The canine cancer symptoms may range from subtle symptoms
such as lethargy or lack of appetite to more aggressive symptoms such
as coughing or vomiting blood. The symptoms of cancer depend greatly on
where the cancer originates and the stage of the cancer. Cancer mostly
affects older dogs and can lead to death if not detected and treated in
a timely manner. The detection of the cancer can be done judging by a
few signs.
Common Cancer Symptoms
Some common cancer symptoms that may be present regardless of the location of the cancer include:
- Weight loss
- Skin lesions or wounds that heal very slowly
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Behavioral problems (i.e. excessive barking or howling)
- Aggressive behavior
- Coughing (in advanced stages, as the cancerous cells can metastasize to the lungs)
The other symptoms of cancer will be specific to each type of tumor.
Signs of Bone Cancer
Osteosarcoma is the cancer that affects bones and may be present in areas such as the limbs, hips or spine. The bone cancer can be indicated by symptoms such as:
- Swelling of joints and limbs
- Joint pain
- Hesitation to perform certain movements
Lung Cancer Symptoms
Even if the causes of cancer are not yet clear, lung cancer may be caused by second hand smoking or the exposure to toxic fumes. The symptoms that are specific to lung cancer include frequent coughing, exercise resistance, coughing or vomiting blood, breathing difficulties, fatigue or fever.
Other types of cancers can spread and metastasize to the lungs or in the lymph nodes.
Liver Cancer Signs
The liver cancer may show no or very subtle signs at the beginning of the disease. As the cancer cells spread, the dog may display symptoms including weight loss, vomiting, increased thirst and urination, jaundice, blood in the feces or a lack of appetite.
Mouth Cancer
Mouth cancer can be signaled by the presence of lumps in the oral cavity, frequent mouth lesions, bad breath or halitosis, lack of appetite and gum bleeding.
Stomach Cancer
If the tumor is located in the stomach area, the dog will lack appetite, lose weight, have anemia and may also have breathing problems.
The dog may also vomit and have diarrhea.
Prostate Cancer Signs
Male dogs may be prone to prostate cancers and dogs that are not sterilized are more likely to be affected by this type of cancer.
The signs of prostate cancer may include spraying, pain when urinating, enlarged abdominal cavity and different secretions in the reproductive system area.
The canine cancer symptoms may often be similar to symptoms that indicate other diseases, so a thorough examination is needed. The tumor must be detected and if possible, the vet will perform surgery. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are other treatment options.
Due to the fact that the causes of cancer are not determined, the disease is difficult to prevent. However, caring for your pet and offering him an optimal diet may keep your dog healthy for longer.