Cancer is the leading cause of dog death today, particularly in those dogs older than 10. According to estimates, the incidence of cancer is 50 percent in dogs older than 10 years and 1 in 3 dogs overall. Cancer in dogs is similar to human cancer, affecting organs, tissues and even the breast. It was this that led to the classification of cancers into various types. The most common are lymphoma and mast cell tumours. Selective breeding increases the risk of certain cancers in members of specific breeds.
Causes of Dog Cancer
Cancer is generally described as a multifactorial illness. It is clear that we cannot pinpoint a single cause for cancer. In several attempts to understand the morphogenesis, cancers have been explained by genetic and environmental factors. When cancerous cells develop, they can change their genetic makeup in several different ways. Cancer is associated with a number of genetic defects, including DNA mutations, chromosomes misplaced, protein malformations, and molecular regulatory dysfunction. Some evidence suggests that higher cancer rates are due to dogs living longer than in the past because of better care from owners. This hypothesis is not confirmed but it is evident that certain breeds of dogs are more likely to develop cancer. Such potential is present in purebred dogs, such as those of the Golden Retriever, Boxer, and Bernese Mountain Dog breeds.
Dog Cancer Symptoms
Cancer in dogs can be symptomatic or not. A dog that has cancer does not have to show any signs. A dog with cancer may appear or seem healthy. It is therefore recommended that a veterinarian be consulted whenever a pet is not feeling well. Cancer symptoms in dogs are very similar to human cancer symptoms. The National Canine Cancer Foundation has outlined several signs that may indicate a dog is suffering from cancer. The National Canine Cancer Foundation outlined a number of signs that indicate that a dog might have cancer. These include swollen areas around joints or bones and a lump anywhere on the body. Other signs include lameness or stiffness, difficulty breathing, urinating or stooping, and difficulty swallowing. These are all classic symptoms of canine cancer. The dog’s weight may also begin to drop due to a reduced appetite.
Treatment for Dog Cancer
Canine cancers can be treated much more effectively than human ones. Over the past two decades, veterinary oncology has made huge strides in changing how we view cancer in dogs. It is surprising that the same methods used to treat cancer in humans are also considered applicable for treating cancer in dogs! Dogs have a higher chance of survival, at almost 70%. Canine cancer treatments include: surgery to remove dysfunctional or affected organs, cells or sections, immunotherapy, which mobilizes elements of the body’s immune system to fight the disease, chemotherapy (dogs are less likely than humans to experience side effects), and radiation therapy.
Your veterinarian will likely give you a detailed explanation of your treatment options, which could include one or more of these, depending on what type of cancer is affecting your dog.
How to prevent the dog cancer
It is difficult, but not impossible, to prevent cancer in dogs because the causes of most cancers are unknown. Early detection of cancers is the best way to prevent them from spreading to other parts of the body. Early detection is an important step! To check for cancer, experts recommend that you study the bloodline before buying a purebred puppy. Oral hygiene and early spaying are also important safety measures.
