Cancer isn’t just a health concern for humans; it is also a major cause of fatality in dogs, particularly in those over 10 years old. In fact, half of all canines over age 10 will develop cancer. Dogs can be afflicted with various kinds of this overgrowth of cells, including breast, skin, and bone cancers. What do you need to know about this problem for your own pet’s sake? If your dog is getting up there in years, or has already been diagnosed with a form of canine cancer, you’ll want to be armed with some important facts.
Cancer-prone breeds
Unfortunately some dogs are more likely to be affected by this disease than others. Boxers, Bernese Mountain dogs, and Golden Retrievers are all more susceptible to cancer than other breeds. Mixed breeds have a lower incidence of hereditary disease due to their diluted gene pool but they can still be affected by environmental and random cancers.
Symptoms
These can be very much like the signs of cancer in humans. Swelling or bumps, swollen lymph nodes, or unusual bleeding should all be checked out. There can be a distinct lack of early symptoms, however, so if you sense anything at all that’s off with your pet, let your vet know. See a list of types of cancer here along with symptoms to look for. However, it is always beset to consult your veterinarian.
Treatments
Thanks to advances in cancer treatment there are many options available for helping dogs with the condition. Just like humans, pets can benefit from surgical treatment, chemotherapy, and radiation. Immunotherapy is undergoing experimental research as well, wherein vaccines are used to get the immune system to help fight the disease.
Cost of cancer treatment for dogs
While costs will vary significantly depending upon where you live, diagnostics can run between a couple hundred up through $1,000. If the cancer is treatable with a commonly-utilized surgery, it could run about $1,000. If radiation or chemotherapy are also used, the costs could be as high as $15,000.
Prognosis for dogs with cancer
It’s only been in the past couple of decades that animal medical specialists learned that dogs even get cancer. Technology has advanced by leaps and bounds and now up to 60% of dogs can survive the disease, if treatment is sought. Skin tumors, mast cell tumors, and breast cancers in particular have very good cure rates. If untreated, however, a dog may only survive for a matter of months rather than years.
Prevention of cancer in dogs
This is a tricky issue because the causes are often unknown. One major step you can take in the health of your pet is to have them spayed or neutered. Spaying can cut your female dog’s chances of breast cancer by eight times, but it should be done before she goes into her first heat. Dental care can also help decrease your pup’s chances of oral cancers – regular brushing and teeth checkups should be a routine part of your animal’s care.
The most effective thing you can do is to seek regular veterinary care for your pet so that any potential problems or irregularities can be detected early on in order to begin treatment as soon as possible.
The diagnosis of any health problem in our pets can trigger a scary and anxiety-filled time. Talk to your veterinarian about all possible options. If financially feasible for you, there may be facilities that are some distance away from you that offer a higher level of care for these canine health problems. Also ask your vet about things you can do at home to make your pet as comfortable as possible. Most importantly, give your dog plenty of love and affection to keep him feeling positive and happy throughout the experience.
As pet parents, one of our primary concerns is keeping our animals healthy and happy, and helping to extend their lives as long as possible so they can enjoy all the fun life has to offer, and we can enjoy them for years to come.
