Dog tumor: types, symptoms and treatment

Author: Laura McKinney
Date Of Creation: 6 August 2021
Update Date: 22 June 2024
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👨‍⚕️🐶8 TYPES of TUMORS (Cancer) IN DOGS and Affected Breeds
Video: 👨‍⚕️🐶8 TYPES of TUMORS (Cancer) IN DOGS and Affected Breeds

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Due to the care given to dogs, the increase in their life expectancy and the advances in the field of veterinary medicine, the tumor in dog today it is a much more common diagnosis than it was a few years ago. Genetic factors, but also bad lifestyle habits, can cause them.

In this article by PeritoAnimal, we are going to talk about the types of tumors in dogs more frequently, the symptoms they cause and, in general, the most used treatments to fight cancer. Read on to find out more about the dog tumor: types, symptoms and treatment.

dog cancer

Before talking about tumors, you should keep in mind some basic aspects to understand what cancer in dogs is. You can take a first approach by distinguishing tumors that can be externally detected, that is, that can be seen as lumps on or under the skin, of those who meet inside the body. While the first ones can be perceived through palpation or observation, the second type is usually discovered in advanced stages, when the dog already presents other symptoms, such as weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.


Tumors in dogs appear more often in middle-aged or elderly dogs. Most of them, as we have already said, are susceptible to detection in veterinary exams, which is why it is recommended to do them at least once a year, especially from seven years of age onwards.

Tumor in dog: cutaneous

Tumors in cutaneous dogs present as the main symptom the larger or smaller bulges, as already mentioned. We highlight the following types as the most common:

papilloma in dog

Are benign tumors wart-like, caused by the canine oral papilloma virus, is more common in older dogs and can be removed. However, depending on location, they can be problematic.

Lipoma in dog

Those benign tumors they are made up of fat cells, being more common in overweight dogs. Its appearance is rounded and soft, it grows slowly and can reach considerable dimensions. There is one malignant variant, call liposarcoma.


Dog histiocytoma

These tumors in dogs are fast growing and can appear in young animals between 1 and 3 years. They are seen as small, hairless bumps with a bud-like appearance. Most disappear in a short time.

Mast cell tumor

They are mast cell tumors (immune system cells), more frequent in brachycephalic breeds, such as the Boxer and the Bulldog. They appear in older dogs and are malignant in about half of the cases. They usually present as multinodular, hairless and reddish lumps. They are able to release substances that cause gastroduodenal ulcers.

Squamous cell carcinomas in dogs

Are related to the exposure to ultraviolet radiation and appear in areas of the body with less pigmentation, such as the abdomen, nose or lips.


Melanomas in dogs

They appear in melanin-producing cells. Are dark nodules that are located in areas such as the eyelids or the mouth, where they are usually malignant.

Soft tissue sarcoma in dogs

these tumors in dogs are evil and can have different origins. There are breeds predisposed to have them, such as the German Shepherd, Boxer and Golden Retriever. They can appear on both the skin and organs and we highlight the following as the most common:

  • hemangiosarcoma: affects the cells lining blood vessels.
  • osteosarcoma: it's a bone tumor, which we'll look at in more detail in the next section.
  • Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma: appears in lymph nodes and organs with lymphoid tissue, such as the spleen or bone marrow, affects puppies of middle and old age. In addition to symptoms such as listlessness, anorexia, and weight loss, you may notice enlarged lymph nodes. Other clinical signs depend on the location of the tumor.

Bone Tumors in Dogs

They can be either malignant or benign. Among the first, as we have already said, the osteosarcoma, which can appear at any age, with greater predisposition in large dogs. These types of tumors in dogs most often appear on the front legs, but they can also affect the hind legs, ribs, or jaws. As symptoms of this type of tumor in dogs, you may notice that the dog limps and the paw swells in a painful way. They usually spread to the lungs.

On the other hand, among the benign bone tumors are the osteomas, on the head and face, and the osteochondromas, which affect young puppies in the ribs, vertebrae, extremities, etc.

Tumors in the dogs' reproductive system

The types of tumors in dogs that affect the reproductive system are:

testicular tumor in dogs

This type of cancer in dogs is more common in older males and occurs mainly when the testicles are retained in the groin or abdomen rather than descending into the scrotum. In such cases, castration is recommended as prevention and treatment.

Transmissible venereal tumor in dogs

TVT is an uncommon type of tumor but it is contagious through contact between dogs, both sexually and through bites, licks and scratches. Have cauliflower appearance and, in addition to the sexual organs, it can appear on the face, mouth, nose, etc. Although they are not considered very virulent, they can reproduce by metastasis.

Vaginal tumor in a bitch

They appear in older and uncastrated females. They cause the appearance of spots and make the bitch urinate frequently and lick herself. You may also notice a mass coming out of the vulva, it is essential to go to the vet to diagnose and treat the problem.

Ovarian tumor in bitch

They tend to be rare and almost always are asymptomatic. There is a malignant variety that can be associated with ascites as it extends into the abdominal cavity.

Breast tumor in bitches

These tumors in dogs are very common, especially from six years of age onwards, so sterilization is recommended. It is common that they affect more than one breast and are detected through palpation. Metastasis usually occurs in the lungs, severely worsening the situation, which is why you should consult a specialist if you notice lumps in the dog's breasts.

canine leukemia

This cancer affects blood components in the bone marrow, especially in middle-aged puppies. Produces non-specific symptoms such as fever, anorexia, weight loss or anemia.

In this case, as well as in the rest of tumors in dogs, tests such as blood tests, ultrasound, radiography or computed tomography are performed to reach the diagnosis. Biopsy can confirm the diagnosis.

Dog tumor: symptoms

Throughout the article, we have mentioned the symptoms of tumors in dogs according to the type of cancer it is. However, here we will do a recap of the symptoms more common as a summary:

  • Lumps or lumps over or under the skin: although they are not always indicative of the formation of a malignant tumor, it is important to examine them;
  • General malaise;
  • Weight loss and of appetite;
  • Discouragement;
  • Tiredness;
  • Signs of pain, such as whining when feeling an area or for no apparent reason;
  • Coat in poor condition or hair loss;
  • Bleeding wounds like ulcers;
  • Emergence of secondary infections due to a weakened immune system;
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea, with or without blood.

As you can see, most symptoms are typical of many health problems, so it's not surprising that cancer is slow to detect. For this reason you should go to routine veterinary visits, as on these occasions the specialist will be able to readily detect any abnormality. In the next section, we'll look at treatment options for tumors in dogs.

Dog tumor: treatment

Currently, several treatments are available to eliminate cancer in dogs, so if you're wondering how to cure tumors in dogs, you must first know that this is possible, but not in all cases. Best results are achieved by combining multiple methods, customizing treatment, and starting early.

Among all the treatments that exist, the following stand out as the most effective:

  • Surgery: the tumor is removed, as well as the surrounding tissue, to prevent recurrences.
  • Radiotherapy: the tumor is irradiated, which requires specific technical means.
  • Chemotherapy: aimed at controlling metastasis, usually requires a combination with another treatment to obtain good results. The drugs used have side effects that must be considered.
  • Immunotherapy: still in development, its function is to stimulate the immune system.

As we said, it is important to emphasize that not all tumors in dogs are curable, especially those that develop metastases. For this reason, it's so crucial to go to the vet even before you notice any symptoms, as early detection can be the difference between eliminating cancer or not.

Home remedy for dog tumor

Regrettably, There are NO home remedies to cure cancer in dogs. The most suitable in these cases is to follow the indications of the veterinarian, who we recommend that you be specialized in oncology. He will be able to tell you the life expectancy of the dog with cancer and the most suitable treatment for the type of tumor, as well as the chances of a cure.

In addition, a quality food which helps to strengthen the dog's immune system, is always more than recommended. Similarly, give the dog all the affection and support will make the animal feel more excited and therefore more willing to fight this disease. Without a doubt, these will be the best remedies you can offer.

In addition to what has already been mentioned, relaxation exercises that keep the dog calm and calm, massages to the affected areas, or foods with anti-cancer and immunostimulant properties support the immune system and help relieve symptoms. Even so, although they have anti-cancer activities, we remember that they do not dissolve the tumor, what they do is favor the treatment, prevent its development and alleviate the symptoms. Again, the veterinarian will be responsible for indicating the best diet for the animal.

Dog cancer: most common causes

Most cells in the body reproduce throughout an individual's lifetime. This duplication gives rise to identical cells, which will continue to perform the same function. This process is controlled by genes and any change in them translates into cells that replicate at high speeds, forming masses that eventually replace healthy cells. This is how tumors in dogs originate.

The changes responsible for these mutations are several, as genes can be turned on or off by factors such as diet, stress and the environment. Thus, in human medicine some carcinogens have been identified that increase the risk of cancer. For example, ultraviolet rays are related to skin cancer, X-rays to thyroid, tobacco to lung cancer, some viruses to sarcoma, etc. In dogs, we know that the appearance of breast tumors is related to hormones in the sexual cycle, so early sterilization has a protective effect.

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.