Checking your pet's lymph nodes every one or two months is a good way to monitor your pets health
Because our dogs are pretty important in our lives for one reason or another, it can be scary to find out that our pet may have cancer.
Where are your dogs lymph nodes?
Below you will find the more common types of cancer that you will find in dogs. Some of which are still more commonly diagnosed than others, but overall the more common cancer in dogs do include the following.
Some of the cancer types below are preventable, but at the same time many dogs are just plain prone to the particular type of cancer. Just remember the sooner that you notice the signs and symptoms, the better the odds of your dog's cancer treatment.
Abdominal Cancer
Typically abdominal cancer involves the spleen, liver, kidneys, and the intestines. It is usually pretty hard to recognize any form of abdominal cancer early on because the abdomen pretty much hides the swollen organs for a while. The best way to catch abdominal cancer early is to make sure that you attend regular vet visits because during the typical physical, you vet will be able to notice any swollen organs.
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is common in dogs that live with people who smoke. Dogs who are exposed to flea and tick tips or shampoos, can also develop bladder cancer more often than a dog who has never been exposed to these types of products, as the "inert" ingredients- benzene, toluene, and xylen- are typically made from petroleum, which can cause cancer. You'll find that Scottish Terriers are highly prone to bladder cancer.
Bone Cancer or Osteosarcoma
Bone cancer is common in larger dogs, typically in the dog's ribs or legs. You'll find that dogs that weigh over 80 pounds are prone to developing bone cancer in the foreleg next to the wrist joint and in the hind leg above the knee in the femur. Common signs of bone cancer is overall lameness; you may notice a swollen area on the bone. If the bone cancer is in a limb, you can have the limb amputated to relieve pain, but this will not cure the cancer. In many cases, it can spread to the lungs, which can cause coughing and difficulty breathing. Dogs who develop bone cancer typically survive up to one year.
Large breed males are less likely to develop bone cancer if they are not neutered, but there are still many pros to neutering. You will need to weigh your pros and cons.
Dog breeds that are prone to osteosarcoma include: Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Irish Wolfhounds, as well as Rottweilers, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Weimaraners, and Boxers.
*Please note in this article where it states that early spay can increase the instance of certain cancers. Read here for more info*
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| Bear Bingham |