Symptoms and Signs of Cancer in Dogs

Your canine friend is not just a pet—they are a cherished and beloved member of your family. The loyalty and bond between the two of you can make a cancer diagnosis very difficult to hear. Much like you worry about the health and well-being of your significant others, you also worry about the health of your dog. 

Do you have a canine companion? If so, you need to know that one of the leading causes of death in older dogs is cancer. When caught early, half of all cancer cases in dogs are curable, according to experts. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to detect cancer early in dogs.  

How Common Is Cancer in Dogs?

The National Cancer Institute via the AAHA estimates that there are more than six million cancer diagnoses in dogs each year. Also, you need to understand that not all dogs will receive a definitive cancer diagnosis.

So, according to the Veterinary Cancer Society, one in four dogs will develop the disease at some point. Furthermore, almost 50 percent of older dogs will develop some form of cancer. These are dogs over the age of 10 years. 

What Is Cancer?

Cancer refers to abnormal cell growth. Affected cells do their own thing and do not listen to the rest of the body. They divide rapidly and take over nearby normal cells. They then spread to other parts of the body and damage healthy tissue. Some of the symptoms and signs of cancer in dogs to watch out for include:

An Abnormal Welling That Continues to Grow

One of the most obvious signs of cancer in dogs is a lump or mass under the skin that keeps growing. According to veterinarians, you should have it removed and biopsied instead of just watching it grow. If it turns out to be benign, then that is awesome. However, if it is cancerous or malignant, your veterinarian will tell you what to do next.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Any weight loss in your pup that you cannot explain is a cause for concern. Your dog might have a tumor along their intestine, resulting in unexplained weight loss. Is your canine friend losing too much weight? If this is the case, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Sores That Persist

Does your dog have skin wounds that do not seem to heal despite an ointment applied locally or oral antibiotics? If so, that might be a sign of cancer. That also applies to non-healing skin wounds near a nail.  

Loss of Appetite

Are you noticing a loss of appetite in your usually ravenous dog? If so, you need to take your furry friend to a veterinarian. A mass may be pushing along your dog’s intestines, causing a loss of appetite.  

Other symptoms and signs of cancer in dogs include:
 

• Difficulty swallowing or eating.
• Discharge or bleeding from a body opening.
• Terrible odor stemming from multiple draining tracts.
• Loss of stamina or reluctance to exercise.
• Persistent stiffness or lameness.
• Difficulty urinating, defecating, or breathing.

For more on cancer in dogs, call Liberty Animal Clinic at (912) 368-4080 to reach our office in Hinesville, Georgia.