Even if the patient is a canine, a cancer diagnosis is disheartening. Some pet owners reach out to other owners who have similar issues. A conversation begins in a thread on the website and results in a PetCareRx complaints resolution. Dog lovers huddle around the pet owner and offer suggestions for therapies that will reduce the symptoms and provide comfort for the loving owner. Tumors are a prevalent type of cancer found in dogs. Specialists are not sure why dogs develop mast cell tumors in the skin. Other types of cancer can be treated with chemotherapy or radiation, much like human treatments.
Cancers in the reproductive tract organs, such as mammary glands and testicles, are more common in dogs that have not been spayed or neutered. Older, unneutered dogs have the highest occurrence of any type of cancer because they contract testicular cancer. Many vets recommend spaying or neutering the dog as a pup to reduce the chances of these common cancers.
Large breed dogs, like the Saint Bernard or Great Pyrenese, are more likely to encounter bone cancer. Bony growths develop on the legs just below the elbow or knee joints. This type of cancer is fast-growing and must be treated quickly. The affected leg can require amputation to prevent metastasis.
Pet owners should learn to recognize common signs of cancer that might include growths that can be felt when petting the dog. Other signs that will accompany tumor growth include hair and weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, wheezing, listlessness or pain.
Cancer treatments are available for the dog. Surgery is the usual first procedure because the cancerous cells must be removed. Chemotherapy and radiation are used to eradicate individual cancer cells that remain after the surgery. Dogs with cancer should be kept comfortable with a high-quality dog bed and adequate pain medication.