Cancer is one of the main reasons why dogs die around the world. It is a dangerous condition that affects mainly middle-aged or older pets. For an owner of a dog, hearing "cancer" is rather scary. However, nowadays, thanks to the progress in veterinary medicine, diagnosis and treatment of this condition have improved significantly. The experts at mybestie.gr consider it necessary to know what cancer means for your pet. Although cancer can attack any dog irrespective of its age, size, and breed, certain cancers are more common than others, and there might be a risk of some breeds being genetically predisposed to develop certain cancers.

What is cancer in dogs?

Cancer arises due to the formation of malignant cells that start growing uncontrollably and infiltrating other body parts. They can also spread to different parts of the body via metastases. As in humans, cancer is not just a single condition, and it can affect pretty much any organ and/or tissue in dogs. This includes the skin, bones, blood, lymphatic system, liver, lungs, and mammary glands.

Early detection is often one of the most critical variables in determining prognosis and treatment effectiveness.

The most common types of cancer in dogs

Mast cell tumors

Mast cell tumors are the most prevalent type of skin cancer found in dogs. These can be recognized by their appearance as lumps or bumps on the dog’s body and are highly variable in appearance. Some tumors will be localized and grow slowly, while others are more aggressive and metastasize to other organs.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma occurs in the lymphatic system and is one of the most common types of cancer found in dogs.

Symptoms of lymphoma may include:

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite

Luckily for dogs, many of them respond positively to chemotherapy.

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is the most prevalent type of bone cancer in dogs. Osteosarcoma is common among large and giant breed dogs, as well as in the limbs.

The following symptoms may be observed:

• Continued limping
• A swollen limb
• Experiencing pain when moving around

Hemangiosarcoma

This fast-growing cancer develops from blood cells and usually occurs in the spleen, liver, and/or the heart. One of the biggest threats associated with hemangiosarcoma is that it can go unnoticed before a tumor burst causing hemorrhaging in the body.

Mammary tumors

Mammary tumors are prevalent among female dogs which have not been spayed. Spaying early in a dog’s life greatly minimizes her chances of developing mammary cancer in the future.

What dog breeds are at a higher risk of cancer?

While all dogs can get cancer, studies indicate that certain breeds are predisposed to a higher risk.

These include:

• Golden Retriever
• Labrador Retriever
• Boxer
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• German Shepherd
• Rottweiler
• Great Dane
• Doberman Pinscher

Some types of cancer occur more commonly in certain breeds. For instance, Boxers are more predisposed to getting mast cell tumors than other breeds. In contrast, Rottweilers and Great Danes have a higher chance of developing osteosarcoma.

Genetic susceptibility is one reason, but other factors come into play too.

Cancer in senior dogs

Age can be considered one of the biggest risk factors in developing cancer. With age, canine cells undergo cumulative genetic damage, making cancer more likely to develop. According to vets, about half of all dogs over ten years of age develop cancer at least once in their lifetime. Not every bump or change in dog health is indicative of cancer, yet this statistic demonstrates the significance of annual wellness checks for elderly pets. Regular blood tests, thorough check-ups, and timely response to any unusual symptom can save many lives.

Common symptoms all owners should pay attention to

Although symptoms differ based on the type of cancer diagnosed, here are a few signs owners should never overlook:

• Abnormal swellings
• Abnormal lumps and bumps
• Sudden weight loss
• Reduced appetite
• Lameness
• Trouble breathing
• Persistent coughing
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Wounds that do not heal
• Bleeding without apparent reasons
• Swelling lymph nodes

It is important to note that each of these symptoms can occur even when there is no cancer present.

Treatment options and prognosis

There are plenty of options that are provided by today's veterinary oncology. Depending on the type of cancer and its stage, treatment could involve:

• Surgical intervention
• Chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted drug therapy
• Palliative care

The main thing that should be noted about the treatment of cancer in dogs is that the priority should be quality of life, not survival at any cost. Plenty of dogs live a long happy life while undergoing treatment for cancer.

Cancer is a particularly difficult disease that affects dogs, yet there is hope when diagnosing the condition. Regular checks at the veterinarian, early discovery of cancer, and advanced treatment methods save many lives each year. Knowing what symptoms should be expected and which dogs should be especially cautious will help dog owners react in time.

Finally, remember that regular veterinary checkups will do wonders for your pet's health and well-being.