Veterinary Basics: Dealing With Cancer in Dogs
Hearing the news that their dog is detected with cancer could be frustrating for any pet parent. No person wants to hear that their fur baby will be battling cancer; however, it often occurs to canines more than ten years old; nonetheless, it does not eliminate the possibility of affecting younger puppies.
Like in humans, canines are vulnerable to getting different kinds of cancer. The bright side is most of it can be treated, and the way veterinary oncology manages cancer in dogs is very much the same treatment used in humans.
Common Types of Cancer in Dogs
- Mammary Cancers – are more common in female dogs that are not spayed or were spayed after two years old. Mammary tumors account for 42% of female dogs’ cases; this risk is much higher than breast cancer for women.
- Mast Cell Tumors (MCTs) – are common in dogs, accounting for approximately 20% of all skin tumors in dogs. MCTs can occur in any part of the body and vary in appearance. It can be very invasive and often grow back even after surgical removals.
- Melanomas – malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer in dogs; most occur on the mouth or mucous membranes, although 10% are found on parts of the body covered with hair. They tend to escalate and affect other organs such as the liver and the lungs.
- Lymphomas – are a diverse group of cancers. This is also among the most typical in dogs, making up 7-14% of all cancers diagnosed. Lymphomas may likely affect any organ in the body yet are most common in lymph nodes.
- Hemangiosarcomas – are malignant tumors stemming from the cells lining blood vessels. It’s prevalent in geriatric dogs representing around 5% of cancer cases. Hemangiosarcoma can develop anywhere where there are blood vessels.
- Osteosarcomas – are malignant tumors of the bone. This cancer has the same look as human pediatric osteosarcoma. The long bones in limbs are the most commonly affected, although the jaw, hips, and hips might likewise be affected.
- Lung Cancers – are relatively unusual in canines; of all the cancers diagnosed, lung cancer accounts for simply 1% of the instances. This type of cancer has a moderate to high risk of metastasis.
Dealing with Canine Cancer
Acknowledge that cancer in dogs is common; about 47% of fatalities are due to cancer. Early prevention is the key to cancer avoidance; it must start while the dog is very young. Your family vet is still the best source of relevant information concerning your dog’s overall health.
There are likewise numerous animal hospital Lexington KY, with a wide variety of fields of expertise that you can visit when your dog starts showing signs and symptoms beyond the reach of the regular vet.
Cancer treatment commences with appropriate diagnosis and staging. Treatment could be a mix of chemotherapy and surgery, radiation, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy only. Your pet’s oncologist is in the best position to chart the treatment options that would fit your dog’s condition best. Visit sites like BGVets.com to learn more about oncology facilities.
When lung cancer is in its advanced stage, emergencies render the dog incapable of breathing. Other problems like a malignant tumor pressing on critical tissue and your dog’s life hang in the balance; or when a blood vessel ruptures in case of hemangiosarcoma. In these scenarios, you have to bring your dog immediately to emergency facilities for quick medical interventions. Click here to learn about a reputable emergency facility.
Conclusion
The advancement of veterinary oncology gives hope to so many pet animals. Vaccines are available for some types of cancer for dogs. Spaying and neutering also lower the chance of getting some form of cancer. Treatment options to combat cancer are plentiful.
Animals tolerate therapies like chemotherapy a lot better than people. After treatment, some dogs have diarrhea or vomiting, but most do not experience side effects. Cancer research for animals is making significant progress; ideally, this will equate to preventative, treatment, and cure soon.
