Oncological diseases of dogs. Intestinal cancer in dogs: course of the disease, symptoms, treatment

Every owner worries about their pets. We all worry about whether the puppy is growing correctly, whether everything is fine with his health, whether hereditary diseases and so on. However, in our time, any owner is especially afraid of being diagnosed with cancer. This is probably the worst news you can hear from a veterinarian. After all, everyone knows how this disease progresses in people. Latest Research showed that one in three dogs could potentially develop cancer during their lifetime. And this does not apply only to purebred dogs. Staggering numbers, aren't they?

However, it should be noted that there are dog breeds that have a much higher risk of developing cancer. These include:

• Great Danes;
• Saint Bernards;
• Boxers;
• Boston Terriers;
• Golden Retrievers.

Although cancer can develop in dogs of any age, older dogs are more susceptible to the disease. Average duration Dogs' lives have become longer thanks to the care of their owners and the good veterinary care that is available these days. For this reason, the number of older dogs in which this terrible diagnosis is more often confirmed is gradually increasing.

The most common forms of cancer in dogs

There are many forms of cancer that can affect our four-legged friends, with some being more common in certain breeds. The most common types of cancer in dogs are:

• Lymphoma;
• Malignant histiocytoma;
• Angiosarcoma;
• Mammary cancer;
• Mast cell tumor;
• Melanoma;
• Osteosarcoma;
• Prostate cancer;
• Transitional cell carcinoma.

The importance of early diagnosis

Nowadays, veterinary medicine is developing quite quickly. Many types of cancer can be treated with varying degrees success depending on the methods (surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation). However, for maximum effect great importance It has early diagnosis. After all, the more a tumor spreads throughout the body, the more difficult it is to treat.

If you find something suspicious that looks like a tumor, this does not mean that it is cancer. It is necessary to contact a veterinarian to carry out necessary research to determine malignancy.

10 danger signs

In addition to the strange recently appeared lumps, “bumps”, and ulcers on the pet’s body, there are other signs:

• The tumor grows rapidly;
• Pain unresponsive to medication;
• Weight loss;
• Loss of appetite;
• Bleeding;
• Unpleasant odor;
• Difficulty swallowing;
• Decreased activity;
• Stiff gait, lameness;
• Difficulty breathing, urination, defecation.

If you find one or more of listed symptoms your dog, try to contact the clinic as soon as possible. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, veterinarian will tell you options for assistance.

Treatment

As a rule, in veterinary practice a combination of existing methods treatment. However, there are tumors that do not respond to any treatment. In such cases, medications are used to improve the dog's quality of life, such as painkillers.

Prevention

To be honest, there is no such thing as prevention. However, for example, sterilization of young females is one way to prevent certain types cancer of the reproductive system.

There is confirmed information about positive impact antioxidants and some vitamins (vitamin A, C, E, beta-carotene, lycopene, selenium).

Conclusion

Early diagnosis of any form of cancer gives your pet a better chance. Of course, most types of tumors cannot be cured. However, qualified and timely veterinary care will extend the life and quality of your pet.

Hearing a diagnosis of cancer from a doctor is always difficult not only for a person, but also for an animal. Pets quite often become victims of cancer. According to statistics, half of dogs over 10 years of age have malignant tumors. Dog owners face several questions: is it possible to cure the dog? And also, what measures need to be taken?

Oncology is a branch of medicine devoted to the study of tumors (of any nature). She examines etiological and pathogenetic issues, methods of diagnosis and therapy, as well as means to prevent their occurrence. Therefore, cancer treatment should be trusted only to oncologists.

Causes

Cancer in dogs can develop for many reasons, but the exact etiology has not yet been determined. But some factors still play an important role in these processes:

• The body constantly synthesizes malignant cells, which the immune system fights. If there are any interruptions in its work, nothing will prevent the cells from constantly and uncontrollably dividing, and ultimately developing into a tumor.
• The effects of chemical and physical carcinogens, which include radiation, industrial toxic substances, some nutritional supplements and much more. The environmental situation in the area where the dog lives has a significant influence.
• It has been proven and viral origin some types of cancer. Specific types of viruses can cause lymphomas, leukemia, and genital cancer. Molds pose a great danger. They actively develop on spoiled food, release spores that circulate through the air, and are extremely difficult to destroy (they can survive even in high temperature). Studies have established that even high-quality dry food can contain 10-20% mold, and in cheap food its amount generally reaches 80%.

Clinical picture of cancer

Oncological diseases belong to the group of pathologies that initial stages are practically asymptomatic, and by coincidence, it is at this time that they can be treated. If the dog has already developed stage II-III, the probability of successful treatment is sharply reduced to 50%. Given these features, dog breeders need to pay more attention to disease prevention measures (visits to the veterinarian and certain tests).

Animals that are more susceptible to cancer than others include unsterilized dogs, which often experience hormonal imbalances due to pregnancy, lactation or birth process. Even if an animal often gives birth, or has not yet given birth, this will not have any effect on the likelihood of developing a tumor. But many veterinarians say that it is better to sterilize females whose owners do not plan to use for breeding offspring (exclusively in for preventive purposes). This will prevent the appearance of cancer in the organs of the reproductive system (a type of disease affecting dogs more often than others) 100%.
The most common types of cancer found in dogs are:

1. Breast cancer - this form of the disease can be easily identified even in the initial stages of development by conducting a timely examination and palpation of the breast. By palpating the glands, the veterinarian will immediately feel the presence of hard lumps, which over time may increase in size and be more pronounced. Dog owners themselves should check their dog’s nipples from time to time so as not to miss complications of the disease.
2. Uterine cancer - this type of cancer is much more difficult to detect than, for example, the one described above. The uterus is an internal reproductive organ, so the development of a neoplasm in it does not cause pronounced symptoms. The main early sign is atypical and frequently recurring discharge, spontaneous abortion or infertility in the bitch. Most clearly, a tumor of the uterus reminds itself of itself at the moment when it develops to last stages, and the dog’s general condition rapidly deteriorates - constant whining due to pain syndrome, stool disorders, decreased motor activity, drowsiness and lethargy.
3. Bone cancer - this type of disease is typical for large breeds. Signs malignant lesion bone tissue can only be seen on late stages currents, which is why the owner of a large animal must closely monitor the functioning of the musculoskeletal system of his pet. Minor lameness fast fatiguability or constantly slow steps are possible signs of bone damage, and the dog should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
4. Skin cancer – this type of cancer accounts for about 15% of total number oncological diseases of dogs. It is difficult to detect skin lesions in animals due to the covering layer of hair. But walking the dog water procedures, an attentive owner may notice some changes. Example - appearance dark spots(like moles), the color of which varies from pink to almost black. It is important not to forget that skin cancer does not always affect only the skin, but can also appear on the mucous membranes and even on internal organs.
5. Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract - the symptoms are quite simple: constant stool disorders, lack of interest in food, vomiting, blood in the stool. The animal begins to rapidly lose body weight, behaves sluggishly, and anemia often develops.
6. Liver cancer can cause jaundice, which is immediately visible on the yellow sclera, because bile leaks into the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body. The dog loses weight before our eyes, becomes lethargic and apathetic, and a constant alternation of constipation with diarrhea may appear. If therapy is not started, the dog may completely reject food, which will lead to complete exhaustion of the body.
7. Lung cancer is easy to differentiate from other types of oncology, because the animal develops bouts of prolonged and severe coughing. Even sitting still, the dog may begin to suffocate. Over time, the disease intensifies, and the cough acquires moist discharge mixed with pus and blood.
8. Spleen cancer is diagnosed relatively rarely. The disease has no special signs, because they are no different from the standard symptom complex of cancer: depressed state, loss of appetite, rapid weight loss, decreased activity. But, if veterinarians notice the presence of fluid in the peritoneum (using ultrasound), they will prescribe additional diagnostics, because this serious reason for suspicion dangerous pathology spleen and other organs in abdominal cavity.
9. Kidney cancer - the onset of the disease is almost asymptomatic. But after a while, the dog may begin to move atypically, due to pain in the kidneys, and blood may appear in the urine. The animal becomes weak, loses interest in food, and due to impaired metabolism and dysfunction of the excretory system, edema develops.

Diagnostics

When diagnosing oncology in dogs, the doctor must collect an anamnesis: ask the owner when he noticed the problems, as well as about the rate of increase in signs of the disease. If the neoplasm depends on the level of hormones, it will cause an uneven clinical course (changes in periods of exacerbation with periods of complete regression), due to changes in hormonal levels during sexual cycles or problems with hormonal imbalance.

When studying the tumor itself, doctors take into account its visual features, consistency, degree of tissue damage and connection with neighboring tissues, as well as the presence of necrotization.

Malignant tumors have an uneven bumpy surface, hard consistency and unclear boundaries. Suspecting the presence of a neoplasm in the abdominal cavity, the dog is subjected to bimanual palpation. During the procedure, the doctor may detect dense and painful nodes that are sharply shifted to the side (spleen cancer, small intestine), or with limited displacement (cancer of the liver, uterus, kidneys or ovaries). As a rule, a tumor that affects a certain organ causes its dysfunction.

When examining an animal, it is necessary to exclude pathologies whose symptoms are similar to cancer. General manifestations in the form of lethargy, lack of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting, characteristic of many infectious and viral diseases. For these reasons, the dog owner needs to remember when the dog first started pathological changes how long the dog has not eaten food, whether he is bothered by vomiting and changes in discharge. Any information will help the doctor quickly establish a diagnosis, excluding infections or poisoning from the list.

If a dog owner notices changes in his pet's behavior, he should examine him for any cuts or wounds that could become infected. You need to feel the paws, joints and skin for tumors or swelling. Sometimes, you shouldn’t hesitate to look into the dog’s stool to check if there is blood or other impurities in the urine and feces.

Treatment of cancer in dogs

Treatment of such dangerous diseases How malignant tumors, you should trust only an experienced specialist. You should not rely on the advice of friends, read about it in books or on the Internet, rely on traditional healers or other charlatans who want to make a profit on someone else's misfortune. You need to remember that each case of cancer is individual, and if some smart people talk on forums on the Internet about how they beat cancer in a dog without the help of doctors, you should not rely on this information, since they could have encountered a completely different disease, just similar ones symptoms.

To stop cancer in a dog from growing and starting to metastasize, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are used. These methods are prescribed and carried out only by a doctor. Through treatment, he can achieve the destruction or at least significant weakening of cancer cells, which are important in the therapy process. After the tumor has been reduced in size as much as possible, it is removed. surgically, and conduct several more chemotherapy courses. To protect and support the body’s immune system, additional courses of immunostimulants, liver medications, multivitamins and medications are prescribed for symptomatic therapy. The duration and regimen of medications is selected individually for each case.

It is necessary to put the dog on a diet that completely excludes all fatty, sweet, spicy and canned foods, including all foods that are harmful even to healthy animals. A dog that is being treated and recovering needs to be provided with maximum comfortable conditions maintenance, regular walks on fresh air, moral support from the owner.

It is better to protect the animal from unwanted encounters with stray relatives, because after treatment the immune system It will take a long time to recover, and the chances of catching an infection are extremely high.

If all else fails

Unfortunately, even experienced veterinarians cannot always cope with a dog’s disease, and if the dog has no chance of remission, it would be more humane to stop its suffering.

Debilitating vomiting, unbearably severe pain, fading interest in life, this is what haunts the four-legged patient. Noticing a deterioration in the condition, lack of hope for the best, veterinarians themselves can talk about “relieving” the animal’s condition. Euthanasia is a difficult choice for anyone caring dog breeder but sometimes it's the only way out to stop the dog's suffering.

If some doctors, without conducting a quality diagnosis, advise immediately euthanizing your pet, it is better to go to another veterinary clinic. Often, the doctor does not take seriously the fact that the owner is ready to fight for the life of his shaggy friend to the last. And as practice shows, quite often such efforts are not in vain, and the disease recedes. The main thing is that the dog gets into good hands specialists, and felt the support of their owners.

Deadly diseases spare neither us nor our pets. Cancer, one of the most dangerous diseases in Lately increasingly common in dogs. The reason for this bad ecology, poor nutrition and bad heredity in our four-legged friends.

However, no matter what causes the disease, the owner has a chance to prolong the life of the animal if the disease is noticed in time. Unfortunately, cancer is a very insidious disease. Often it occurs hidden and does not make itself known until it is too late to treat. However, there are some signs that can let the owner know that something is wrong with the dog. Individually, they may not mean anything serious, but if you notice several symptoms in your pet at once, do not hesitate to show him to the veterinarian.

What is cancer

In fact, the disease that affects our four-legged pets is no different from human pathology. First of all, it is worth knowing that cancer is a non-contagious disease that occurs at the DNA level. Mutations occur in one or more cells, as a result of which the cells “forget” their responsibilities and begin to divide uncontrollably. Gradually they fill the entire organ, forming a tumor, and penetrate further, forming metastases throughout the body.

“Incorrect” cells not only prevent the organ from working properly, but also put pressure on neighboring tissues, inhibiting their functioning. As cancer cells die, they decompose, causing necrosis, internal bleeding, formation of fistulas and other non-healing areas.

Most often, cancer cells form in older dogs, but recently cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in very young animals.

Signs of cancer

Despite the fact that the pathology is quite serious, most types of cancer can be cured or put into remission - a period when the tumor stops growing and does not bother the animal. The chances of this happening are high if cancer discovered at an early stage. Of course, a professional should make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment - it is better if it is a veterinary oncologist rather than an ordinary doctor generalist. But the owner must be able to recognize the first signs of cancer and immediately consult a doctor. You, like no one else, know your four-legged friend and better than any analysis they are able to notice that something wrong is happening to him.

What symptoms should you pay attention to first?

• Laziness, drowsiness. Have you noticed that your restless pet is spending more and more time half asleep? Refusal from the usual physical activity and laziness are some of the most common causes of canine illness. It is quite possible that everything is not so scary, and your pet will be diagnosed with a banal vitamin deficiency or low vitamin deficiency, but it won’t hurt to get tested if you notice the animal’s drowsiness.
• Subcutaneous neoplasms. Check your dog regularly for any lumps or bumps under the skin. Such examinations are especially relevant for long-haired dogs. Most often, neoplasms appear on the face or behind the ears, as well as on the back, shoulder blades, or mammary glands in bitches
• Bad breath. Experienced veterinarians claim that each disease has its own specific aroma. Oncological diseases have a rotten smell. Moreover, the stench is often heard not only from the mouth, but also from the nose of the animal.
• Lack of appetite. It is necessary to distinguish between simply the dog’s reluctance to eat food that is not very attractive and complete failure from food. In order to find out what is more, stubbornness or a problem, in your pet’s reluctance, just offer him favorite treat. A healthy, non-hungry dog ​​will gladly eat the offered treat; a sick dog will accept the food with reluctance or even turn its face away.
• Fast weight loss. The dog’s body is designed in such a way that it prevents the symptoms of the disease from appearing until the very end. Your pet's appetite and activity may have remained the same, but you should be alarmed that with a normal diet, your dog quickly appears exhausted.
• Heavy breathing and cough. Constant and debilitating shortness of breath may be signs of lung cancer in dogs. Often such a cough is accompanied by expectoration of mucous membranes or bloody discharge having an unpleasant odor.
• Pale mucous membranes. Bright pink gums are one of the main signs of your dog's health. The reason that the mucous membranes turn pale is considered to be loss of blood and general decline immunity in a sick animal. Whiteness of the gums may also be accompanied by bleeding and the formation of small non-healing wounds.
• Regular nausea and vomiting. Vomiting for no reason is another common symptom of cancer. This symptom is explained by general intoxication of the body, poisoned by the vital activity of cancer cells.
• Sudden onset of lameness. If you notice that your pet is protecting its leg while walking, be sure to feel the limb. If you do not find any signs of dislocation or dislocation, provide your pet with a gentle exercise regimen and observe him for a week. Normal stretch it will already pass in a few days. An attentive owner should be alerted to a dog that does not pass for a long time or returns.
• Slow healing wounds. The appearance of small rotting sores on the body or scratches that take longer to heal than usual are also possible signs cancer.

Diagnosis of the disease

In order to notice and defeat the disease in time, it is not enough to simply observe your pet. Any change in behavior or physical indicators should cause immediate contact with a veterinarian. How can the doctor help? He carefully examines the animal and, perhaps, notices signs that have escaped even the owner’s attentive gaze.

Second - will appoint necessary tests. First, the standard ones - general and biochemical, and then, if changes in certain indicators are noticed, special ones - to identify tumor markers confirming the presence of cancer cells.

Diagnosis of cancer - quite difficult process, therefore, in addition to tests, the doctor will conduct many different examinations - from ultrasound and fluorography to gastroscopy and MRI. If you suspect breast cancer, your doctor will suggest you undergo a mammogram - a special X-ray breast, showing the presence of a cancerous tumor at an early stage.

When a tumor is detected, the doctor will take a small piece of tissue (puncture) and send it for cell analysis. This will help determine whether it is benign or malignancy, as well as the stage of development of the disease.

Treatment and prevention

Traditional methods of treating malignant tumors are chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This allows you to destroy cancer cells, preventing them from spreading further. After this, if possible, the neoplasm is removed, and the animal’s body is supported in every possible way with the help of immunostimulants and hepaprotectors.

In each specific case, the scheme for such treatment is selected individually, which is why you should not treat a dog using the Internet or the advice of neighbors who claim that such treatment helped another animal.

Many owners are interested in whether their pet can be treated traditional methods? Veterinary specialists do not prohibit the use if it is used along with official methods of treatment. Most Popular herbal preparations, used to stop tumor growth, are considered ASD faction and a special oncology collection, consisting of plants that suppress the growth of neoplasms. Homeopathic medicines are also often used medicines, which contain toxic components. Most often it is tarantula venom or extract poisonous mushrooms. Despite good feedback about these drugs, we recommend that you do not decide to take them on your own without first consulting a specialist about their effectiveness and dosage.

In order to prevent the occurrence of uterine and ovarian cancer, as well as the appearance of cancer, veterinarians advise sterilizing a dog that is not of breeding value. Carrying out such an operation before the first heat reduces the risk of tumors by more than 90%.

Preventative measures to prevent cancer can be considered active spending time in the fresh air and, of course. It has long been noted that a dog that feels comfortable is much less likely to suffer from any diseases. The owner must make the pet's life interesting, eventful and full of love, and, if trouble happens, do everything possible to alleviate the suffering.

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Oncological diseases have always existed, but in last decades they have literally become the scourge of our time. Unfortunately, cancer does not spare our little brothers either - it affects both pets and wild animals. But if in nature a sick creature is doomed, pets have a chance for recovery or at least prolongation of life.

Treatment of oncology is complex and expensive, both in humans and in animals. The problem is further complicated by the fact that not all veterinary clinics available necessary equipment, medicines, as well as specialists who can diagnose, operate and treat cancer in dogs.

The attentiveness and observation of the owners plays a huge role in saving the life of an animal. If they can recognize signs of trouble early, the dog has a chance of recovery.

But oncological diseases are insidious because their signs in most cases appear already in the later stages, when treatment becomes ineffective and speech it's already underway not about recovery, but at least about prolonging existence or ending suffering.

Causes of the disease

No one yet knows the reliable causes of oncological tumors. It is believed that the following reasons are the factors that “trigger” the process of formation and development of pathological cells:

1. Stress.
2. Excessive insolation.
3. Poor nutrition.
4. Poor environmental situation.
5. Toxins that enter the body with water, food, and medications.
6. Bad habits.
7. Radiation.
8. Exposure to heavy metals and much more.

Old and weakened animals are more susceptible to diseases than others, although cancer does not suffer from selectivity and affects both older dogs and young and strong dogs, and even puppies.

Most often, the following forms and types of malignant neoplasms occur in dogs:

1. Lymphoma.
2. Malignant histiocytoma.
3. Angiosarcoma.
4. Mammary cancer.
5. Mast cell tumor.
6. Melanoma.
7. Osteosarcoma.
8. Prostate cancer.
9. Transitional cell carcinoma.

Each type of this disease has its own specifics and requires special way treatment, use of specific medications.

Which breeds are susceptible

Cancer can happen to anyone purebred dog and the mongrel too, but it is believed that the following breeds are most susceptible to neoplasms:

1. Boxers.
2. Great Danes.
3. St. Bernards.
4. Golden Retrievers.
5. Boston Terriers.

Belonging to a certain breed does not mean that a dog will certainly get cancer, but it is at risk and requires more attention to its health.

Symptoms

Oncological neoplasms are dangerous because in the first stages the disease occurs without pronounced symptoms. But an experienced and attentive owner can note the following deviations in the behavior or appearance of the animal:

1. Digestive disorders - vomiting after eating, unexplained loss of appetite, strange behavior after eating, allowing you to suspect that the dog is suffering from pain. Constipation and diarrhea may be an indication of the presence of cancer in the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Problems with urination and bowel movements may be caused by a tumor of the prostate or rectum.
3. Coughing, bleeding from the mouth, the feeling that the dog is choking on food and water most often occur with damage to the lungs and other respiratory organs, cancer of the larynx, tumors of the jaw, tongue, lip, nose.
4. Changes in gait, unsteady, uncertain movements, and lameness indicate damage to the skeletal system.
5. Growths under and on the skin, pigmentation changes may be symptoms different types cancer, including skin cancer.
6. Pain - the dog may suffer from severe pain in the affected parts of the body, as well as general intoxication, which is expressed severe weakness, exhaustion and apathy.
7. Unpleasant odor coming from an animal or individual areas affected by a tumor. Usually indicates the disintegration of a neoplasm, often accompanies breast cancer, lesions of the mouth, and skin.

Depending on the stage of the oncological process, manifestations can be pronounced or subtle, with inflammation lymph nodes at general process and metastases in the terminal stages of the disease.

Diagnostics in a veterinary clinic

In order to detect oncological diseases, an experienced specialist and a laboratory of the appropriate level are required. After visual inspection The veterinarian will send the dog for examination and order laboratory tests.

Blood, stool and urine tests will be required depending on the type of disease to rule out other problems. ultrasound diagnostics, performing radiography if there is a suspicion of a process in the bones or metastases in them.

If it is difficult to identify the cause of the disease, the dog is referred to computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Not all clinics can do this, so diagnosing cancer in dogs has its own difficulties, especially in small populated areas"in the outback."

Treatment method and prognosis

Treatment of cancer patients is almost the same for both people and animals. It is always complex and consists of the following stages:

1. Surgical removal tumors. The neoplasm must be removed with a part of healthy tissue in order to protect against possible penetration of cancer cells into surrounding tissues and spread of the process.
2. Irradiation using a special device. This is not possible in all veterinary clinics. The method is not used for all types of cancer tumors and is not applicable for some types of tumor localization.
3. Chemotherapy. It involves taking toxic drugs that can kill cancer cells, destroy or reduce tumors and metastases, and also prevent their formation and further spread.

You should not give your dog medications intended for humans because, despite general principles effects on tumors, the type of medication, dosage and intensity of treatment are selected only by a veterinarian. This is because the dose is calculated only for the individual dog, taking into account his weight, age, general health and the presence of additional problems.

If the doctor prescribes painkillers, there is also a danger of overdose. Owners should obtain full advice from a specialist on how they should act in certain situations.

Treatment of any form of cancer is extremely complex, lengthy and expensive. However, there are some types of this terrible disease that are easier to treat than others and can be cured completely or give long-term remission. These include skin cancer in the early stages.

If the tumor was small, the affected area was insignificant, the stage was early, without the formation of metastases, then the dog has a good chance of recovery.

What to do at home

Caring for a sick animal must be especially careful, especially if it is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. During this period, drafts and dampness pose a particular danger, as pneumonia can very quickly kill the dog. This is due to the fact that it protective forces, the immune system is practically killed by the disease and specific medications.

The dog needs to be provided with a warm, quiet, shaded place and constant access to clean drinking water. Since her fur may fall out, her corner needs to be brushed frequently. If the doctor has prescribed any medications, then they must be given strictly according to his instructions.

If the animal is after surgery, caring for it is exactly the same as after any other surgical intervention. The seams must be carefully treated with special disinfectant compounds; if redness, blood, pus appears, or if the animal is restless, you must immediately call a veterinarian.

After surgery, your dog needs to eat well to speed up recovery and strengthen its weakened immune system. The doctor will give necessary recommendations on feeding depending on which organs were affected by cancer. There are some subtleties and restrictions in feeding if the dog has had cancer of the digestive or excretory organs.

Cancer is terrible because it causes incredible suffering to patients. If it becomes obvious that there is no hope for recovery, and the dog is in great pain, it would be much more humane to end its suffering.

Possible complications

With cancer the most dangerous complication- these are metastases leading to the spread of cancer throughout the dog’s body. This leads to a generalization of the process, which is expressed by increased intoxication. If organs such as the brain, lungs, liver and, less commonly, the heart are affected, the dog’s fate is predetermined. The duration of her remaining life is calculated in months, and sometimes weeks.

Bone lesions lead to pathological fractures that do not heal. Problems with digestive system extremely exhausting for both the dog and its owners. She literally melts before our eyes, practically dying from exhaustion.

Since cancer is treatable only in the first two stages, if there is terminal stages there is no talk of recovery. You can only provide for a pet calm, painless last days life surrounded by loving and caring owners.

Prevention measures

As such preventive measures there is no cure for cancer. However, you can monitor the health of your pet. It is important to provide him with good, high-quality and balanced diet, healthy image life, timely treatment and excellent care.

To prevent cancer, you need to avoid risk factors, for example, not keeping your dog in direct sunlight. It has been proven that malignant melanoma occurs much more often with regular intense radiation, especially with sunburn.

Hairless and short-haired dogs are more susceptible to this, especially with fair skin and wool. White dogs and cats often have pink noses, which suffer greatly from sun rays. With repeated burns, the risk of cancer increases several times.

Although exposure to the sun is good for your animal's health, keeping it in direct sunlight is very dangerous. In hot countries to light dogs You should wear hats if you wear them to the beach or long walks. By the way, the local population has long been practicing such methods, supplying horses and donkeys with straw hats.

There are a number of studies that suggest that enriching food with vitamins and antioxidants reduces the risk of developing malignant tumors. In any case, before taking any steps, you must mandatory consult your veterinarian.

Cancer in dogs, unfortunately, has become a fairly common pathology among animals over 10 years of age. Statistics show that malignant tumors occur in 30% of older males and 50% of older females. Neoplasms may also appear in younger animals, for example, genetic predisposition determines the incidence of cancer in certain dog breeds. Owners need to know what signs of cancer in dogs And immediately apply for veterinary care . Effective treatment cancer in dogs is only possible early stages.

Types of tumors - cancer in dogs

IN veterinary oncology, which studies tumors, the cause of their appearance, diagnosis and treatment methods, there is a division of tumors into benign and malignant. This fundamental difference sometimes allows us to breathe a sigh of relief when making a diagnosis, and sometimes, alas, it leads to the need to fight cancer together with our beloved dog.

Benign tumor in a dog usually painless, has clear boundaries, since the tumor is located in the capsule and only pushes apart neighboring tissues without growing into them. It grows slowly, does not metastasize, and when removed by a surgeon does not reappear.

Malignant tumor in a dog is different rapid growth, tendency to bleeding and metastasis, negative influence for the entire body as a whole. Surgical removal does not always solve the problem completely, since cancer cells may end up in lymph nodes and other tissues and organs.

Reasons why cancer occurs in dogs

Scientists around the world are working to find out causes of cancer in animals and a person, but there is no unified theory yet. The most recognized hypothesis is that mutations occur with healthy cell which is losing its normal functions and begins to grow, eat and divide uncontrollably. Clusters of such atypical cells form tumors, and the body can no longer control them. Cancer cells can be difficult to differentiate; they grow into neighboring tissues, and then, with the flow of lymph and blood, first enter the nearest lymph nodes and then spread to different places body.

In dogs, cancer most often affects the skin, mammary glands, uterus, and organs. gastrointestinal tract, bones, as well as lungs and liver.

Cancer in dogs and its symptoms

Oncology in dogs necessarily manifests itself in certain ways signs, which should alert the owner:
• the pet becomes apathetic and does not enjoy games and treats;
• the dog has lost its appetite;
• she loses weight even if she eats well;
• vomiting is observed, repeated from time to time, sometimes with blood;
• diarrhea alternates with constipation, even if there are no errors in the diet;
• an unpleasant odor appears from the dog’s mouth;
• violation of acts of urination and defecation;
• the appearance of bleeding from natural orifices;
• the dog suffers from shortness of breath, a dry cough, the mouth is open when breathing;
• the stomach increases in volume;
• the animal limps for a long time;
• convulsive movements, seizures.

These are the so-called general symptoms, and there are also symptoms related to the neoplasm itself: changes appearance moles or warts, the appearance of a nodule or lump on the skin, a non-healing wound.

These signs are a reason to immediately consult a doctor and preferably veterinary oncologist, since tumor growth and the development of metastases occur quickly and often irreversibly. Only the stage of one limited tumor, that is, the first stage of cancer, gives a high chance of recovery and long years life of a dog.

How is cancer diagnosed in dogs?

Malignant neoplasms can be detected at an early stage during a routine preventive examination by a veterinarian. Clinical tests blood and urine, changes in their indicators will force the specialist to prescribe and additional examinations. This includes an x-ray, ultrasound examination of organs, and a biopsy of the affected tissue. Histological examination will reveal the type of tumor and its origin. In some cases, methods such as endoscopy, MRI and CT are used. Only after this comprehensive survey the veterinarian will choose treatment tactics by determining what kind of tumor is in front of him, at what stage of the disease and what is the general state your pet's health.

Treatment options for cancer in dogs

If, after visiting a veterinarian and carrying out a diagnosis, the diagnosis of cancer has become a reality, they can be used to combat it. various schemes and complexes medical events . First, you need to consider the type of tumor. If it is benign, then in order to prevent its malignancy, the doctor will remove it surgically.

If the tumor is malignant, a combination of methods such as surgical removal of the tumor, radiation and chemotherapy will be needed. It depends on the location of the tumor, its origin, and the stage of the disease. At the zero and first stages the prognosis in case of tumor removal is favorable, but if cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes, this is already third stage of cancer, and here relapses are possible pathological process, the occurrence of metastases. Some types of tumors are resistant to chemotherapy and can be treated with radiation, while others, on the contrary, are destroyed by certain medications. The treating oncologist will take all this into account when prescribing treatment.

What if the dog has been sick for a long time? Cancer in dogs - forecasts

If the tumor has spread and given multiple metastases, veterinarian fights to preserve best quality the dog’s life and pain relief, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are used. When the dog for a long time suffers from cancer, medications are ineffective against pain, the dog does not eat or cannot breathe due to metastases in the lungs, then it would be more merciful to resort to painless euthanasia of the animal. No matter how difficult it is to come to such a decision, it remains the only way save the dog from suffering.

Of course, if the doctor suggests euthanasia and you do not agree with his decision, contact another veterinarian and fight for your pet's life. Others may be assigned additional tests and examinations that will confirm or refute the diagnosis and further prognosis for recovery.

How to prevent cancer in dogs?

The main preventive measure remains regular visits to the veterinarian., preventive examinations and examining your pet to detect the disease in its early stages. This is especially true for older dogs, which with each passing year are increasingly at risk of developing cancer.

Most effective method cancer prevention and mammary glands, uterus and ovaries - this is early sterilization of the dog, especially if you do not plan to breed dogs.

To reduce your dog's risk of cancer, care must be taken to eliminate negative factors, such as: chronic diseases internal organs, hormonal imbalances, lack of mobility, strong ultraviolet irradiation, poor quality nutrition, stressful situations.

If The dog was successfully treated for cancer, examine her regularly, provide good care and walk, remove all excesses and “harmfulness” from the diet, then the dog will delight you with its company for several more years.

Our veterinary center “YA-VET” employs a specialist doctor - veterinary oncologist, engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer pathologies in animals. If you suspect your pet has cancer, do not waste time and seek veterinary help, in this case, it is better to make sure once again that nothing serious is happening to the dog than to bite your elbows later. Regular clinical tests blood and urine reveal disturbances in the functioning of the body, not to mention other examinations. Also monitor the condition of the skin and mucous membranes pet: lumps, bumps, changes in the appearance of moles, warts, papillomas require examination and consultation with a veterinarian.

If you have no time at all, or are very busy, call us and leave a request for a doctor to come to your home. A specialist will come to your home, conduct an initial examination, take the necessary tests and decide on further actions for the treatment of the patient. Do not self-medicate, as such experiments with your beloved dog can upset you and your loved ones with their results. The veterinary center “I am VET” is open around the clock to provide assistance, its experienced specialists fighting for health four-legged pets until victory over the disease!