Content
- What is cancer in dogs
- Is skin cancer frequent in dogs?
- dog cancer symptoms
- Types of Skin Cancer in Dogs
- Treatment for skin cancer in dogs
- Prevention of skin cancer in dogs
If your dog is suffering from skin cancer, or you think he might, we know that this is a very difficult situation, so we recommend you to face it as positively as possible, offering your best friend lots of rest and affection.
In this article by PeritoAnimal, we will teach you which are the most frequent skin tumors in dogs, your symptoms and main treatments. Cancer is a disease associated with older dogs (although this is not always the case), and with certain breeds. It is not known specifically what its causes are, so it is not possible to carry out a specific preventive treatment. It is only possible to recommend attention to any mass or inflammation that appears on the skin. Keep reading about the skin cancer in dogs, as well as the symptoms and treatments you should be aware of.
What is cancer in dogs
Cancer, tumor or neoplasm is a cell level disease. Although these are words used synonymously, they do not mean exactly the same thing. The cells of any living being have a lifespan, they become damaged and, when they die, they are replaced by new cells. In cancer, this process is impaired and cells damaged and aged divide wildly.
It can be defined as an uncontrolled process of cell division, which may have the ability to invade other tissues. If cancer cells clump together, they can form mass of tissue known as tumors or neoplasms. Any cell in any tissue can undergo this process.
Cancers are divided into 2 large groups: the benign and the evil. The first are those that can have a fast and localized growth, not being able to invade and develop in distant tissues (metastasis). The second are those that have the ability to infiltrate other tissues and metastasize.
Is skin cancer frequent in dogs?
Because dogs live longer and longer, cancer cases are now more frequent. In the case of dogs (both sexes), the most frequent it is skin cancer, followed by breast cancer in females, which starts with mastitis.
Among the skin tumors, the most frequent among the malignant types is the mast cell tumor. Affects cells known as mast cells. In the case of benign tumors, lipomas are common, which are adipose tissue tumors.
Mast cell tumors can appear in dogs of any age, although it is more frequent in those of middle to advanced age. With regard to breeds, the most susceptible is the Boxer, but it is also frequent in Labradors, Pugs, Bulldogs and Weimaraners, Dalmatians, Beagles, Bassett Hounds, although they can occur in any breed.
dog cancer symptoms
Dog cancer symptoms usually start with abnormal lumps and thickenings on the skin and strange-looking or non-healing wounds. If the cancer starts to invade other tissues, it will be observed:
- Weight loss for no apparent reason;
- Refusal to exercise;
- Lack of appetite;
- Lame;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Difficulty urinating or defecating;
- Etc.
In the face of any of these symptoms, it is essential to go to a specialist.
Types of Skin Cancer in Dogs
Among the types of skin cancer in dogs, the most recurrent are:
- Squamous cell carcinoma: it is not possible to define an exact cause for this type of cancer, however, the most common is exaggerated sun exposure.
- Melanocytomas: as we mentioned earlier, this is one of the most common benign types of cancer in dogs. Tumors are usually benign and appear in areas of the dog's body with more hair.
- Malignant Melanoma: as the name indicates, it is a type of malignant tumor, that is, it can reproduce itself in different parts of the body. It occurs in areas of the dog's body that have no hair and is related to skin pigmentation.
- Mast cells: Tumors of this type of cancer appear in any part of the body in a ball shape, can have different sizes and spread very easily according to the severity of the tumor. There are different types of degrees that this tumor can present, being easier or more difficult to treat.
Treatment for skin cancer in dogs
The most used treatment is the surgical removal of the tumor and the cure prognosis increases as a function of the early detection. Therefore, it is recommended that when a tutor caresses his animal, that he does it all over the body, and look for lumps and thickening of the skin, also observing possible wounds. If you notice anything unusual, you should take the dog to the vet immediately.
Veterinary Oncology evolved a lot in recent years and chemotherapy treatments are already being offered, although they are reserved for tumors that have spread through the animal's body. Also discover alternative therapies for dogs with cancer, such as homeopathy for dogs.
Although it is impossible to prevent or eradicate cancer 100%, you can offer your dog a high-range nutritional food and excellent care so that it is in the best possible health condition within its possibilities.
Prevention of skin cancer in dogs
Although there is no concrete way to prevent any kind of dog cancer, it is possible to practice some care with your dog so that it leads a healthier life, minimizing the risk of various diseases, such as:
- Balanced diet and good hydration;
- Daily physical exercises;
- Environmental enrichment;
- Use of sunscreen;
- Use of specific products for dogs at the time of animal hygiene;
- Use of products that do not compromise the animal's health for cleaning the areas it uses.
It is noteworthy that, in the face of any different sign, you should seek help from a veterinarian trustworthy so that he can make a correct diagnosis and apply the most suitable treatment according to the characteristics and needs of your pet.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.