Dog Cancer: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis

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How to Detect Cancer in Dogs

At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, our veterinarians detect cancer in dogs through a combination of clinical testing, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory tests. Detecting cancer in dogs is a multi-faceted process that relies heavily on our veterinary expertise as well as vigilant observation on your part as a pet owner. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment and improved outcomes, as many dogs may not exhibit obvious symptoms until the disease has progressed significantly.

Here are a few ways we detect signs of cancer in dogs at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care:

A brown and white bulldog sits on green grass in a sunlit field, looking slightly to the side with a calm expression. The background is blurred, with warm sunlight creating a soft, peaceful atmosphere.
A brown and white bulldog sits on green grass in a sunlit field, looking slightly to the side with a calm expression. The background is blurred, with warm sunlight creating a soft, peaceful atmosphere.

How to Detect Cancer in Dogs

At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, our veterinarians detect cancer in dogs through a combination of clinical testing, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory tests. Detecting cancer in dogs is a multi-faceted process that relies heavily on our veterinary expertise as well as vigilant observation on your part as a pet owner. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment and improved outcomes, as many dogs may not exhibit obvious symptoms until the disease has progressed significantly.

Here are a few ways we detect signs of cancer in dogs at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care:

Pet owners may sometimes notice a lump or bump on their dog, which warrants a visit to our clinic. Our veterinarians, Dr. Ryan Smith or Dr. Reid Forman, will conduct a comprehensive physical examination, feeling your dog’s entire body and checking for any enlarged organs or masses. We may also detect hidden tumors through rectal and oral exams. Sharing your dog’s history is essential to our understanding of your pet’s overall health.

We take X-rays to check for any irregularities, and perform abdominal ultrasounds to bring any abnormalities to light.

Our veterinarians will typically palpate your dog’s lymph nodes to check for any enlargement, which can be a sign of cancer.

Abnormal blood work is not always a sign that your dog may have cancer, but it does warrant further investigation. Your dog’s white and red blood cell counts give us an idea of what may be going on in your dog’s body and if a disease process has initiated. We’ll also ensure that biopsies are taken if a mass or tumor has been detected to determine if the structure is cancerous.

A large, fluffy black and brown dog on a leash is being walked on a paved path at sunset, with green grass and warm sunlight in the background.

Is cancer in dogs common?

Yes, cancer in dogs is relatively common. At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we tend to see a fair amount of cancer cases in dogs as they age, and sometimes in younger dogs. But for the most part, we see cancer in dogs after about the age of nine.

What are the common types of cancer in dogs?

Some of the more common cancers we see at our clinic are:

  • Skin cancers (lumps and bumps on your dog)
  • Mast cell disease
  • Brain tumors
  • Hemangiosarcoma (fairly common in some larger breed dogs)
  • Lymphoma (cancer of the lymph system)
  • Bladder cancer

Pretty much every type of cancer that humans can get, we see those in dogs as well.

A large, fluffy black and brown dog on a leash is being walked on a paved path at sunset, with green grass and warm sunlight in the background.

Is cancer in dogs common?

Yes, cancer in dogs is relatively common. At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we tend to see a fair amount of cancer cases in dogs as they age, and sometimes in younger dogs. But for the most part, we see cancer in dogs after about the age of nine.

What are the common types of cancer in dogs?

Some of the more common cancers we see at our clinic are:

  • Skin cancers (lumps and bumps on your dog)
  • Mast cell disease
  • Brain tumors
  • Hemangiosarcoma (fairly common in some larger breed dogs)
  • Lymphoma (cancer of the lymph system)
  • Bladder cancer

Pretty much every type of cancer that humans can get, we see those in dogs as well.

What are some of the signs and symptoms of dog cancer?

Many dogs don’t have any symptoms, which is why annual exams at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care are crucial. During these exams, we may detect:

  • Lumps and bumps on the body
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Abnormalities during oral exams
  • Issues in the extremities or eyes

As a dog owner, you should watch for weight loss and breathing difficulty, although these symptoms often appear when cancers are advanced. If you see lumps, bumps, or anything unusual on your dog, bring them to our clinic immediately.

A small brown and black dog lies on a veterinary exam table while a veterinarian gently holds its head, and another person comforts the dog during the checkup. Medical equipment is visible in the background.
A small brown and black dog lies on a veterinary exam table while a veterinarian gently holds its head, and another person comforts the dog during the checkup. Medical equipment is visible in the background.

What are some of the signs and symptoms of dog cancer?

Many dogs don’t have any symptoms, which is why annual exams at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care are crucial. During these exams, we may detect:

  • Lumps and bumps on the body
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Abnormalities during oral exams
  • Issues in the extremities or eyes

As a dog owner, you should watch for weight loss and breathing difficulty, although these symptoms often appear when cancers are advanced. If you see lumps, bumps, or anything unusual on your dog, bring them to our clinic immediately.

Why is early detection of dog cancer so important?

If we find cancers early, we can treat them more effectively. Early diagnosis allows us to start treatment quickly, which can significantly improve the prognosis.

A wet, brown dog wearing a black collar stands near a body of water, looking into the distance with water dripping from its mouth.

How do we diagnose cancer in your dog at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care?

Diagnosing cancer in your dog involves:

  • Thorough physical examinations
  • Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, ultrasounds)
  • Blood work
  • Biopsies of suspicious lumps or masses

What treatment options are available for dogs with cancer?

At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we offer various treatment options, including:

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Referrals to specialists for advanced treatments like radiation therapy

Our approach depends on the specific case, prognosis, and your preferences as a pet owner. We strive to provide treatments that can prolong a high quality of life for your dog.

A person gently holds a wet brown and white dog’s head while rinsing it with water in a bathtub, giving the dog a bath.
A person gently holds a brown and white dog’s head while rinsing it with water during a bath. The dog’s fur is wet, and water is being sprayed from a handheld showerhead.

What are some possible side effects caused by cancer treatment?

Side effects can vary depending on the treatment and the individual dog. While dogs often tolerate chemotherapy better than humans, some may experience nausea or other side effects. We have medications available to help manage these symptoms and ensure your pet’s comfort during treatment.

Contact Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care

If you have concerns about your dog’s health or notice any unusual symptoms, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Early detection and treatment are key to the best outcomes for your beloved pet.

Phone: (657) 756-5683
Address: 16161 Springdale St, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Website: Love.vet

At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we’re dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for your pets, including advanced diagnostics and treatments for canine cancer. Our team, led by Dr. Ryan Smith and Dr. Reid, is here to support you and your furry family members every step of the way.