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Canine Mouth CancerCanine mouth cancer is the fourth most common cancer in dogs. More commonly, oral cancer in dogs tends to affect older dogs.
Two Types of Dog Mouth TumorsBenign Mouth Tumors In dogs, the most common benign tumor is an epulid, which is a tumor of the periodontal ligament. There are numerous other benign growths as well, such as fibromas. Benign mouth tumors usually have well defined borders. In addition, they do not invade the bone or other tissues, nor do they metastasize (spread). Also, once surgically removed, the dog patient is safe. Malignant Mouth Tumors
There are three common mouth tumors in dogs. They are malignant melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and fibrosarcomas.
Melanomas are probably the most common oral tumors in dogs. Melanomas are locally invasive; they also metastasize early so by the time a diagnosis is made, the cancer
has already spread to the regional lymph nodes along the neck and to the lungs. Melanomas usually appear as dark lumps inside the mouth, usually in the lower gums.
They often involve the bones of the jaw as well as the gums, and are most commonly seen in older dogs.
The second most common oral tumors in dogs are squamous cell carcinomas. They are very locally aggressive. However, they tend to metastasize late if at all. They will
very commonly affect the underlying bone.
Another common oral tumor in dogs is fibrosarcoma. This type of tumor is locally aggressive but does not tend to spread. Fibrosarcomas usually appear as red growths,
which can be fibrous or ulcerated, and are seen more commonly in older, male, large breed dogs.
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Signs of Canine Mouth CancerClinical signs of dog mouth cancer include:
Causes of Canine Mouth CancerIt is not exactly clear as to why dogs can develop mouth cancer, but some veterinarians suspect that dogs may be able to inhale carcinogens (agents that cause cancer) while they are sniffing around. These carcinogens may be deposited in the oral cavity where they affect normal cells which eventually grow into cancerous tumors. As well, there may be a link between dog mouth cancer and some commercial dog foods, especially those that contain chemical preservatives. TopTreatment for Canine Mouth Cancer
Depending on the type and the exact location of the tumor, several treatments are available, such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and sometimes cryosurgery
(freezing of the tumor).
The problem with surgery in malignant melanomas is the size of the piece of tissue that needs to be removed. Because these tumors are invasive, aggressive surgery
removing not only the tumor but also at least 2 cm of normal tissue at all margins of the tumor is necessary. If the tumor occurs on the hard palate or soft palate,
this may be complicated and ineffective.
Radiation can be used to assist in local control if clean margins could not be achieved through surgery.
Chemotherapy can be used as a follow-up treatment for cancers that have spread far from the primary site.
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Natural Remedies for Canine Mouth CancerAlthough natural remedies such as herbs, homeopathic remedies, and natural supplements may not be able to destroy tumors, they are nonetheless effective in strengthening the immune system, making the body stronger to fight against diseases such as cancer. Some dog parents have reported success in using the herbal formula "Essiac" to treat canine cancer, while others swear by such remedies as the "Budwig Diet". For more information on these and other natural remedies for canine cancer, please visit our pages on Herbs for Cancer in Dogs and Dog Cancer Diet.Related Topics Dog Cancer Symptoms of Dog Cancer Conventional Cancer Treatment for Dog Patients Herbs for Cancer in Dogs Dog Cancer Diet References S. Messonnier, The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs (New World Library, 2006). A.D. Shojai, New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats (Rodale Press, Inc., 1999). TOP OF Canine Mouth Cancer |
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