Cancer is a disease that worries handlers because it is not easy to detect in dogs and it is often treated late. All cancers are different and manifest themselves in various disorders. However, several symptoms can be seen when a Dog has Cancer. Rest assured, these signs are also common to other less serious pathologies, but it is important to consult your veterinarian to set up a suitable treatment, whatever their origin. Discover the warning signs of cancer in dogs in order to act quickly in case of suspicion.
Warning signs of cancer in dogs
Weight loss and loss of appetite
If you have not changed your dog's eating habits, but are losing weight or have no appetite, you should be concerned. These disorders are not necessarily synonymous with cancer, as they are generally common to many diseases and disorders. It can also be temporary stress or even depression. However, if this persists, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Cancer causes weight loss because the healthy cells in the canine body clash with cancer cells, which results in greater consumption of calories. In addition, a tumor located in the mouth or in the digestive system can cause pain in your dog when he eats, which tends to reduce his appetite.
Loss of energy and feeling tired
Cancer tires your animal's body. It is therefore not uncommon for a dog suffering from a malignant tumor to be more tired, less playful or even less inclined to walk. He is most often apathetic and inactive, even if you are trying to stimulate him to go out or for play. Obviously, fatigue is not just a sign of cancer, but it is not a normal state for a dog; it is therefore preferable to consult a veterinarian quickly.
The formation of lumps
If you see lumps or lumps on your pet, they may be cancerous tumors. It is therefore advisable to consult your veterinarian to identify the reason for this bulge. However, these lumps can have other origins, which is why there is no need to panic. Indeed, it can simply be warts or small cysts, or even benign tumors, therefore non-cancerous.
The moments of cuddling, scratching and brushing are ideal for monitoring the body of your animal and possibly detecting these lumps.
You may also notice swelling of the lymph nodes in the dog's neck and behind the knees in the fold of the joint. It can then be a lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph nodes. In this case, go immediately to the veterinarian.
Skin problems
Your pet may get sores, wounds or small skin lesions when playing outside. When well cared for, they heal without problems over time and are nothing to be alarmed about. On the other hand, if you notice that these skin marks do not disappear, that they do not heal well or that your dog suffers from frequent itching, it may be skin cancer.
Also observe the color of your pet's gums. When this one is in good health, they are a pink / red color. On the other hand, if you notice that they change color, in particular if they take a paler shade, it can be a cancer which disturbs the blood circulation or at least a significant affection.
Respiratory disorders and cough
Coughing does not come naturally in dogs, so it should be taken seriously. Your dog may be suffering from respiratory problems that tend to trigger this dry cough. The dog may have wheezing and difficult breathing, like after strenuous exercise. Consult your veterinarian quickly, especially if you notice that his cough is accompanied by blood secretions.
Diarrhea and vomiting
All dogs can suffer from minor digestive disturbances that result in diarrhea and / or vomiting. Fortunately, these disorders are generally mild and pass quickly, although treatment is most often necessary.
However, if these symptoms persist, it may be a more serious disorder, including cancer that affects the stomach or the intestine. Consult your veterinarian, especially if you notice blood in the stool or vomiting.
Foul smells
Dogs often have bad breath, that's a fact. However, if you notice strong, foul smells that persist in your mouth, nose, ears or rectum, it may be a more serious disorder. Obviously, this can only be due to a wound that heals poorly or to difficult digestion, but cancer cannot be ruled out. We advise you to consult the veterinarian quickly.
A lameness
Pain, whether from a cancerous tumor or injury, can greatly weaken your pet. Your dog will tend to refuse outings and games or to be forced to do so for your pleasure, while showing discomfort. If he limps or seems to be in pain, be alarmed as your dog may be injured or affected by bone cancer. In general, see your veterinarian right away, as even a minor injury can get worse if not treated properly.
Convulsions
If your dog has seizures, it is important to act quickly and consult an emergency veterinarian. It may be a tumor that affects his brain or nervous system, but it may also be something else. However, take action because convulsions should not be taken lightly. In addition, the practitioner can advise you on how to act in the event of a crisis.
What to do in case of suspected cancer?
The disorders mentioned above are common to other pathologies and may not be a sign of cancer. However, we recommend that you quickly consult your veterinarian when they occur. If it is cancer, your animal's chances of survival are greatly linked to the earliest diagnosis; the sooner the cancer is detected, the sooner the right treatment can be put in place and the better the chances of remission.
If it is not cancer, the veterinarian can identify the cause of these symptoms, and then treat another significant disease. So don't wait to take care of your doggie.
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[email protected] This post first appeared on SIGNS AND TREATMENT OF DOG ARTHRITIS, please read the originial post: here
