Canine Cancer

Having your dog diagnosed with cancer is a very frightening thing. You see a happy, healthy dog in front of you.  You’ve had blood tests done just as a precaution to make sure there is nothing going on with your beloved pup that isn’t obvious. After all, she’s getting older now.  Then things start to happen that are just not normal for your dog.  So you dig a little deeper.  Maybe have an x-ray done.  And there you see a tumor inside your furbaby.  Canine cancer is more common than you might think.

Did you know that the National Canine Cancer Foundation estimates that 1 in 3 dogs will suffer from cancer?  As a matter of fact, cancer accounts for almost half of all deaths in pets over 10 years of age.

Cancer can affect just about any location or organ in the body. Signs of cancer vary with the location and type of cancer. How rapidly the cancer develops and spreads will depend on the type of cancer, the location in the body, and the individual pet.

Obviously the earlier the cancer is detected the better chance your dog has of surviving treatment, or at least living a longer more comfortable life.  There are signs to look for in your dog that may let you know something is wrong.  Dogs get many of the same types of cancer as humans.  Some of the common signs of cancer in dogs are:

• Any lump or mass that appears to be increasing in size
• Any sore that does not heal
• Change in bowel or bladder habits
• Difficulty urinating or defecating
• Unexplained bleeding or discharge from any body opening
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent lameness or stiffness
• Offensive odor
• Difficulty eating or swallowing

You know your dog better than anyone and will recognize when something is wrong.  Be sure to alert your veterinarian to any changes that you feel are concerning. 

Cancer treatment can be very costly.  Many people are now purchasing Pet Health Insurance to help with the cost of treatment.  There are also several websites that offer help if you are having trouble affording veterinary care.  

Whether you decide to treat the cancer aggressively or, especially in the case of much older dogs, keep her as comfortable and happy as you can until her time with you is up, it is up to you to decide what is right for your dog.