Tumors in Dogs

Dogs are like humans: as life expectancy increases, so does the likelihood of developing a tumor. At the same time, dogs today are not necessarily more susceptible to cancer than in the past. However, two factors ensure that tumors are detected more frequently: Firstly, we often regard our dogs as full members of the family, for whom we also have extensive diagnostics carried out. Secondly, however, it is precisely these diagnostics as well as the therapy itself in modern veterinary medicine that is often so good that many diseases also have a good long-term prognosis.

Despite all progress, cancer in dogs is very similar to humans: "cancer" is not a single disease but rather a collective term for a large and very heterogeneous group of tumor diseases. There are also tumors in dogs that can be controlled very well and in the long term. In the same way, however, we also see tumors for which we can only provide palliative treatment. Here we try to provide the highest possible quality of life in the short time remaining. The most common tumors of the dog are addressed here and some are treated further.

Please note that this information cannot and should not replace a thorough examination and veterinary workup.

Mast Cell Tumors

Mast cell tumors are among the most common tumors in our dogs. They originate from cells of the immune system, the mast cells, which can be found almost anywhere in the body even in healthy animals. Most often, mast cell tumors occur in the skin and subcutaneous tissue, but internal organs such as the digestive system can also be affected. These tumors can show very different levels of aggressiveness and treatment can be complex. More about mast cell tumors.

Tumors of the nasal cavity

If our dogs show increased sneezing, nosebleeds, or appear to pull up their nose, not only foreign bodies such as awns in the nose or infections should be on the list of differential diagnoses. Tumors of the nasal cavity are also possible. In this case, it is particularly important to clarify the symptoms at an early stage and to react quickly in the event of a tumor. The earlier therapy begins, the better the prognosis. More about nasal cavity tumors.

Brain tumors

Less obvious are often the early symptoms of tumors in the brain. Brain tumors in dogs are with about 2-4.5% of the dog population not so rare and even young dogs can get sick. Since these tumors cannot be seen from the outside, they can only be recognized by clinical signs and abnormalities. It is all the more important to interpret these clinical signs correctly and have them clarified by a veterinarian in good time. More about brain tumors.

Bone tumors

Unfortunately, our dogs also suffer from bone cancer. These tumors are sadly in a large number of cases very aggressive osteosarcomas, which are treated accordingly aggressive. The longest survival time often promises an amputation of the affected limb and an immediately following chemotherapy. If amputation is not an option, palliative radiotherapy or stereotactic irradiation can be performed.