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Canine Thyroid CancerCanine thyroid cancer occurs more frequently in middle-aged to older larger breed dogs. Thyroid tumors in dogs are usually malignant.
The thyroid glands are paired, lobed-like structures that wrap partially around the windpipe (trachea), about halfway down the neck of dogs.
The thyroid glands' function is to produce and release thyroid hormones that are vital for normal body function. The hormones produced by the thyroid are thyroxine and
triiodothyronine. These thyroid hormones regulate the body's metabolism.
Thyroid tumors in dogs are relatively uncommon. When they do arise, they can be either benign (adenomas) or malignant (carcinomas). Benign thyroid tumors tend to increase
in size over time and produce excessive quantities of thyroid hormones. Malignant thyroid tumors rarely produce hormones but they tend to spread both locally and to other
parts of the body, especially the lungs and the regional lymph nodes, and they can also grow into other structures nearby such as the windpipe, blood vessels and esophagus.
Unfortunately for dogs, most thyroid tumors that arise are malignant.
Canine thyroid cancer is more commonly seen in middle aged to older, larger breed dogs, such as boxers, beagles, and golden retrievers.
Signs of Canine Thyroid CancerThe most common clinical sign of thyroid cancer in dogs is a mass or swelling in the neck. The presence of the mass (tumor) will also cause other signs depending on how the tumor is affecting the neck area. For example, if the tumor compresses the windpipe, the dog patient may cough and have difficulties breathing. If the esophagus is compressed by the tumor, the dog patient may experience difficulty swallowing. If the nerves of the voice box is affected by the tumor, a change in the tone of the dog's bark may be noted. As mentioned above, most canine thyroid tumors are malignant, and they rarely produce excessive quantities of thyroid hormones. Therefore, dogs with thyroid cancer rarely show signs that are associated with hyperthyroidism (e.g. restlessness, hair coat abnormalities or drinking and urinating more than usual).Top Causes of Canine Thyroid CancerLike other types of cancer, the exact cause of canine thyroid cancer is not clear. One theory is that prolonged stimulation of the thyroid gland can cause cell changes progressively - first there may be small areas of overgrowth (hyperplasia) which may develop into a benign thyroid adenoma which may then develop into a malignant cancerous tumor. This multi-step process is called tumor progression. TopDiagnosis of Canine Thyroid CancerIf you notice a lump or swelling on the neck of your dog, you should get your dog to the vet immediately for a complete examination. Tests to properly diagnose dog thyroid cancer include:
Treatment for Canine Thyroid CancerFor thyroid tumors that are freely movable (not attached to the underlying tissues in the neck), surgical removal is the treatment of choice. If there is no visible spread of the tumor and if complete removal of the tumor is possible, a dog with thyroid cancer can expect to live for up to 3 years after operation. However, if the tumor is invasive and is attached to the underlying tissues, life expectancy is much shorter (about 6 months to one year). Radiation or chemotherapy is often recommended for tumors that cannot be completely removed, or are too large for surgical removal. Radioactive iodine treatment is also sometimes used to treat canine thyroid cancer. A study by Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospitals shows that radioiodine treatment, either used on its own or as an adjunct to surgery, is effective at extending survival time of dogs suffering from thyroid cancer. The study recommends radioiodine treatment for cases where surgery alone is difficult to achieve good results because of metastatic disease or local invasion, or for cases where complete surgical removal has not been achieved. However, this treatment requires a high dose of radioactive iodine and therefore is not offered by many hospitals due to staff safety concerns. TopNatural Remedies for Canine Thyroid 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 Thyroid Cancer |
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