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Symptoms of Dog CancerCommon Symptoms of Dog Cancer - or NotThe following signs are often shown by dogs suffering from cancer. However, they may be caused by some other forms of illnesses as well. Lumps and Bumps
Different forms of cancer (e.g. lymphomas,
mast cell tumors, fibrosarcomas) can arise as lumps and bumps on a dog's skin.
Fortunately not all bumps and lumps are cancerous. Very often, benign growths such as warts,
fatty tumors, cysts, etc. can arise in a dog's skin as well.
Usually, any lumps and bumps that appear, then decrease in size or even disappear, and finally reappear in a larger size are more likely to be cancer than benign lumps.
However, the only way to tell for sure whether a lump is cancerous or not is by a quick and painless process called fine needle aspiration.
Coughing and Sneezing
While coughing and
sneezing are common symptoms of dog cancer, there are also quite a few other dog illnesses that have the same symptoms.
Acute coughing is usually caused by some kind of allergies or infection (e.g.
kennel cough), while chronic coughing may be caused by
heartworm infection, fungal infection of the lung, or heart disease.
Sneezing can also be the result of allergies. However, if the sneezing is accompanied by a bloody nasal discharge from only one side of the nasal cavity, and it has been
ruled out that there are no foreign bodies (e.g. foxtail) trapped up the dog's nasal cavity, then cancer should be suspected.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Chronic disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract such as vomiting and
diarrhea can be symptoms of dog cancer of the GI tract, or cancer anywhere else.
There are, however, several dog illnesses that can cause the same symptoms. The most common one is
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and another possibility is
Addison's disease. It is important to have an early diagnosis of whatever
disease the dog is suffering, since chronic inflammation of the GI tract may eventually progress to cancer.
Appetite Loss
Appetite loss is also one of those symptoms of dog cancer that is indistinct, as many other
diseases (e.g. dental or gum diseases, IBD, heart disease, kidney disease, to name just
a few) can cause appetite loss in dogs as well. Also, older dogs tend to eat less. If you notice that your dog is suddenly losing his appetite, try to look for and
convey any other accompanying symptoms to your vet so that a proper diagnosis can be made at the earliest possible time.
Chronic Skin Disease
Skin problems, such as skin sores, itch and lesions, and wounds that do not heal, can be indicative of
canine skin cancer. However, bacterial or fungal infections or immune disorders can
also cause these symptoms.
Blood in Urine or Urinary Incontinence
These symptoms can be caused by some types of dog cancer (such as bladder cancer),
but they can also be caused by urinary tract infections, bladder stones, kidney
disease, diabetes,
Cushing's disease, etc.
Pain
While cancer can cause a lot of pain to a dog, so can many other diseases, such as arthritis,
ear infections,
dental or gum diseases, etc.
Lameness
Bone cancer in dogs can cause
lameness. However, lameness can also be caused by arthritis,
hip dysplasia, or some form of injuries.
Lethargy and Weakness
Perhaps this is one of the most vague symptoms of all diseases! A dog can be
lethargic due to a zillion reasons, e.g. pain from arthritis, anemia,
fever caused by infections, and so on.
Bad Breath
Oral cancer in dogs can cause
bad breath, but perhaps more frequently, bad breath is caused by indigestion,
dental/gum diseases, liver disease, and kidney disease.
Seizures
Brain tumors in dogs can cause
seizures, but so can thyroid problems, kidney disease, liver disease,
hypoglycemia, and
poisoning.
Related Topics Dog Cancer Cancer Treatment for Dog Patients Herbs for Cancer in Dogs Dog Cancer Diet and Supplements 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 Symptoms of Dog Cancer |
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