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Cancer in DogsCancer in dogs is relatively common in dogs over 5 years old. Most dogs with cancer have skin tumors or tumors of the mammary glands. Early treatment of dog cancer can prolong your dog's life. You may be wondering, what, exactly, is the definition of cancer. Cancer is a malignant (opposite of benign or harmless) tumor (growth) or neoplasm (new growth that is abnormal). Not all cancers are tumors. Leukemia is an example of a cancer of the blood. Cancer cells invade and destroy normal healthy tissue, and they can spread to other areas of the body. Cancer cells multiply much more rapidly than other body cells. Cancer cells cause damage in your dog's body by occupying space and by invading and destroying normal healthy tissue. On the other hand, a benign (not cancerous) tumor can cause damage by taking up space and pushing on organs and body tissues. Who Gets Dog Cancer?Dog cancer is fairly common in dogs over 5 years old, and the chances of a dog's having cancer increase as they age.Purebred dogs have a higher incidence of cancer than mixed breed dogs. The most common cancers found in dogs are skin cancers and cancerous tumors of the mammary glands. About 40% of all dogs with cancer have skin cancer. If you find a tumor on the mammary glands, your dog has a 50% chance of its being cancer. The good news is that dogs who have been spayed and male dogs seldom get cancer of the mammary glands. Get Vet Help NowSave time, money and the hassle of a trip to the vet's. Get affordable expert advice, for non-emergencies, from a
pet doctor online. Symptoms of Cancer in DogsHere are the most common symptoms of dog cancers:
Treatment of Dog CancerDiagnosis tends to made later in dogs than in people—probably because we just don't notice the symptoms until the cancer is advanced.There are treatments that can be effective. Surgery can be effective, if the tumor is noticed in time. And there are medicines available for dogs with cancer. Your veterinarian will assess your dog's general medical health, identify the particular kind of cancer that your dog has, decide whether it is localized or it has spread. He or she can then help you make a decision about what kind of treatment is best for your dog. Dr. Demian Dressler has been unusually successful in his treatment of canine cancer. He has written a book, "The Dog Cancer Survival Guide", that shares many of his holistic cancer treatments that have worked so well. If your dog has cancer, or you suspect that she may, you might want to consider reading his book. Cancer in dogs is not necessarily hopeless. If caught in time, there are treatments that can help to rid your dog of the cancer. In many cases you can prolong your dog's life by several years. And keep in mind that, a one year survival in a dog is equivalent to 5 years in a person!
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