Dogs Cancer Articles

Dog cancer is a serious condition that affects the bones, skin, brain and other organs of the dog. Some types of dog cancer are slow growing, while others can develop quickly, seemingly overnight. Read more to learn preventative measures you can take to help protect your dog from this disease, the symptoms to look out for, and the types of traditional and alternative forms of treatment available.

• Why a Dog Lump Should Be Tested for Cancer

  A dog lump isn't always benign, so it's important to regularly check for them and get them tested.

• Which Cancer Treatment for Dogs Is the Least Invasive?

  There are different kinds of cancer treatment for dogs, which include surgery, drugs, radiation, chemotherapy and acupuncture. Each treatment poses risks and a variable success rate.

• Which Cancer Treatment for Dogs Is the Least Invasive?

  With advances in health care, the options for cancer treatment for dogs have increased. There are many choices out there and the effectiveness can vary depending on the type of cancer your dog has and what your veterinarian recommends.

• When Warts May Indicate Canine Skin Cancer

  Sometimes, what can seemingly look like a benign wart on your dog may actually be canine skin cancer.

• When Warts May Indicate Canine Skin Cancer

  Sometimes, what can seemingly look like a benign wart on your dog may actually be canine skin cancer.

• When Should Liver Tumors in Dogs Be Removed?

  There are two main types of cancerous liver tumors in dogs: primary and metastatic. Primary cancers develop directly in the liver, metastatic tumors spread from other cancerous organs or systems.

• When Must Tumors in Dogs be Removed?

  Tumors in dogs can be scary, especially when you don't know whether they are cancerous or not. However, there are many different kinds of tumors, so it's important to seek a veterinary opinion right away.

• When Is Canine Chemotherapy the Best Treatment Option?

  If your dog is diagnosed with cancer, canine chemotherapy is an option that may help control the tumor. Cancer in dogs is more prevalent as they age, so knowing the signs can be helpful in getting an early diagnosis.

• When Is Canine Chemotherapy the Best Treatment Option?

  Canine chemotherapy is one way to treat the growth of a tumor in dogs. Chemotherapy is an effective treatment particularly when used in conjunction with other types of treatment for canine cancer, such as surgery, radiation and hyperthermia.

• When do Warts Indicate Canine Skin Cancer?

  Sudden growth of lumps, hair loss, scales on dog's skin, bald patches and unhealed sores are some symptoms of canine skin cancer. Older dogs are more prone to skin cancer as they usually have weak immune systems.

• Understanding Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs

  Mast cell tumors dogs develop are very common and can occur in any breed. There is not much know about mast cell tumors and why they develop because mast cell tumors typically only happen in dogs, not in humans or cats.

• Understanding Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs

  Mast cell tumors in dogs may appear small and insignificant; however, they account for up to 20% of all dog malignant tumors of the skin. Canine skin cancer occurs in a variety of forms and locations, including when a dog has mouth cancer as one or more lumps in the mouth or skin, which appear red, ulcerated and/or can be itchy.

• Understanding Canine Skin Cancer

  Just as humans experience high incidents of skin cancer, canine forms of this disease occur in high rates among dogs. Skin cancer is believed to be the most common cancer found in dogs.

• Tumors and Growths - Histiocytoma

  Hi… I noticed a growth on my Border Collie/Brittany Spaniel mix’s foot. It looks like (this is gross, but...) a Crunch Berry in Captain Crunch cereal.

• Treatment Options for Dog Prostate Cancer

  Dog prostate cancer is a rare disease that may appear in both castrated and non-castrated dogs. Older dogs are more susceptible to this disease, which is often fatal. However, several treatment options exist to try to combat this type of cancer.

• Treatment of Canine Lymphoma Through Chemotherapy

  Lymphoma canine treatment involves chemotherapy. Here are some details about the treatment of canine lymphoma via chemotherapy.

• Treating Dogs’ Thyroid Cancer With Radioiodine

  In dogs thyroid cancer is not very common. However, there are very few symptoms so if your dog does develop this kind of cancer then it could be hard to spot.

• Treating Canine Carcinoma With Chemotherapy

  Canine carcinoma (cancer) can be treated but not cured with chemotherapy. It fights cancer cells in order to prevent the spread of the cancer to other healthy parts of the body.

• Treating Canine Carcinoma With Chemotherapy

  Malignant cancer in dogs, or canine carcinoma, can be treated with chemotherapy and other "anti-cancer" medications. Chemotherapy uses drugs to fight cancer cells, however it is usually not a cure.

• Treating Cancer in Dogs With Radiation vs. Chemotherapy

  Cancer in dogs may occur especially at an older age. The cancer or tumor may be located in different parts of the body.

• Treating Cancer in Dogs With Radiation vs. Chemotherapy

  If your dog has been diagnosed with cancer, you may be weighing the advantages and disadvantages of radiation and chemotherapy. Some cancers can be surgically removed but for those that cannot, radiation or chemotherapy can offer pain relief, slow cancer progression and in some cases destroy or shrink the cancer to a size that will allow for surgery.

• The Surgical Treatment of Canine Adenocarcinoma

  The canine adenocarcinoma is a malignant tumor that looks like a gland. The adenocarcinoma may be located anywhere on and inside the body: liver, stomach prostate or rectum.

• The Surgical Treatment of Canine Adenocarcinoma

  Dealing with the heartache of having a pet with canine adenocarcinoma can be a trying experience, but learning about treatment will help with the process.

• The Geriatric Dog

  Urine leakage when dogs are asleep is most commonly associated with incontinence but can occur due to disorders that increase the volume of urine, such as diabetes or hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease). Dogs do have a form of senility that is termed cognitive dysfunction, which is also the category of disorder that Alzheimer's disease is considered to fall under in humans.

• The Five Types of Bone Cancer in Dogs

  Bone cancer in dogs is quite common. Each year, 10,000 new cases are reported. Success rate of treatment depends on the type of cancer, ranging from very little chance of success to easily treated.

• The Diagnosis of Canine Prostate Cancer

  Usually affecting older dogs, canine prostate cancer is an aggressive disease that typically offers few (if any) early warning signs. The disease occurs in both dogs that have and have not been neutered, and it can spread to other areas of the animal's body, including the lymph nodes, bones and lungs.

• The 6 Types of Bone Cancer in Dogs

  There are many different types of cancerous tumors that dogs can get; however, bone cancer can be one of the more difficult to diagnose because the tumors don't show up as readily. There are many different types of bone cancer that can develop in dogs.

• Symptoms of Osteosarcoma in Dogs

  Osteosarcoma in dogs is also known as bone cancer. Bones may be affected by tumors and most frequently these are localized close to the knee joint or below the shoulder joint.

• Symptoms of Canine Skin Cancer

  There are various types of canine skin cancer and they are difficult to diagnose. Just looking at your dogs skin will not tell you that it's cancer, however there are some symptoms that you should be aware of.

• Symptoms of Canine Prostate Cancer

  Canine prostate cancer is an uncommon but aggressive, and often fatal, disease. Prostate cancer can affect both neutered and intact male dogs but usually occurs in older canines.

• Symptoms of Canine Melanoma

  Canine melanoma is a common type of cancer normally found in the mouth, toes, on the skin or behind the eyes but can originate from various parts of the body. Melanoma of the skin is usually characterized by small, dark lumps or large, flat, wrinkled masses.

• Symptoms of Canine Melanoma

  Canine melanoma is the most common oral malignant tumor, and it can also be on on the skin or toes, or behind the eye. This type of cancer commonly occurs in dogs with dark skin.

• Symptoms of Canine Bone Cancer

  Bone cancer in a canine can affect the bones, cartilage and other tissues of a dog's skeletal system. The disease is caused by abnormal cell activity that often results in the formation of malignant tumors.

• Symptoms of Bladder Cancer in Dogs

  Bladder cancer in dogs is often mistaken for a bladder or urinary tract infection and can be fatal if not detected early. Unlike cancer of the prostate or melanoma...

• Symptoms of Bladder Cancer in Dogs

  Urinary bladder cancer is a slow developing cancer in dogs. Some breeds, such as West Highland Terriers, are at a higher risk than other breeds.

• Skin - Epidermal Inclusion Cysts

  It is possible that your veterinarian meant to say that your dog had an epidermal inclusion cyst. These are common cystic lesions that are not cancerous. Many dogs that have these cysts will have more than one during their lifetime but that is due to a tendency to form them, rather than any one lesion actually spreading as occurs with cancer.

• Severity of Skin Tumors in Dogs

  Unidentified lumps and skin tumors in dogs can be benign or serious. Only your veterinarian can confirm a diagnosis.

• Reducing Canine Cancer With Hyperthermia

  There are a number of treatments for canine cancer. Some are more successful than others dependingon the type of cancer involved since cancer takes on many different forms.

• Prostate Problems in Dogs

  Treating for prostate cancer this severe usually requires some sort of radical surgery. The favored one, at the present time, seems to be removal of the prostate and anastamosis (joining) of the bladder and colon, so that urine is deposited into the colon and excreted from there with the stool.

• Plasmacytoma and Myelomas in Dogs

  Question: You mentioned that there is a slight link between multiple myeloma and plasmacytomas. Recently our Golden Retriever was diagnosed with multiple myeloma...

• Pituitary Tumors /Pituitary Dwarfism in Dogs

  In Pituitary dwarfism / hyposomatotrophism a deficiency in pituitary stimulation of growth hormone production leads to dwarfism. With the advent of accurate diagnostic imaging using CT or MRI scans, it has become possible to locate and remove pituitary gland tumors surgically at some institutions.

• Photo Gallery - Cancer - Fibrosarcoma

  This is an invasive soft tissue sarcoma that often occurs in extremities and is very difficult to completely remove. Fibrosarcomas do sometimes develop at vaccination sites.

• Pheochromocytomas and other Adrenal tumors

  Adrenal gland carcinomas and adenomas tend to produce hyperadrenocorticism, or Cushing's disease. This condition causes changes in the blood glucose levels, the electrolyte levels, the blood pressure and it increases the tendency for blood to clot, leading to an increase in pulmonary embolisms.

• Perianal Adenoma and Perianal Adenocarcinoma

  Perianal adenomas are usually a benign tumor that affects older, intact, male dogs. In male dogs these occur in tissues around the rectum that are responsive to androgens (like testosterone) and develop into benign tumors under the effect of these hormones

• Perianal Adenoma

  Perianal adenomas are usually a benign tumor that affects older, intact, male dogs.

• Parvovirus

  Parvovirus is a viral disease of dogs. It affects puppies much more frequently than it affects adult dogs. The virus likes to grow in rapidly dividing cells

• Parathyroid cancer, tumors and Hyperparathyroidism in Dogs

  If this is hyperparathyroidism, the most likely cause is a benign tumor of the parathyroid gland, followed by malignant tumors of the gland and then hyperplasia (increase in gland size not from cancer). As far as I know, the only treatment for these conditions is surgical removal of the parathyroid gland tumor or hyperplastic region.

• Nutritional Therapy for Canine Lymphoma

  Canine lymphoma can appear in, or spread to, any part of the body where there is lymph tissue, fortunately lymphoma is also the most treatable canine cancer. After the frightful diagnosis, your first priority will probably be to find ways to improve your dog's diet to fight the cancer.

• Nutritional Therapy for Canine Lymphoma

  Nutrition is always important, but when canine lymphoma is the issue, proper nutrition can be vital to your dog and can even provide anti-cancer properties. Dogs and cancer have a long history and more and more vets are understanding the importance of nutrition for the treatment of canine cancers.

• New Developments in Canine Cancer Treatment

  For a long time, canine cancer treatment has always relied on traditional therapies. Skin cancer in dogs comprise 58% of the total cancers that affect the canines.

• New Developments in Canine Cancer Treatment

  Canine cancer treatment is a difficult topic but, if your dog is suffering, you need to be aware of vital information. Canines can suffer from many types of cancer, and one in every four dogs dies from cancer.

• Multiple Cancers in Dogs

  I have had several patients develop more than one metastatic cancer at the same time, although the one I remember most clearly had lymphoma, mast cell tumors and possibly osteosarcoma (or possibly a spread of the lymphoma to the bone) at the same time.

• Metronidazole and Your Dog

  Metronidazole has never been approved for use in dogs and cats but it is used quite frequently to treat giardiasis and inflammatory bowel disorders. It is also used to aid in the treatment of anerobic bacteria in the respiratory tract.

• Melanoma and Melanocytoma

  Most dogs recover from surgical removal of these tumors very rapidly even when a large area of skin and underlying tissue is removed. Pain relief is available through several effective medications now, so post-operative pain can usually be controlled.

• Mast Cell Tumors: Dogs Most Affected

  The problems mast cell tumors dogs face are usually when harmful chemicals are released into their bodies. When this happens canines may experience gastric ulcers.

• Managing Lipomas (Fatty Tumors) in Dogs

  Unlike other kinds of tumors, when it comes to fatty tumors dogs are not in any immediate danger. They are very common in older dogs and vets will...

• Managing Colitis With a Fiber-Rich Diet

  Canine colitis, an inflammation of the colon, causes diarrhea and gastrointestinal discomfort in your dog; weight loss may follow if the condition is left untreated. Colitis is considered a "fiber responsive" disease, meaning the symptoms are relieved or reduced by the addition of a fiber preparation to the diet.

• Lymphosarcoma

  Unfortunately, so many things change at once when dogs have cancer, then chemotherapy, that it is hard to pin down exactly what might have induced a behavioral change in many instances. In humans I think that occasional (probably rare) psychological effects resembling psychotic behavior are pretty well recognized as a side effect of prednisone usage.

• Lymphoma: When Dogs Require Chemotherapy

  When diagnosed with lymphoma, dogs are usually treated with chemotherapy, as it is a serious and fast growing cancer.

• Lymphoma in Your Dog:  Easing Pain in the Living Space

  Lymphoma in a dog is a rapidly spreading malignancy that requires prompt and thorough veterinary treatment. Lymphoma can occur anywhere in the body and is typically treated with chemotherapy.

• Lymphoma in Dogs: Side Effects of Chemotherapy

  Lymphoma in dogs is primarily treated through chemotherapy drugs. Each dog responds differently to chemotherapy, and some may not experience any side effects at all.

• Lymphoma in Canines: Types and Symptoms Explained

  Lymphoma in canines, or lymphosarcoma, is malignancy of the lymphatic system, striking the lymph nodes, spleen, liver and other organs in dogs. Untreated, lymphoma spreads aggressively and can be fatal.

• Lymph Problems

  Lymphoma is often discovered pretty much the way you did - by accident. It does not seem to cause much pain or discomfort in the early stages. It therefore comes as a shock to many owners expecting a minor problem and going home coping with a diagnosis of malignant cancer.

• Lung Cancers in Dogs

  Primary lung cancer (cancer coming from lung tissue) is rare in dogs, so the odds are very high that a tumor seen in the lungs is a metastasis from a tumor somewhere else. This is not always the case but it is a reasonable presumption. So in most cases, just seeing a tumor in the lungs is reason to suspect metastatic cancer.

• Lung Cancer in Dogs: An Overview

  Lung cancer in dogs is a potentially fatal diagnosis for a dog that can be devastating for the pet owner. Most common in older, medium to large dogs, the disease is often arduous to treat because canine cancer symptoms are difficult to detect in the disease's early stages. When it is caught in time, treatment for lung tumors in dogs can be costly.

• Lowering the Risk of Canine Bone Cancer Through Anxtioxidants

  One of the most painful types of cancers to affect dogs is osteosarcoma, or canine bone cancer.

• Lowering the Risk of Canine Bone Cancer Through Anxtioxidants

  Canine bone cancer is a condition that tends to develop in older dogs and is often thought of by most owners as something that just occurs due to aging. The truth is that cancer and most other diseases are caused through a process called oxidative stress.

• Liver Cancer in Dogs

  There are two different types of liver cancer in dogs, primary and metastatic neoplasia. The liver plays an important role in detoxifying substances that circulates in the body.

• Liver Cancer and Tumors in Dogs

  The type of cancer present has a tremendous influence on how well chemotherapy will work. If you can tell me what the cancer is (if there has been a biopsy) I will look into it more specifically. In general, though, chemotherapy usually does prolong the lifespan of patients who are treated with it.

• Lipoma and Sebaceous cysts

  I usually do not surgically remove either lipomas (the fatty cell tumor your first vet suspected) or sebaceous cysts. However, under some circumstances we do recommend removal of these lumps. The other concern here is whether or not this is really just a lipoma or sebaceous cyst.

• Lipoma

  Lipomas are fatty cell tumors that are quite common in dogs.

• Leukemia in Dogs

  Leukemia is the presence of cancer cells in the bone marrow itself. This is different from lymphoma, the other common white blood cell cancer, because lymphoma arises from tissues outside the bone marrow, such as lymph nodes or the spleen. There are two forms of leukemia, acute and chronic.

• Is Canine Lymphoma Common in Younger Dogs?

  Canine lymphoma is a common cancer and usually occurs in older and middle age dogs but can affect dogs of any age (even puppies that are only a few weeks old). This cancer comes in several forms, but is a treatable illness with a relatively high rate of remission.

• Insulinomas - tumors of the pancreas

  Insulinomas, the tumor of the pancreas that leads to low blood sugar and high insulin production, will commonly metastasize (some people say this tumor always metastasizes) and recurrences of the tumor after removal do occur in most patients. It is a good idea to have chest X-rays taken prior to making a surgical decision, since it would be much less likely to help if there are already visible tumors in the chest.

• Identifying Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs: 7 Visible Signs

  Mast cell tumors are a common skin cancer in dogs of all breeds and ages. If caught early, some mast tumors can be removed easily.

• Identifiable Dog Lymphoma Symptoms

  Dog lymphoma is a type of cancer that can affect dogs. It can exhibit itself as a malignant tumor.

• How Vets Diagnose a Sarcoma in Dogs

  In dogs sarcoma is a common disease, particularly in older dogs. There are many symptoms associated with sarcomas.

• How Fatty Tumors in Dogs Develop

  Fatty tumors in dogs, also known as lipomas, are benign growths that are common in older and overweight dogs, though dogs of any age or breed can develop these soft-tissue tumors. Once a lump appears veterinarians usually examine the dog and take note of the location and size of the tumor, but generally these are not harmful.

• How do Vets Diagnose Sarcoma in Dogs

  The veterinarian diagnoses sarcoma in dogs with a physical examination, a blood test, a urinalysis, or a biopsy. 15% of skin cancers in dogs are caused by soft tissue sarcomas (STSs). STSs are firm masses found on limbs, trunk or oral cavity of affected dogs.

• Hemangiosarcoma, Hemangiopericytomas and Hemangiomas

  There are two prognostic factors that seem to matter a lot when it comes to hemangiosarcoma tumors of the skin. The first is the exact location of the tumor. The prognosis for hemangiosarcomas confined to the skin itself (intradermal) is good with surgical removal alone and may be improved some by either doxrubricin chemotherapy (Ogilvie, et al. 1996) or radiation therapy (anecdotal).

• Heart Tumors and Cancers in Dogs

  Thank you, Dr., I’ve asked for a further clarification as some Dr.’s feel it was more likely a chemodectoma rather than a pheo.  They feel you can’t call it a pheo if the adrenal glands were not examined.

• Gastric, Liver and Prostactic carcinomas, adenomas and Adenocarcinoma in dogs

  When the entire tumor is removed and there is no evidence of metastasis to surrounding lymph nodes or organs at the time of surgery the prognosis is still guarded, meaning that recurrence of the tumor is likely even in this case. The average life expectancy post surgery for this type of tumor is probably only six months to a year

• Foot Problems - Interdigital Cysts and Growths and Pyoderma

  I have an 11-year-old shelty named Ben, whom the family love very much. He has a lesion on his right forepaw that seems to fit the description of “interdigital pyoderma” that you mentioned in a web-posted article involving a dog named Angie.  I would deeply appreciate your advice on alternatives to surgery.
  

• Examining the Spindle Cell Carcinoma in Dogs

  Spindle cell carcinoma in dogs refers to malignant tumors in connective tissues. Spindle cell carcinoma is a common tumor in large breeds of dogs, and in older animals, particularly on the limbs.

• Examining Spindle Cell Carcinoma in Dogs

  Spindle cell carcinoma in dogs (carcinoma is a term for any malignant cancer that arises from epithelial cells) is a term for tumors arising in connective tissues, blood and smooth muscles. Spindle cell carcinoma may develop in any part of a dog's body and the tumors may continue to grow or ulcerate.

• Epilepsy and Seizure

  Epilepsy is a term used to describe seizures that can not be explained by identifying a source of the seizure activity. So it is a pretty broad term really. It covers any unidentifiable brain disorder that leads to seizure activity. Congenital epilepsy normally shows up in by the time a dog is two or three years of age.

• Entropion and Disorders of Dogs Eyelids

  The causes of entropion vary somewhat by the breed of dog (or cat) affected by the condition. In shar pei dogs, the weight of the folds and tissues around the eyes leads to entropion.Obesity, scarring from injury and skin infections and probably other stuff all can cause entropion. We have seen it a couple of times as a sequelae to temporomandibular myositis, too.

• Dogs and Tumors: 4 Early Detection Tips

  There are several types of tumors that affect dogs. Some are benign, but some are deadly to dogs, and tumors should always be checked by a veterinarian.

• Dog Food for Cancer: 4 Canine Diet Recommendations

  Canine cancer is not a treatable condition. However, an owner can make the dog's life much easier by offering the right medication and carefully choosing...

• Dog Brain Tumor Treatment Options

  A dog brain tumor is a serious yet often treatable medical condition often seen as part of dog cancer. Dog surgery, while often necessary, is not the only option for treatment.

• Does Neutering Prevent Prostate Cancer in Dogs?

  People often hear that neutering prevents prostate cancer in dogs. Neutering does have an impact on the prostate gland and avoiding future prostate concerns, but there is no evidence to prove canine prostate cancer can be prevented through neutering.

• Do Mammary Tumors in Dogs Affect the Reproductive System?

  Mammary tumors in dogs are very common and can be successfully treated with early detection. Whether or not these tumors affect the reproductive system of your dog depends on the following factors

• Distinguishing Symptoms of Canine Cancer From a Virus or Infection

  Some of the most common canine cancer symptoms are the same as the indicators of ordinary viruses or infections. To best protect your dog's health, you must be aware of the key differences between carcinoma cancer and less serious canine illnesses.

• Distinguishing Symptoms of Canine Cancer From a Virus or Infection

  Many canine cancer symptoms are similar to those of the average canine virus or infection. Symptoms common in canines suffering from carcinoma cancer can include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.

• Diagnosing Osteosarcoma in Dogs

  With over 10,000 cases diagnosed each year of osteosarcoma, dogs need to be monitored carefully for any sign of lameness. Highly aggressive and painful, osteosarcoma is a very common form of cancer appearing in dogs, primarily affecting middle-aged large and giant purebred dogs.

• Diagnosing Lung Cancer in Dogs

  Lung cancer in dogs has symptoms and treatments similar to human lung cancer. umors dogs develop are not necessarily cancerous, but there are signs and symptoms to look for that can help you determine if you dog may have lung cancer so that you can try to get an accurate diagnosis.

• Diagnosing Canine Lymphoma

  Canine lymphoma is one of the most prevalent cancers in dogs, especially in the United States.

• Detecting Skin Cancer in Dogs

  Skin cancer dogs get is very similar to melanomas found in humans. Skin cancer is more common in dogs with short, light colored hair, but can be found in any breed.

• Detecting Skin Cancer in Dogs

  Common cases of skin cancer in dogs, such as melanoma and tumors, are not uncommon. Delays in medical treatment can result in serious harm to your dog, so early detection of the disease is key to providing effective treatment.

• Dealing with Cancer: Dog Diet Recommendations

  More than half of all dogs will be diagnosed with some form of cancer. However, with the proper cancer dog diet, your dog can live a normal life.

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