Cancer symptoms in dogs. Warning Signs Your Dog May Have Cancer

At the Biocontrol clinic forum, increasingly concerned dog and cat owners are seeking advice on cancer issues. We talked with veterinarian, leading oncologist of the clinic, candidate of biological sciences Alexander Aleksandrovich Shimshirt, and asked him the most frequently asked questions from owners.

When should pet owners sound the alarm if they suspect cancer? How does cancer manifest in cats and cancer in dogs? What are the symptoms?

In fact, for the owner of any animal, cat or dog, there must be a guideline. This guideline for concern is everything that suddenly appears in the animal, is abnormal and does not grow symmetrically on the body. Everything that grows quickly, that changes over a short period of time, that has signs of inflammation - swollen, hot, painful. All this requires control and mandatory inspection by a specialist.

Regarding a specific tumor. In males, after reaching a certain age, it is necessary to monitor the testes, control everything related to urination and the prostate gland. Females have mammary glands. Ideally, from an oncological point of view, as in a person after forty years, after the animal reaches the age of six, it is advisable to undergo a routine examination every six months. Blood tests, ultrasound, general examination, examination of the mammary gland in females.

What are the most common tumors or neoplasms you identify?

In the first place are neoplasms of the skin, mammary glands, and tumors of the oral cavity.

Cases of neoplasms after vaccination have become more frequent. What is this connected with?

This problem is very relevant, especially for cats. A chronic inflammatory process, when it persists for a long time, transforms into tumors (tissue features). If after vaccination the granuloma (lump) exists for more than two months and its size is more than two centimeters, it is recommended to surgically remove it. Even if the inflammation is local and the neoplasm itself is benign.
Complications after vaccination are more common in cats. Dogs also have a risk of developing post-vaccination sarcoma, but it is not as great.
How to prevent it? Immediately show the animal to the doctor, go with any neoplasm. If something bothers you, if you notice something and it’s still small, show it to your doctor. It's a lipoma or not a lipoma - let the oncologist find out. The sooner you notice this and contact a specialist, the more likely it is that the doctor will help.

Is histology and tumor biopsy always required?

The choice of cyto or histo - this issue is decided by the doctor. For example, in a situation where there is already inflammation or there are changes in the skin, a biopsy is not advisable. But I repeat - only a doctor can assess the place where the tumor is located and, guided by his practical experience, offer solutions.
There are tumors when it is preferable to take a biopsy from a lymph node rather than from a neoplasm, for example, in the case of melanoma. If the melanoma is actively growing and ulcerated, then in order not to seed everything around with its cells, so as not to cause more pronounced inflammation, we take a biopsy from the regional lymph node. This way we will not “disturb” the primary focus. And then we answer the question: is the lymph node affected? This is important, since the answer to this question will help us determine the stage of the tumor process.

Owners often describe situations where swelling occurs after tooth loss or extraction. Should I be afraid to bring animals for scheduled removal?

It happens that a tumor grows along the dental alveolus and, by and large, this tumor itself pushes out the tooth. So here you need to understand what was primary – the tumor or the prolapse. If an animal spontaneously loses a molar, or if a tooth needs to be removed and the doctor is confused about something, then a piece of tissue is taken from the tooth socket for histological examination.
The best way to prevent such problems is to prevent diseases of the oral cavity (gingivitis, periodontitis): regular examination, sanitation of the oral cavity, monitoring dental health.

Is osteosarcoma common?

Osteosarcoma is actually not that common. According to statistics, there is one dog in ten thousand. The fact is that this tumor is very aggressive. And the problem of osteosarcoma itself worries people a lot and is often mentioned on the Internet and in specialized literature. That's why she's popular.

Is sterilization a reliable cancer preventative? Is ovarian cancer and subsequent neutering a standard situation for cancer in cats?

To some extent, castration can also be included here. In males, after castration, the problem with the prostate gland goes away, and the possibility of developing a skin tumor, which in males is hormone-dependent (the so-called adenoma of the hepatoid glands), is reduced. In females, the mammary gland is at risk. Ovarian cysts - there is, of course, only one way out - sterilization. Both dogs and cats.
It is believed that spaying cats before their first heat significantly prevents both mammary and ovarian cancer. If the animal is not planned for reproduction, then after 6 years, both females and males are recommended to undergo sterilization and, accordingly, castration.

The animal is older than six years. What to do with the tumor? Treat or leave the animal to live out its life? Or is it still euthanasia?

There are situations in which surgery is not recommended, but only a doctor can decide this. The concept of “oncological disease” is very broad, and the development of tumor processes is sometimes unpredictable. The tactics of treatment and management of the patient are chosen by a specialist after examination. Tumors are different and diverse, they behave the same way. There are general rules, but treatment tactics are chosen individually. There is no need to hack rashly, you need to get research results.
An important point is that by this age animals already have a certain number of chronic diseases. Yes, there are situations when you don’t need to do anything radical. Again, cats are different. One feels great at 12 years old, and the other one comes - and at 12 years old she is dehydrated, can barely walk, has chronic kidney failure and breast cancer. Such a cat cannot be treated urgently; even if the tumor is removed, it will not live longer.
The main goal of treating a cancer patient is not to achieve an oncological result, not to “cure the tumor.” The main task is to treat the patient with the tumor. And here the question is this: a few months of relatively quality life or a few months of torment or suffering? Here a person already has a choice. For a veterinary oncologist, the primary task is to provide the animal with such therapy so that it can live its last days well.

Timely clinical examination, examinations by a doctor, an attempt to catch the disease at the initial stage. After all, curing cancer is a relative matter. Often, especially in serious stages, it is almost impossible to recover completely. We slow down, stop the process, pause, suppress, in a word, we do everything to ensure that the remaining life of the patient passes well.

What is the life expectancy of animals with cancer?

Radiation and chemotherapy are considered the “heavy guns” against cancer. Many owners immediately ask for such treatment. Should everyone be irradiated and undergo chemotherapy courses?

Owners must understand that this is very serious. And constant medical supervision, constant examinations and consultations are required. The listed methods are additional therapy when we are no longer in the initial stages of the disease. In such situations, the owner needs to make a decision - to go to the end or not to go. Simply because there are no absolute guarantees of how the tumor will behave. And if you decide to go all the way, then you must scrupulously follow the recommendations and prescriptions of your doctor, see your doctor regularly and believe in the good!

Lung cancer in dogs is an oncological disease characterized by the formation of multiple, single malignant, and benign tumors in the organ. The disease can be primary, in which tumors form in the lung, or secondary, which develops due to the penetration of metastases from other internal organs into the lungs. During metastasis, cancer cells penetrate through the lymphohematogenous route. The primary form is rarely diagnosed in dogs in veterinary medicine. Moreover, regardless of the form, lung cancer is a potentially fatal diagnosis for our little brothers.

The development of cancer is facilitated by the rapidly progressing division of mutating cellular structures, which gradually displace and destroy healthy ones from the affected organ, which leads to disruption of its functions and systemic failures in the body. By uniting, tumor cells create separate groups - tumors or daughter formations (metastases), which can spread throughout the body.

Possible causes of lung cancer:

passive smoking (inhalation of tobacco smoke);
exposure to chemical reagents;
gene mutations;
the presence of benign and malignant neoplasms in internal organs;
unfavorable environmental situation in the region;
oncoviruses.

Important! Dogs that live in the city are more susceptible to developing lung cancer.

The development of a tumor process in the lungs is most often preceded by nodular lesions of organ tissue. The most likely cause of lung cancer in dogs is metastases that have spread from other internal organs.

Lung cancer in dogs can be malignant or benign. Primary tumors, as already noted, form directly in the lung tissues of the organ. They are derivatives of epithelial cells of the airways. In dogs, primary tumors in the lungs are detected quite rarely. The most common type is malignant carcinoma, adenocarcinoma.

Metastatic malignancies (nodes) originate in other parts of the body. So, for example, metastases to the lungs can penetrate from bone structures, the oral cavity,.

Clinical symptoms:

shortness of breath, frequent dry, debilitating cough;
fatigue quickly after short exercise or activity;
loss of appetite, refusal to feed;
weight loss, exhaustion;
muscle atrophy;
pallor, cyanosis of mucous membranes;
lethargy, depressed, depressed state, weakness;
difficult, rapid shallow breathing.

Important! Since tumors do not have nerve endings, there is no pain symptom in animals. At the beginning of the development of the pathological process, symptoms are mild. Cancer progresses unnoticed.

In patients, due to the progressive proliferation of pathological tumor tissue, lung volume decreases. Animals find it difficult to breathe and experience severe shortness of breath. The heart rhythm is disturbed. The cough becomes wet. Bloody substances, foam, and pus can be seen in the sputum.

If primary tumors metastasize to other organs, functional and systemic failures of varying severity are noted.

Diagnostics

To make an accurate diagnosis, the veterinarian conducts a comprehensive examination of the animals. When making a diagnosis, data from serological studies (complete blood count), radiography of the sternum, and ultrasound of internal organs are taken into account. During radiography, images are taken in two projections. This will allow you to accurately determine the location of the tumor node.

To determine the presence of metastases, computed tomography and MRI are additionally prescribed.

Medical therapy

For lung cancer, the prognosis is grave. In the metastatic form - unfavorable. Treatment of cancer in dogs is carried out comprehensively. Radiation, chemotherapy, radiotherapy are used. These techniques slow down division and inhibit the formation of cancer cells.

Important! The choice of treatment methods depends on the age and general condition of the animals. forms, stages of cancer, localization of the oncological process.

Surgery is prescribed only for primary tumors in the organ. The affected part of the organ or the entire lung is removed. In addition to cancer-damaged tissue, some healthy tissue is removed to avoid relapses. Additionally, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are prescribed.

After surgery, if the primary tumor is removed early, dogs can live for several more years. But you need to understand that after treatment the pet’s quality of life deteriorates significantly. The recovery period will be long. The operation is combined with additional techniques.

For metastatic tumors, surgery is not performed. Only maintenance therapy and human antitumor drugs can be prescribed.

Important! Considering the complexity and difficulty of access to tumor formations, operations for lung cancer are very expensive. In addition, it is possible that the disease may recur.

Owners of dogs who have been diagnosed with malignant lung cancer should understand that the life expectancy of their pet after symptomatic treatment can range from several weeks to one year.

If the cancer has spread throughout the body, treatment will not produce any results. In such cases, veterinarians recommend euthanasia, no matter how scary it may sound.

Every owner worries about their pets. We all worry about whether the puppy is growing properly, whether everything is fine with his health, whether there are any hereditary diseases, and so on. However, in our time, any owner is especially afraid of being diagnosed with cancer. This is probably the worst news you can hear from a veterinarian. After all, everyone knows how this disease progresses in people. Recent studies have shown that one in three dogs can potentially develop cancer during their lifetime. And this does not apply only to purebred dogs. Staggering numbers, aren't they?

However, it should be noted that there are dog breeds that have a much higher risk of developing cancer. These include:

Great Danes;
Saint Bernards;
Boxers;
Boston Terriers;
Golden Retrievers.

Although cancer can develop in dogs of any age, older dogs are more susceptible to the disease. The average lifespan of dogs has become longer due to caring owners and good veterinary care that is available these days. For this reason, the number of older dogs in which this terrible diagnosis is more often confirmed is gradually increasing.

The most common forms of cancer in dogs

There are many forms of cancer that can affect our four-legged friends, with some being more common in certain breeds. The most common types of cancer in dogs are:

Lymphoma;
Malignant histiocytoma;
Angiosarcoma;
Breast cancer;
Mast cell tumor;
Melanoma;
Osteosarcoma;
Prostate cancer;
Transitional cell carcinoma.

The importance of early diagnosis

Nowadays, veterinary medicine is developing quite quickly. Many types of cancer can be treated with varying degrees of success depending on the methods used (surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation). However, early diagnosis is essential to achieve maximum benefit. After all, the more a tumor spreads throughout the body, the more difficult it is to treat.

If you find something suspicious that looks like a tumor, this does not mean that it is cancer. It is necessary to contact a veterinarian to conduct the necessary studies to determine malignancy.

10 danger signs

In addition to the strange recently appeared lumps, “bumps”, and ulcers on the pet’s body, there are other signs:

The tumor grows rapidly;
Pain unresponsive to medication;
Weight loss;
Loss of appetite;
Bleeding;
Unpleasant odor;
Difficulty swallowing;
Decreased activity;
Stiff gait, lameness;
Difficulty breathing, urination, defecation.

If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your dog, try to contact the clinic as soon as possible. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the veterinarian will tell you options for providing assistance.

Treatment

As a rule, veterinary practice uses a combination of existing treatment methods. However, there are tumors that do not respond to any treatment. In such cases, medications are used to improve the dog's quality of life, such as painkillers.

Prevention

To be honest, there is no such thing as prevention. However, for example, spaying young females is one way to prevent certain types of reproductive cancers.

There is confirmed evidence of the positive effects of antioxidants and some vitamins (vitamin A, C, E, beta-carotene, lycopene, selenium).

Conclusion

Early diagnosis of any form of cancer gives your pet a better chance. Of course, most types of tumors cannot be cured. However, qualified and timely veterinary care will extend the life and quality of your pet.

Hearing a diagnosis of cancer from a doctor is always difficult not only for a person, but also for an animal. Pets quite often become victims of cancer. According to statistics, half of dogs over 10 years of age have malignant tumors. Dog owners face several questions: is it possible to cure the dog? And also, what measures need to be taken?

Oncology is a branch of medicine devoted to the study of tumors (of any nature). She examines etiological and pathogenetic issues, methods of diagnosis and therapy, as well as means to prevent their occurrence. Therefore, cancer treatment should be trusted only to oncologists.

Reasons

Cancer in dogs can develop for many reasons, but the exact etiology has not yet been determined. But some factors still play an important role in these processes:

The body constantly synthesizes malignant cells, which the immune system fights. If there are any interruptions in its work, nothing will prevent the cells from constantly and uncontrollably dividing, and ultimately developing into a tumor.
The action of chemical and physical carcinogens, which include radiation, industrial toxic substances, some food additives and much more. The environmental situation in the area where the dog lives has a significant influence.
The viral origin of some types of cancer has also been proven. Specific types of viruses can cause lymphomas, leukemia, and genital cancer. Molds pose a great danger. They actively develop on spoiled food, release spores that circulate through the air, and are extremely difficult to destroy (they can survive even at high temperatures). Studies have established that even high-quality dry food can contain 10-20% mold, and in cheap food its amount generally reaches 80%.

Clinical picture of cancer

Oncological diseases belong to the group of pathologies that are practically asymptomatic in the initial stages, and by coincidence, it is at this time that they can be treated. If the dog has already developed stage II-III, the probability of successful treatment is sharply reduced to 50%. Given these features, dog breeders need to pay more attention to disease prevention measures (visits to the veterinarian and certain tests).

Animals that are more susceptible to cancer than others include unsterilized dogs, which often experience hormonal disruptions due to pregnancy, lactation or the birth process. Even if an animal often gives birth, or has not yet given birth, this will not have any effect on the likelihood of developing a tumor. But many veterinarians say that it is better to sterilize females whose owners do not plan to use for breeding offspring (solely for preventive purposes). This will prevent the appearance of cancer in the organs of the reproductive system (a type of disease that affects dogs more often than others) by 100%.
The most common types of cancer found in dogs are:

Breast cancer - this form of the disease can be easily identified even in the initial stages of development by conducting a timely examination and palpation of the breast. By palpating the glands, the veterinarian will immediately feel the presence of hard lumps, which over time may increase in size and be more pronounced. Dog owners themselves should check their dog’s nipples from time to time so as not to miss complications of the disease.
Uterine cancer - this type of cancer is much more difficult to detect than, for example, the one described above. The uterus is an internal reproductive organ, so the development of a neoplasm in it does not cause pronounced symptoms. The main early sign is atypical and frequently recurring discharge, spontaneous abortion or infertility in the bitch. The uterine tumor reminds itself as clearly as possible at the moment when it develops to the final stages, and the dog experiences a rapid deterioration in its general condition - constant whining due to pain, stool disturbances, decreased motor activity, drowsiness and lethargy.
Bone cancer – this type of disease is typical for large breeds. Signs of malignant bone tissue lesions can be noticed only in the later stages of the course, which is why the owner of a large animal must carefully monitor the functioning of the musculoskeletal system of his pet. Slight lameness, fatigue, or persistently slow steps are possible signs of bone damage, and your dog should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Skin cancer – this type of cancer accounts for about 15% of the total number of cancers in dogs. It is difficult to detect skin lesions in animals due to the covering layer of hair. But when giving the dog water treatments, an attentive owner may notice some changes. An example is the appearance of dark spots (like moles), the color of which varies from pink to almost black. It is important not to forget that skin cancer does not always affect only the skin, but can also appear on the mucous membranes and even on internal organs.
Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract - the symptoms are quite simple: constant stool disorders, lack of interest in food, vomiting, blood in the stool. The animal begins to rapidly lose body weight, behaves sluggishly, and anemia often develops.
Liver cancer can cause jaundice, which is immediately visible on the yellow sclera, because bile leaks into the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body. The dog loses weight before our eyes, becomes lethargic and apathetic, and a constant alternation of constipation with diarrhea may appear. If therapy is not started, the dog may completely reject food, which will lead to complete exhaustion of the body.
Lung cancer is easy to differentiate from other types of oncology, because the animal develops bouts of prolonged and severe coughing. Even sitting still, the dog may begin to suffocate. Over time, the disease intensifies, and the cough acquires moist discharge mixed with pus and blood.
Spleen cancer is diagnosed relatively rarely. The disease has no special signs, because they are no different from the standard symptom complex of cancer: depressed state, loss of appetite, rapid weight loss, decreased activity. But, if veterinarians notice the presence of fluid in the peritoneum (using ultrasound), they will prescribe additional diagnostics, because this is a serious reason to suspect a dangerous pathology of the spleen and other organs in the abdominal cavity.
Kidney cancer - the onset of the disease is almost asymptomatic. But after a while, the dog may begin to move atypically, due to pain in the kidneys, and blood may appear in the urine. The animal becomes weak, loses interest in food, and due to impaired metabolism and dysfunction of the excretory system, edema develops.

Diagnostics

When diagnosing oncology in dogs, the doctor must collect an anamnesis: ask the owner when he noticed the problems, as well as about the rate of increase in signs of the disease. If the neoplasm depends on the level of hormones, it will cause an uneven clinic (changes in periods of exacerbation with periods of complete regression), due to changes in hormonal levels during sexual cycles or problems with hormonal imbalance.

When studying the tumor itself, doctors take into account its visual features, consistency, degree of tissue damage and connection with neighboring tissues, as well as the presence of necrotization.

Malignant tumors have an uneven bumpy surface, hard consistency and unclear boundaries. Suspecting the presence of a neoplasm in the abdominal cavity, the dog is subjected to bimanual palpation. During the procedure, the doctor may detect dense and painful nodes, sharply displaced to the side (cancer of the spleen, small intestine), or with limited displacement (cancer of the liver, uterus, kidneys or ovaries). As a rule, a tumor that affects a certain organ causes its dysfunction.

When examining an animal, it is necessary to exclude pathologies whose symptoms are similar to cancer. General manifestations in the form of lethargy, lack of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting are characteristic of many infectious and viral ailments. For these reasons, the dog’s owner needs to remember when the pathological changes first began, how long the dog has not eaten food, and whether he is bothered by vomiting and changes in discharge. Any information will help the doctor quickly establish a diagnosis, excluding infections or poisoning from the list.

If a dog owner notices changes in his pet's behavior, he should examine him for any cuts or wounds that could become infected. You need to feel the paws, joints and skin for tumors or swelling. Sometimes, you shouldn’t hesitate to look into the dog’s stool to check if there is blood or other impurities in the urine and feces.

Treatment of cancer in dogs

Treatment of such dangerous diseases as malignant tumors should be trusted only to an experienced specialist. You should not rely on the advice of friends, read about it in books or on the Internet, rely on traditional healers or other charlatans who want to profit from someone else’s grief. You need to remember that each case of cancer is individual, and if some smart people talk on forums on the Internet about how they beat cancer in a dog without the help of doctors, you should not rely on this information, since they could have encountered a completely different disease, just similar ones symptoms.

To stop cancer in a dog from growing and starting to metastasize, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are used. These methods are prescribed and carried out only by a doctor. Through treatment, he can achieve the destruction or at least significant weakening of cancer cells, which are important in the therapy process. After the tumor has been reduced in size as much as possible, it is surgically removed and several more chemotherapy courses are administered. To protect and support the body’s immune system, additional courses of immunostimulants, liver medications, multivitamins and medications are prescribed for symptomatic therapy. The duration and regimen of medications is selected individually for each case.

It is necessary to put the dog on a diet that completely excludes all fatty, sweet, spicy and canned foods, including all foods that are harmful even to healthy animals. A dog that is being treated and recovering needs to be provided with the most comfortable living conditions, regular walks in the fresh air, and moral support from the owner.

It is better to protect the animal from unwanted encounters with stray relatives, because after treatment the immune system will recover for a long time, and the chances of contracting an infection are extremely high.

If all else fails

Unfortunately, even experienced veterinarians cannot always cope with a dog’s disease, and if the dog has no chance of remission, it would be more humane to stop its suffering.

Debilitating vomiting, unbearably severe pain, fading interest in life, this is what haunts the four-legged patient. Noticing a deterioration in the condition, lack of hope for the best, veterinarians themselves can talk about “relieving” the animal’s condition. Euthanasia is a difficult choice for any caring dog owner, but sometimes it is the only option to end a dog's suffering.

If some doctors, without conducting a quality diagnosis, advise immediately euthanizing your pet, it is better to go to another veterinary clinic. Often, the doctor does not take seriously the fact that the owner is ready to fight for the life of his shaggy friend to the last. And as practice shows, quite often such efforts are not in vain, and the disease recedes. The main thing is that the dog falls into the good hands of specialists and feels the support of its owners.

Deadly diseases spare neither us nor our pets. Cancer, one of the most dangerous diseases, has recently become increasingly common in dogs. This is due to poor ecology, poor nutrition and poor heredity among our four-legged friends.

However, no matter what causes the disease, the owner has a chance to prolong the life of the animal if the disease is noticed in time. Unfortunately, cancer is a very insidious disease. Often it occurs hidden and does not make itself known until it is too late to treat. However, there are some signs that can let the owner know that something is wrong with the dog. Individually, they may not mean anything serious, but if you notice several symptoms in your pet at once, do not hesitate to show him to the veterinarian.

What is cancer

In fact, the disease that our four-legged pets suffer from is no different from human pathology. First of all, it is worth knowing that cancer is a non-contagious disease that occurs at the DNA level. Mutations occur in one or more cells, as a result of which the cells “forget” their responsibilities and begin to divide uncontrollably. Gradually they fill the entire organ, forming a tumor, and penetrate further, forming metastases throughout the body.

“Incorrect” cells not only prevent the organ from working properly, but also put pressure on neighboring tissues, inhibiting their functioning. As cancer cells die, they decompose, causing necrosis, internal bleeding, the formation of fistulas and other non-healing areas.

Most often, cancer cells form in older dogs, but recently cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in very young animals.

Signs of cancer

Despite the fact that the pathology is quite serious, most types of cancer can be cured or put into remission - a period when the tumor stops growing and does not bother the animal. The chances of this happening are high if cancer is detected at an early stage. Of course, a professional should make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment - it is better if it is a veterinary oncologist, rather than an ordinary general practitioner. But the owner must be able to recognize the first signs of cancer and immediately consult a doctor. You, like no one else, know your four-legged friend and, better than any analysis, are able to notice that something wrong is happening to him.

What symptoms should you pay attention to first?

Laziness, drowsiness. Have you noticed that your restless pet is spending more and more time half asleep? Refusal from regular exercise and laziness are some of the most common causes of canine illness. It is quite possible that everything is not so scary, and your pet will be found to have a banal vitamin deficiency or low vitamin deficiency, but it won’t hurt to get tested if you notice the animal’s drowsiness.
Subcutaneous neoplasms. Check your dog regularly for any lumps or bumps under the skin. Such examinations are especially relevant for long-haired dogs. Most often, neoplasms appear on the face or behind the ears, as well as on the back, shoulder blades or in the mammary glands of bitches.
Bad breath. Experienced veterinarians say that each disease has its own specific aroma. Oncological diseases have a rotten smell. Moreover, the stench is often heard not only from the mouth, but also from the nose of the animal.
Lack of appetite. One should distinguish between simply a dog’s reluctance to eat food that is not very attractive and a complete refusal of food. In order to find out what is more, stubbornness or a problem, in your pet’s reluctance, simply offer him his favorite treat. A healthy, non-hungry dog will gladly eat the offered treat; a sick dog will accept the food with reluctance or even turn its face away.
Fast weight loss. The dog’s body is designed in such a way that it prevents the symptoms of the disease from appearing until the very end. Your pet's appetite and activity may have remained the same, but you should be alarmed that with a normal diet, your dog quickly appears exhausted.
Heavy breathing and cough. Constant and debilitating shortness of breath may be signs of lung cancer in dogs. Often this cough is accompanied by expectoration of mucous or bloody discharge that has an unpleasant odor.
Pale mucous membranes. Bright pink gums are one of the main signs of your dog's health. The reason that the mucous membranes turn pale is considered to be blood loss and a general decrease in immunity in a sick animal. Whiteness of the gums may also be accompanied by bleeding and the formation of small non-healing wounds.
Regular nausea and vomiting. Vomiting for no reason is another common symptom of cancer. This symptom is explained by general intoxication of the body, poisoned by the vital activity of cancer cells.
Sudden onset of lameness. If you notice that your pet is protecting its leg while walking, be sure to feel the limb. If you do not find any signs of dislocation or dislocation, provide your pet with a gentle exercise regimen and observe him for a week. Normal stretching will go away within a few days. An attentive owner should be alerted to a dog that does not pass for a long time or returns.
Slow healing wounds. The appearance of small, rotting sores on the body or scratches that take longer than usual to heal are also possible signs of cancer.

Diagnosis of the disease

In order to notice and defeat the disease in time, it is not enough to simply observe your pet. Any change in behavior or physical signs should prompt immediate veterinary attention. How can the doctor help? He carefully examines the animal and, perhaps, notices signs that have escaped even the owner’s attentive gaze.

Secondly, he will prescribe the necessary tests. First, the standard ones - general and biochemical, and then, if changes in certain indicators are noticed, special ones - to identify tumor markers confirming the presence of cancer cells.

Diagnosing cancer is a rather complex process, therefore, in addition to tests, the doctor will conduct many different examinations - from ultrasound and fluorography to gastroscopy and MRI. If you suspect breast cancer, your doctor will suggest you undergo a mammogram - a special X-ray of the breast that shows the presence of a cancerous tumor at an early stage.

When a tumor is detected, the doctor will take a small piece of tissue (puncture) and send it for cell analysis. This will help determine whether a neoplasm is benign or malignant, as well as the stage of development of the disease.

Treatment and prevention

Traditional methods of treating malignant tumors are chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This allows you to destroy cancer cells, preventing them from spreading further. After this, if possible, the neoplasm is removed, and the animal’s body is supported in every possible way with the help of immunostimulants and hepaprotectors.

In each specific case, the scheme for such treatment is selected individually, which is why you should not treat a dog using the Internet or the advice of neighbors who claim that such treatment helped another animal.

Many owners are interested in whether it is possible to treat a pet using traditional methods? Veterinary specialists do not prohibit the use if it is used along with official methods of treatment. The most popular herbal preparations used to stop tumor growth are the ASD fraction and a special oncological collection consisting of plants that suppress the growth of tumors. Homeopathic medicines that contain toxic components are also often used. Most often it is tarantula poison or an extract of poisonous mushrooms. Despite the good reviews about these drugs, we recommend that you do not decide to take them on your own without first consulting a specialist about their effectiveness and dosage.

In order to prevent the occurrence of uterine and ovarian cancer, as well as the appearance, veterinarians advise sterilizing a dog that is not of breeding value. Carrying out such an operation before the first heat reduces the risk of tumors by more than 90%.