What is the Most Common Cancer in Dogs? Here’s the Answer
Cancer in dogs is no doubt a health problem you don’t ever want to hear your pet diagnosed with. Besides significantly affecting your canine family member’s quality of life, this disease can also lead to fatal consequences if not dealt with the right way.
- Click to learn more : 👉 Natural immune booster for CANCER IN DOGS 🐶
If you’ve ever wondered what the most common cancer in dogs is, then you’ve come to the right place. I’m also going to cover a few other crucial bits of know-how about canine cancer as we go along, too.
How about we start the ball rolling by having a run-through on how to tell if a growth on a dog is cancerous?
A Few Tips on How to Tell if a Growth on a Dog is Cancerous
Before we check out what these tips are, I’d just like to remind you that determining if a growth on your pet is cancerous can be rather tricky. It’s highly likely that you’re going to need some professional help just to be sure.
But the thing is there are some quick and easy indicators to take note of to help you make an informed decision if a certain growth on your dog may be cancerous. These are as follows:
- The growth just appeared out of nowhere.
- It is consistently getting bigger and bigger.
- The growth’s appearance and texture are drastically changing.
- It is oozing a foul-smelling discharge.
- The growth is accompanied by a sore that doesn’t seem to heal.
Are you looking to check out a more comprehensive blog post on this topic? You can simply click here to do so.
What is the Most Common Cancer in Dogs?
The Veterinary Cancer Society (VCS) reports that 1 in 4 dogs is predicted to be afflicted with canine cancer, especially those that have already reached middle age or their senior years. What makes the whole thing even more alarming is this disease can affect any dog regardless of sex or breed.
However, there are some types of cancer that dogs get diagnosed with more often compared to their counterparts. Based on various sources of data such as registries and medical records, here are the most common cancers in dogs that your pet could be prone to in his lifetime:
#1. Lymphoma
Deemed as the “most common aggressive cancer” by Frontiers in Veterinary Science, lymphoma accounts for more than 20% of all new cancer diagnoses in dogs worldwide. This type of canine cancer is triggered when immune system cells called lymphocytes undergo a sudden genetic mutation.
While identifying lymphoma can be straightforward, determining which specific subtype is still challenging. Examples of these include the Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Lymphomas often target lymph nodes and lymphoid organs, but can also affect the gastrointestinal tract, the kidneys and the eyes.
#2. Hemangiosarcoma
Hemangiosarcoma is a type of dog cancer that develops from the cells that form the vascular endothelium or the lining of the blood vessels. Around 7% of diagnosed cases of cancer in canines is attributed to this disease.
One of the most prominent characteristics of hemangiosarcoma in dogs is that it can grow and spread sneakily, especially among older dogs. In most cases, this disease is often discovered when it has already become well-established.
#3. Mast Cell Tumor
Mast cell tumors are collectively considered as the most common type of canine skin cancer. This disease develops in the connective tissues and accounts for around 21% of all diagnoses of malignant skin tumors in dogs the globe across.
What’s really scary about mast cell tumors is that they can often appear as ordinary lumps, warts, lesions and similar unremarkable skin issues. There’s no need to worry just yet though. You can click here to discover simple and practical tips in telling if a growth on a dog is cancerous.
#4. Oral Melanoma
Melanocytes are the cells that set off oral melanoma in dogs. They are also responsible for producing pigment. Although oral melanoma usually strikes in and around the mouth, this disease can also affect the parts in between the tones as well as random areas of the skin.
Additionally, canine oral melanoma is deemed as a very aggressive form of cancer and can even burrow deep inside the bones if not detected and properly dealt with during its earlier stages. Studies show that 80% of all cases of oral melanoma in dogs tend to metastasize or spread to other parts of the body.
#5. Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is a type of cancer in dogs that attacks the bones. While the bones of the limbs such as the femur and tibia are the usual targets of this health problem, it also tends to harm other bone structures in a dog’s body like the pelvis, vertebrae, ribs and skull.
This form of dog cancer is quite aggressive and comprises 85% of all canine bone tumor cases worldwide. According to medical data, osteosarcoma is more prevalent in smaller dog breeds than in their larger counterparts.
#6. Transitional Cell Carcinoma
Transitional cell carcinoma basically covers any canine cancer that affects the urinary system. It is also referred to as urothelial carcinoma. Generally, this disease develops when cancer cells accumulate in the urethra and the bladder. It can also target the prostate in some cases.
The Relationship between a Strong Immune System and Keeping Cancer in Dogs at Bay
A dog’s immune system plays a very important role when it comes to staving off diseases and other health issues. Besides making your pet more resilient against sickness, his body will also be more responsive in dealing with infections, maladies and similar conditions.
Alternatively, a dog having a healthy immune system also tends to recuperate faster and won’t experience long-term effects of illness, especially when given the right support. Researchers at the University of Minnesota are even looking for ways to bolster immune function at a cellular level as a strategy to fight cancer in dogs.
A No-fuss Natural Immune Booster to include in your Home Pet Care Inventory
SHIITAKE is made from a mushroom that is not just considered as potent against inflammations, not to mention viral and bacterial infections, but possessing anticancer and tumor-fighting properties as well.
A Final Word
There are certain types of cancers that dogs seem to be diagnosed with more often compared to others. Moreover, having a vigorous overall immune system is also essential in holding back disease and other health problems.
Are you looking to learn more about giving your canine family member stronger protection against cancer in dogs? All you have to do is contact us to get in touch with our pet homeopathy professionals who will walk you through all the essential things to know. We’d love to hear from you real soon!
About the author
Leave a comment