These cells are located throughout the body, but tumors tend to concentrate in the vessels and nerves near the skin, mouth and nose. This cancer affects mast cells, which are immune cells involved in allergic and inflammatory reactions. Wounds That Won’t HealĪ particularly aggressive form of cancer known as the mast cell tumor, may present as a skin lesion that just won’t resolve. These include melanoma, osteosarcoma and mammary gland tumors. Several types of canine cancers can also spread locally to nearby lymph nodes, causing them to enlarge. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, knee and armpit regions are typically the first to be noticed. Lymphoma can affect dogs of all ages and breeds, but Golden Retrievers and Boxers are among the most overrepresented pure breeds. While most lymphoma cases begin in the lymph nodes, lymphoid tissues in the visceral organs, skin and bone marrow can also be affected. This cancer affects the lymphocyte, a type of white blood cell that plays an important role in immune function. Lymphoma is a common malignant cancer that accounts for up to 20% of all canine tumor cases. Several types of cancer can cause lymph nodes to feel more prominent. Surgical removal can be difficult, as malignant melanoma tends to be locally invasive and spreads to deeper tissues and bone. Specific signs will depend on where the tumor is located and may include a swollen paw, eye discharge or sores in the mouth.īreeds with darkly pigmented oral tissues, such as the Chow Chow’s tongue, have an increased risk of developing melanoma. Melanomas in dogs tend to affect the mouth and lips, and they can also be found on their nail beds, footpads and eyes. Pigmented Soresĭarkly colored sores are a sign of melanoma, a cancer of the pigment-producing cells. Large and giant dog breeds have the highest risk of developing osteosarcoma. Because of its aggressive nature, osteosarcoma is usually detected after the cancer has already spread.ĭogs with osteosarcoma may appear to be in pain and walk with a limp, and the affected limb may be swollen. This bone cancer grows very quickly and frequently spreads to other areas of the body, especially lymph nodes, lungs and other bones. While tumors usually occur in the long bones of the limbs, osteosarcoma can affect any bone. Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer in dogs. While lipomas are not life-threatening, they can interfere with movement if they become large enough, and internal lipomas may compress internal organs. It is not uncommon for elderly dogs to develop multiple lipomas, which feel like soft, moveable lumps under the skin. These tumors most frequently occur in the trunk, armpit and groin areas, but they can also grow internally. Lipomas are common but benign fatty tumors that grow in the layer just beneath the skin. Not all noticeable tumors are serious, however. Malignant mammary tumors tend to spread to nearby lymph nodes and mammary glands if left untreated. This cancer usually begins as one or more nodules in the nipple area, which may become inflamed and swollen. This type of cancer occurs primarily in female dogs that aren’t spayed as well as those spayed after 2 years of age, although male and female dogs of any age and breed may develop mammary tumors.Ĭertain breeds, including Poodles and various spaniel dog breeds, have an increased risk. Several forms of cancer can cause lumps or bumps on your dog’s body, including a mammary gland tumor. Here are some of the most common signs of cancer in dogs and the types of cancer that cause them. Identifying these symptoms is the first step, and the next step is to visit your veterinarian to make the correct diagnosis. Just remember that many conditions, not just cancer, can cause similar clinical signs, and that the signs may vary depending on the type of cancer. That’s why it’s so important to learn the most common signs of cancer in dogs. If caught early, roughly half of all canine cancers are treatable. But the fact is that one in three dogs will eventually develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. Cancer is a topic that no pet parent wants to think about.
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