What does cancer look like on a dog

Dr. Phil Zeltzman is a traveling, board-certified surgeon in Eastern Pennsylvania and Western New Jersey. His website is www.DrPhilZeltzman.com.

“I just can’t believe we couldn’t tell Missy had cancer,” said my teary-eyed client.  “There were no warning signs,” she added, as we discussed the biopsy results after removing a cancerous mass in the intestine.

It is notoriously difficult to detect cancer early in pets. Let’s get rid of a common myth: in many cases, cancer cannot be detected on blood work.

However, there are 10 things you can look for, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Veterinary Cancer Society. Even if the condition turns out not to be cancer, these signs may be able to detect another medical condition that needs veterinary attention. Also, it is critical to remember that a pet can be very sick “inside," without showing any of the signs “outside” (as in Missy’s case), which is why I recommend regular, veterinary checkups, ideally every 6 months. Early detection is key when dealing with cancer, so learn to spot the signs I discuss here:

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
The most obvious sign is a mass (or bump, or lump) that keeps growing under the skin. Any surgeon will recommend that you don’t just “watch it,” but have it removed AND biopsied. If the mass turns out to be benign, that’s great. If it is malignant or cancerous, then at least we know and can discuss what to do next.

2. Sores that do not heal
These sores are typically skin wounds that don’t seem to heal despite antibiotics by mouth or an ointment applied locally. This also applies to no-healing wounds near a nail.

3. Weight loss
This means unexplained weight loss that can't be explained by a weight-loss diet. Common causes could include a tumor along the intestine, as in Missy’s case.

4. Loss of appetite
Similarly, a mass pushing along the intestines may make your dog feel bad. One of the first things a pet will then do, is stop eating.

5. Difficulty eating or swallowing
A lump in the neck could be putting pressure on the esophagus (the tube between the mouth and the stomach).

6. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
Although bleeding from the nose does not necessarily mean cancer, is certainly a common sign of cancer of the nose.

7. Offensive odor
I remember a sweet Bulldog we recently treated. She had a large mass near her anus. Biopsies showed that it was cancer. The odor stemmed from multiple draining tracts from which pus came out. A culture showed that 4 different bacteria were growing in there!

8. Reluctance to exercise or loss of stamina
We recently saw a 9-year-old Rottweiler who had a tumor on the heart. Because of the bleeding and the pressure on the heart, he certainly did have difficulty exercising.

9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
We see lame pets every single day, but luckily they rarely have cancer! However, bone cancer can cause pain and lameness, along with swelling along the leg.

10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating
This could be due to a mass putting pressure on the respiratory system (wind pipe, lung), urinary system (bladder, urethra) or digestive system (rectum, anus).

Again, early detection is paramount. While there is no reason to be paranoid, stay informed, keep your eyes open, pet your dog all over and often, and see your family veterinarian regularly for checkups. Whether to detect cancer or any other condition, these are pretty safe recommendations to keep your pet happy and healthy for a long time!

Dr. Phil Zeltzman, DVM , DACVS, CVJ, is a mobile, board-certified surgeon near Allentown, PA. Visit his website at www.DrPhilZeltzman.com.

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian – they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.

Many loving pet-parents don't think about skin cancer when it comes to their dogs. However, in spite of the fact that dogs are covered in fur, skin cancer is still a very real concern. Here are 3 skin cancers that our Huntersville vet specialists commonly see in dogs.

Discovering A Lump on Your Dog

If you have found a lump or discolored patch of skin on your dog you're bound to be worried about cancer. That said, it's important to remember that not all lumps and bumps are cancerous, and for those that are cancerous many are treatable if spotted early. If you have found something suspicious on your dog, it's always best to err on the side of caution and take your dog to the vet for a full examination. 

What types of skin cancer can dogs get?

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Skin squamous cell carcinoma is the most commonly diagnosed form of skin cancer in dogs and typically affects older animals. These tumors appear as raised wart-like patches or lumps that are firm to the touch and are most often found on the dog's head, lower legs, rear, and abdomen. Exposure to the sun may be a cause of squamous cell carcinoma, however, there could also be a link to papillomavirus. This form of cancer is frequently seen in Dalmatians, Beagles, Whippets, and white Bull Terriers.

Malignant Melanoma

Melanomas are raised bumps which are often dark-pigmented (but not always) and frequently found around the dog's lips, mouth and nail bed. While most melanomas are benign they can be malignant. Malignant melanomas are a serious threat to your dog's health. These tumors grow quickly and have a high risk of spreading to other organs. Male dogs are more at risk of melanomas than females and certain breeds such as Schnauzers and Scottish Terriers also face an increased risk.

Mast Cell Tumors

Mast cell tumors are another type of cancer commonly found in dogs. This cancer occurs in the mast cells of the dog's immune system. Mast cell tumors can grow anywhere on your dog’s skin, including internal organs however, some of the most common sites for mast cell tumors are on the limbs, lower abdomen, and chest.  This form of skin cancer is most commonly diagnosed in dogs between ages 8 -10 years old. Some of the breeds facing an increased risk of developing this disease include: Boxers, Pugs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and Boston Terriers.

How is skin cancer diagnosed in dogs?

To diagnose skin cancer in dogs, your vet may perform a fine needle aspiration in order to take a small sample of the tumor's cells to examine or perform a biopsy in order to take a portion of the tumor's tissue for examination. These samples will be sent to a lab to be analyzed, in order for your vet to provide you with an accurate diagnosis of your dog's condition. To determine the extent of cancer in the body after the initial diagnosis, additional diagnostic testing can help to optimize treatment recommendations and more accurately predict prognosis.

What treatment is available if my dog is diagnosed with skin cancer?

Many dogs diagnosed with skin cancers in their early stages can be treated successfully and go on to live full active lives.

Cancer can be treated with several different therapies or treatment combinations, including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies or palliative care when appropriate. When it comes to the prognosis and treatment for cancer in dogs, options will depend on a number of factors, such as the type of tumor, the tumor's location, how advanced the cancer is.

At Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Huntersville, our team of veterinary specialists is dedicated to providing the best care and treatment to sick pets. As part of your dog's comprehensive care, our team will work closely with other veterinary specialists.

Monitoring Your Dog's Health

Spotting the signs of skin cancer while the disease is still in the early stages is the key to good treatment outcomes. Familiarizing yourself with all your dog’s lumps, bumps, and rashes, during your regular grooming routine, as well as visiting your vet for routine wellness exams can help to catch skin cancers in the early stages.

Whenever you notice an unexplained or unusual lump or bump on your dog, or if you notice swelling around your dog's toes consult your veterinarian. When it comes to your pet's health it's always better to err on the side of caution. 

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Carolina Veterinary Specialists provides specialized care for pets in the Huntersville community. We use advanced diagnostics and treatments to provide the best possible care to sick pets. If you'd like to have your pet treated by our specialized team speak to your primary care veterinarian about a referral.