Symptoms of Cancer in Dogs, Detect It Early is Key!

What is cancer? 

Cancer is a type of disease in which cells grow uncontrollably, invade surrounding tissue and can spread to all areas of the body. Just like humans, dogs can be exposed to a variety of cancers. This disease can be localized (only one area, such as a tumor) or generalized (spread throughout the body). 

What causes cancer in dogs? 

Cancer is a disease "multifactorial", which means it has a variety of contributing factors. However, it is known that heredity and environmental factors can contribute to the growth of cancer in dogs. 

What are the common symptoms of cancer? 

Signs of canine cancer include: 

- Lump (which is not always malignant, but should always be checked by a doctor) 

- Swelling 

- The wound that does not heal 

- Fatigue or listlessness 

- Drastic weight loss 

- Abnormal liquid such as blood, pus, vomiting, diarrhea or other abnormal substances 

- Breath odor or bad breath is not normal 

- Collapse or sudden limping 

- Dirt / black pup contains blood 

- Decrease or loss of appetite 

- Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

How is cancer diagnosed? 

If lumps appear, the first step is usually the biopsy needle to take a sample of tissue is very small. As an option, the operation can be performed to remove all or part of the lump to be diagnosed by a pathologist. 

Radiography, ultrasound, blood evaluation and other diagnostic tests can also help determine whether the cancer has spread or newly emerging. 

What dogs are prone to cancer? 

Dogs older age are more likely to suffer from cancer than are younger, and certain races are prone to certain types of cancer. Boxer, Boston terrier and golden retriever is the most frequent type of race to develop mast cell tumors (mast cell tumors). Large breeds such as Great Danes and Saint Bernard were more likely to suffer from bone cancer rather than a small race. 

How to prevent cancer? 

For breast cancer the most commonly experienced female dog can reduce the chances of developing this cancer by mensteril (spay) dog before her first menstrual cycle. Good oral care can help minimize the risk of oral cancer. And, if you buy a purebred dog, check whether they will race offspring predisposed to certain cancers. 

But overall, cancer prevention is very difficult because we do not know for sure the cause of cancer. It would be better, if we can identify it early and treat dogs with cancer soon.

How to cure cancer? 

Treatment options vary depending on the type and extent of cancer. Treatment usually involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. Combination therapy may be performed. Successful treatment depends on the shape and spread of cancer and the aggressiveness of therapy. Of course, early detection is the best. 

Some dog owners opt for palliative therapy (therapy that aims to improve the quality of life of patients and not the cure but only reduces complaints and symptoms of the disease). 

Some cancers can be cured and almost all patients are able to receive at least some benefit from treatment. Please note that if your dog cancer can not be cured, there are still plenty of things you can do to make your dog feel better. Do not forget that good nutrition and affection given of all the family members can improve the quality of life of your dog.