody wants to hear that their fur baby will be fighting cancer; however, it typically occurs to canines more than ten years old; however, it does not eliminate the possibility of affecting younger puppies.

Like in humans, dogs are prone to getting different sorts of cancer. Fortunately, a lot of it can be treated, and the way veterinary oncology manages cancer in dogs is very much the same treatment used in humans.

Common Types of Cancer in Dogs

• Mammary Cancers – are more common in female dogs that are not spayed or were spayed after two years old. Mammary tumors make up 42% of female dogs’ cases; this risk is even higher compared to breast cancer for women.
• Mast Cell Tumors (MCTs) – are common in canines, representing roughly 20% of all skin tumors in dogs. MCTs can occur in any part of the body and vary in appearance. It can be very invasive and typically grow back even after surgical removals.
• Melanomas – malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer in dogs; most happen on the mouth or mucous membranes, although 10% are found on parts of the body covered with hair. They tend to escalate and affect other organs such as the liver and the lungs.
• Lymphomas – are a diverse group of cancers. This is also among the most typical in canines, accounting for 7-14% of all cancers detected. Lymphomas may likely affect any organ in the body however are most common in lymph nodes.
• Hemangiosarcomas – are malignant tumors stemming from the cells lining blood vessels. It’s prevalent in geriatric dogs accounting for around 5% of cancer instances. Hemangiosarcoma can develop anywhere where there are blood vessels.
• Osteosarcomas – are malignant tumors of the bone. This cancer has the same appearance as human pediatric osteosarcoma. The long bones in arms and legs are most commonly affected, although the jaw, hips, and hips might likewise be affected.
• Lung Cancers – are relatively rare in canines; of all the cancers diagnosed, lung cancer represents simply 1% of the cases. This type of cancer has a moderate to high risk of metastasis.

Dealing with Canine Cancer

Acknowledge that cancer in dogs is common; about 47% of fatalities in dogs result from cancer. Early prevention is the key to cancer avoidance; it needs to begin while the dog is very young. Your family veterinarian is still the best source of relevant information regarding your dog’s overall health.

There are also numerous vet facilities with a vast array of specializations that you can visit when your dog starts showing signs and symptoms beyond the reach of the regular veterinarian. Visit websites such as BGVets.com to learn about specialty facilities.

Cancer treatment starts with proper medical diagnosis and staging. Therapy could be a mix of chemotherapy and surgery, radiation, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy only. Your pet’s oncologist is in the best position to chart the therapy options that would fit your dog’s condition best. Learn more about veterinary oncology treatments.

When lung cancer is in its advanced phase, emergencies render the dog incapable of breathing. Other problems like a malignant tumor pressing on critical tissue and your dog’s life hang in the balance; or when a blood vessel ruptures in case of hemangiosarcoma. You need to bring your dog rapidly to vet emergency facilities for quick medical interventions in these circumstances.

Conclusion

The innovation of veterinary oncology gives hope to so many pet animals. Vaccines are available for some types of cancer for dogs. Spaying and neutering also reduced the possibility of getting some form of cancer. Treatment options to combat cancer abound.

Animals tolerate therapies like chemotherapy a lot better than people. After treatment, some dogs have diarrhea or vomiting, but most don’t experience adverse effects. Cancer research for animals is making good progress; ideally, this will equate to preventative, treatment, and cure soon.