Ovarian cancer is a potentially very serious condition that can arise in dogs of any age or breed, although it tends to affect older dogs more often than younger ones. It also tends to develop primarily in animals that have not been spayed. Because some types of ovarian cancers in dogs may be malignant and have the potential to spread to other parts of the animal's body, it's very important that you learn to recognize the symptoms of this condition as quickly as possible so that you can properly diagnose and treat your pet. Read on for a brief guide to the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer in dogs.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer in Dogs
Ovarian cancer may present symptoms relatively early on, or it may not be noticeable until the tumor or cancerous growth has become quite far progressed. Being vigilant over your pet's condition will help you to be sure that you're able to detect any changes to her symptoms as soon as they develop. This can be the key to an early detection and, therefore, prompt treatment of the disease before it becomes more serious.
Look out for the following potential symptoms of ovarian cancer in dogs:
- Fluid build up in the chest or abdomen, accompanied by swelling in those parts of the body as well
- Lack of "heat" period
- Attention from other female dogs
- Persistent "heat" period
- Disruption of testosterone levels leading to masculine traits
- Hair loss in symmetrical patterns
- Discomfort to the touch
- Changes in behavior
If you detect these or any other symptoms which you think may be related to ovarian cancer in your pet, take note of the symptoms as quickly as possible and bring your dog in to the vet for a full analysis and diagnosis.
Diagnosing and Treating Ovarian Cancer in Dogs
After analyzing the symptoms that you have noticed in your pet, your vet will continue by attempting to determine the nature of the cause of those symptoms. This will typically begin with a physical examination, as well as a complete blood chemistry panel to show different levels of certain hormones. A set of ultrasound tests or x-rays can help to locate potential growths in the ovaries. In many cases, a biopsy (usually performed under anesthesia and while your pet is sedated) can help to determine consequentially whether the growth is cancerous or not.
Treatment for ovarian cancer depends upon the nature of the condition in your pet. For single tumors and tumors that are small, surgery is oftentimes the best option and the entire growth can be removed with little difficulty. However, if the tumors are widespread, too large, or spread to vital organs, treatment typically requires a combination of some surgery as well as chemotherapy or radiation treatment to help moderate the cancer growth as well. Finally, additional medicines like antibiotics can be helpful in preventing additional infection and other complications from the ovarian cancer as well.