As dogs begin to age, it’s likely they will develop some type of cancer within their body. Fifty percent of all dogs over the age of ten are likely to be diagnosed with cancer but it can strike at any age. Cancer is on the rise in dogs because dogs are living to a much greater age than ever before. We are taking better care of ourselves and our dogs than we did in the past. We have better quality foods and better veterinarian care. Diseases of the past are no longer affecting our dogs and this allows them to live longer and healthier lives.
Types of Cancer
Types of cancer include the most common form of cancer, cancer that develops in your dogs’ bones. Veterinarians also diagnosis lymphoma, a tumor found in the lymph nodes, and mast cell tumors, a type of skin cancer. All dogs are susceptible to soft tissue sarcomas while female dogs may develop mammary gland tumors or breast cancer.
You may suspect your dog has cancer if you notice a bump, or a lump, similar to one you might notice in your own body. If the bump or lump doesn’t heal, or disappear, it might be cancer. If you notice swelling or lymph nodes that seem enlarged, call your veterinarian for a consultation just to rule out any evidence of disease. These are just a few of the signs and symptoms of cancer, which may go undiagnosed because it shows no symptoms. If you notice your dog is not feeling well or just seems out of sorts, call your veterinarian for a physical just to make sure all is well with your dog.
If your dog is diagnosed with cancer, it’s not a death sentence. The majority of all cancers can be removed surgically, including those of the breast, mammary glands and skin. If cancer were to strike the lymph nodes of your dog there are treatment plans available to prolong the life of your dog but that is something you should discuss with your veterinarian.
Treatments
Treatments for cancer in dogs include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is now the most common form of cancer treatment in dogs’.
Treating a dogs’ cancer can be costly, even more so if you do not have pet insurance. Your dog must be tested first before any type of therapy can begin. Testing can cost upwards of several thousand dollars and only you can decide if you have the money to treat your dog.
Once you and your veterinarian develop a treatment plan, that can range anywhere from $1,000 to up to $15,000 dollars, depending on what your dog needs in order to treat his cancer. If treatment is complicated, like a combination of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, it’s going to cost you more. Bone marrow transplants are common in dogs but they are quite costly. Prices may vary according to where you seek treatment for your dog. A highly specialized clinic will cost considerably more than if you were to visit a local veterinary clinic.
Survival Rates
Survival rates for dogs are high, around 60%. Some dogs require simple treatment, such as the removal of a lump, which means the survival rates are much higher. If your dogs’ cancer remains undetected however, the survival rate drops considerably. Your dogs’ survival might be limited to months instead of years.
The most common way to prevent cancer in dogs is to have your dog spayed or neutered. This cuts down on the amount of hormones that are produced in your dogs’ body.
Cancer striking your dog is likely as he ages but if caught early, cancer can be treated. If your dog is diagnosed with cancer, speak with your veterinarian about treatment options. Work together with your veterinarian to come up with a treatment plan that is best for you, your dog and your family.
Thank you to https://pets.webmd.com for help with this post. See their website for tips on keeping your dog happy and healthy.
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