Cancer in Dogs

By Dr. Dean Severidt | Apr 9, 2010

Cancer is a disease that affects millions of people and many lose their lives to this dreaded illness.  Many people do not realize that this is the number one cause of death in dogs that are over the age of ten.  It is estimated that over half of dogs who reach the age of ten, will be stricken with cancer and this is a staggering number.  The good news is that many of these animals can be treated successfully if the disease is caught while in the early stages.  There are several symptoms to watch for and it is important to schedule regular check ups with a veterinarian.

There are two main types of Cancer in Dogs and they are benign and malignant tumors.  A benign tumor usually spreads very slowly and is not as dangerous.  Malignant tumors tend to much more severe and are potentially invasive.  If your dog has a growth, it is very important to keep a close eye on it and note any type of changes.  Some of the symptoms that one should look for include lack of appetite, sudden weight loss and decreased activity.  One should also look for any type of changes such as odors and heavy bleeding.  If a pet displays these symptoms, it is important to seek veterinary care.

There are many different tests that a veterinarian may perform in order to determine whether or not your pet has cancer.  They can also perform physical examinations of the tumors.  Diagnostic testing such as x-rays, blood work and ultrasounds may be performed to determine the severity of Cancer in Dogs.  If it is determined that your pet does indeed have cancer, your vet may refer them to an oncologist.  There are treatments that are similar to those given to humans with cancer such as chemotherapy.  This type of treatment is not as hard for our pets as it is on humans and this is a very good thing.  Many dogs can expect to undergo a full recovery from this affliction.

It is very important to take your pets to the veterinarian for regular check ups.  It is also important to act quickly if you suspect that your dog is displaying any symptoms of this disease.  There are many diagnostic tests that can be performed to determine the prognosis.  Your veterinarian can advise you further on this matter.

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