A very well-known illness that affects dogs is cancer.
There are several kinds of cancer and almost all of them have the propensity to be terminal if treatment is not carried out early enough.
Sometimes, the thought of the dog falling sick can be disturbing, how much more when they are hit by the dreadful cancer.
Just like we humans, it is very expedient and crucial to identify the symptoms of cancer at the early formation stages and take your dog to see the doctor for a treatment plan if the intervention is timely and carefully carried out, the illness can be combated.
The signs of cancer in dogs are mentioned below and you will do well to look out for these indicators so you can recognize them early.
The signs can be a very lumpy growth on your dog or you might perhaps be worried that you have a case of canine skin cancer on your hands.
Cancer In Dogs
A very common cancer in dogs is lymphoma. This kind of cancer is a result of abnormal growth of cells in the lymph nodes and other organs.
There are some other early symptoms of caution that you will have to beware of if your dog has been hit with this dreadful menace. Some very obvious signs may include a change in appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst or panting, and a loss of energy.
If you recognize these signs or any of these symptoms in your dog, as a matter of urgency, take it to a veterinarian for treatment as soon as possible in order not to worsen the illness.
Lymphoma is a deadly illness that has traits of spreading very fast to other parts of the human body. If it treatment is not carried out early, it may result in death.
Lumps And Bumps Beneath The Dog’s Skin
For the purposes of examining your dog for any lump or bump beneath the skin of the dog, you may mildly rub your hands on your dog’s skin in a slower manner to check for inconsistent smoothness.
A cancerous lump, however, cannot solely be identified by just touch, hence it is advisable to get the dog to a veterinarian for a thorough examination.
If you can examine its feet, it will be very helpful because lumps can grow at any part of the body including between the dog’s toes.
Abnormal Odours
Some of the signs that your dog is suffering from cancer are abnormal odors from the mouth, ears, and other parts of the dog’s body.
It is very vital to have your dog examined by the doctor if you notice any unfamiliar demeanor change in the dog.
Reaching out to your veterinarian must be the first call to action measure on suspicion of a bad smell that you cannot explain. The doctor will carry out blood samples for testing.
When they have been diagnosed with cancer, you will do well to give them enough food and drink and augment them with very sumptuous veggie treats.
Non-healing Wounds Or Sores
If you notice that the wounds or sores on your dog are not healing after some time despite treatment, it may signify cancer in your dog.
What this means is that your dog’s immune system is not strong enough to fight infections or torn tissues because the cancer has subdued the immune system.
Cancers in dogs may sometimes appear as lesions that don’t get cured or heal totally.
Loss Of Appetite Or Weight Loss
A very fast loss of weight and appetite in the dog is a clear indication that something is seriously wrong with the dog.
This can be attributed to stomach tumors in your dogs particularly if it is not a normal condition for your dog or if it happens simultaneously with other symptoms showing canine cancer.
If it is only a dental problem bedeviling your dog, you might want to use dental sticks for dogs to strengthen the teeth.
Breathing Challenges And Coughing
Coughing is one symptom to show that your dog has been hit with cancer as it clearly shows there is a growth of a tumor in them.
This cancer is linked to the pharynx or larynx. The cancerous cells may develop fast and result in coughing, breathing problems, and weight reduction.
They may also result from sudden lumps in the throat of your dog and identification of these symptoms necessitates immediate examination by a veterinarian.
Constant Urinating
The bladder will indicate that something is wrong with the dog. If the number of times in which he urinates changes, you should be checked and if the frequency with which he drinks water increases, pay attention to his overall health.
Challenges In Swallowing
A cancerous dog may have difficulties in swallowing and this is a result of a tumour in its mouth.
After identification of these symptoms mentioned above, you may be recommended to an Internal Medicine Specialist or a Surgery Specialist based on the type of cancer and the location.
Reduced Energy Levels
If your dog is sluggish and indolent and is not demonstrating any desire for what interests it the most especially a favourite food or activity, then you should be very concerned about your dog.
However, it is important to note that a reduced energy level in the dog may not always be an issue of cancer developing in the body as an older or ageing dog may have its energy depreciating because of heart ailments.
What Results Can I Expect From Cancer Treatment?
A host of variables will definitely impact the results of treating cancer for pets, especially dogs.
Some of these variables include the type and stage of the cancer and other factors, however, the results have significantly become better in recent times.
This may be due to fast-advancing technology being implemented by professionals in the health sector.
SASH is one firm that helps to treat cancers in dogs and their treatment plan has as it were prolonged the life span of the dog.
