Cancer in Dogs: An Overview
Dog Breeds
“Cancer” is defined as any malignant, cellular tumor. To understand this definition, we must break it down. A “tumor” is a swelling or other growth of tissue in which there is uncontrolled and progressive cell multiplication. Tumors can be benign or malignant.
Read More >
Definition of Cancer
“Cancer” is defined as any malignant, cellular tumor. To understand this definition, we must break it down. A “tumor” is a swelling or other growth of tissue in which there is uncontrolled and progressive cell multiplication. Tumors can be benign or malignant. “Malignancy” is defined as the tendency to progressively worsen and to result in death, usually accompanied by properties of invasiveness and metastasis. “Metastasis” refers to the transfer of disease from one part of the body to another part – essentially, a migration of cells into neighboring or remote tissues. Putting these definitions together, the term “cancer” encompasses a group of diseases that involve an uncontrolled and progressive transformation of normal cells into abnormal ones that becomes invasive, progressively worsens and ultimately spreads. Another word for cancer is “neoplasia,” which is defined as the formation of any new and abnormal growth, especially one in which cell multiplication is uncontrolled and progressive.
Causes of Cancer in Dogs
Medical science has not yet discovered the precise causes of the various types of cancer, despite intensive research in both the animal and human realms. Domestic dogs are susceptible to many different types of cancer. These include lymphosarcoma, osteosarcoma, soft tissue sarcomas, mast cell tumors, hemangiosarcoma, oral melanoma and mammary neoplasia, among many others. Each of these can present in a number of ways, with varying frequencies and degrees of severity. Some dog breeds are predisposed to developing certain types of cancers. Certainly, sun exposure can contribute to development of melanoma in dogs as in people. Breast cancer in dogs is much more common in intact females, as testicular cancer is in intact males. Unfortunately, it just is not possible to identify a “cause of cancer” given the current state of medical knowledge.
Prevention of Cancer
Little is known about how to prevent cancer in companion animals. Once the underlying causes of the various cancers are ascertained, prevention will become more realistic. We do know that spaying or neutering can reduce the risk of testicular and mammary gland cancer in domestic dogs.
Special Notes
Early diagnosis of cancer always improves the prognosis. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are available at specialized veterinary hospitals to treat cancer in dogs. With prompt diagnosis, aggressive treatment and ongoing management, including pain management and dietary support, many dogs with cancer go on to live long, comfortable and relatively normal lives.
Symptoms and Types