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Raising Awareness About Cancer In Dogs

Raising Awareness About Cancer In Dogs

Understandably, receiving a cancer diagnosis for your dog might leave you feeling helpless and distraught. You might be unsure of what to do next and how to best care for your pet.

Dogs can develop a variety of cancers, some of which are very similar to human cancer types.


The More Common Canine Cancer Types

The most common cause of mortality in dogs older than 6 years is cancer, which affects more than 6 million canines every year. Some forms of cancer cannot be avoided. However, there are numerous strategies to improve the prognosis and quality of life for cancer-stricken dogs.

These canine malignancies seem to be diagnosed more frequently than the others.

  • Lymphoma/Lymphosarcoma — Lymph nodes are impacted by lymphoma and lymphosarcoma. The cancer may just affect one area of the body or it may spread to other organs and tissues throughout the body. Up to 85% of individuals can recover if the location is isolated and treated.
  • Osteosarcoma — Osteosarcoma is a bone cancer that is usually identified in huge and giant breeds like Great Danes and mastiffs. The long bones are where this cancer typically develops, although it can also extend to the lymph nodes and other bones. Unfortunately, osteosarcoma is swiftly invasive and aggressive.

  • Mast Cell tumors  When healthy cells congregate and become cancer, these tumors form. Although it can be detected in the digestive and respiratory systems as well as the skin, it most frequently affects the skin. The majority of dogs with this type of cancer are older.
  • Liver cancer — This type of cancer doesn't manifest symptoms until it has advanced to more advanced stages. Although liver cancer seldom metastasizes, it often grows into a sizable tumor known as a hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • Bladder cancer — A few different types of malignant cells can develop into bladder cancer, with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) being the most prevalent.
  • Hemangiosarcoma  A malignancy that begins in blood arteries and spreads to vital organs like the heart and spleen. The majority of these male dogs are middle-aged when they are first diagnosed with this malignancy.
  • Breast cancer — Males and females alike can develop breast cancer, a tumor that starts in the mammary glands. Senior female dogs who were either spayed or neutered after the age of two are more vulnerable.
  • Melanoma — One of the more frequent skin tumors discovered in dogs is melanoma. Melanocytes, the pigment-producing skin cells, are where melanoma starts. These tumors tend to bleed frequently and spread quickly.
  • Soft tissue sarcoma — Soft tissue sarcoma is another prevalent cancer in dogs that develops when cancerous cells band together to form tumors in the body's connective tissues. When they feel a lump or elevated region under the skin, this type of cancer is frequently initially discovered in pets.

Recognize the Canine Cancer Symptoms


A better prognosis for canine cancer patients depends on early diagnosis. For this reason, it's crucial to pay attention to the following symptoms and have your dog inspected.

  • Irrational swelling
  • Bumpy surfaces
  • Bleeding or non-healing wounds
  • Foul odor
  • Loss of weight
  • Inappetence
  • Breathing or swallowing challenges
  • Lameness
  • Struggling to urinate or poop


Dogs can develop a variety of cancers, each with a unique set of signs and requirements for care. Any changes in your pet's general health should be reported to your veterinarian.

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