12 signs of cancer in dogs

This WordPress post outlines 12 major signs of cancer in dogs, providing helpful information about the alarm symptoms that can help identify this disease as soon as possible. The list includes bumps, lumps, sores, changes in eating habits, vomiting/swallowing difficulties, lameness, lethargy, weight loss, pale gums, difficulty breathing, and coughing. Early detection is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment -prompt medical attention can often save your pet's life. Knowing the signs of the disease and monitoring your dog's overall health will provide the best protection against cancer.

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According to statistics, every third pet gets cancer. Dog oncology is the main cause of death for pets over 10 years old. The pathology develops quickly: the sooner the owner will notice the symptoms and begin treatment, the higher the chances of recovery.

Shakiness, loss of consciousness

Shakiness, loss of consciousness

Sudden cardiovascular failure, accompanied by a sharp decrease in blood pressure, loss of consciousness, is called collapse. The causes of the condition are cancer, loss of blood, heart disease, blood vessels. During the collapse, the animal sharply loses strength, begins to fall and cannot rise. With a weak form, the pet can sit, but its legs give way. If there is a complete collapse, the dog lies and does not get up.

Symptoms of the condition:

  • diarrhea;
  • vomiting
  • weakness;
  • disorientation;
  • reel.

Fatigue and exhaustion

Cancer cachexia (extreme exhaustion of the body) is often observed with damage to the pancreas and stomach. In this case, metabolic disturbance occurs: the animal loses much weight during normal nutrition. Other symptoms – loss of appetite, frequent illnesses.

Cough

Cough

Pets rarely cough, so a constant symptom is a cause for concern. It could be heart, lung, or airway cancer..

Other reasons:

  • irritation of the nasal passages;
  • worms in the heart (dirofilariasis);
  • destruction of the trachea;
  • respiratory tract infections;
  • laryngeal paralysis;
  • Chronical bronchitis.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea in animals can occur periodically, but if the stool is constantly liquid, and the condition worsens, this can be a manifestation of cancer or other serious diseases. If the dog has been bothering for a long time during bowel movements, it vomits, and blood appears in the urine or stool, consult a doctor.

Discharge from the eyes and nose

Discharge from the eyes and nose

The main causes of increased secretion of mucus are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, allergies. If the eyes of the animal are very watery, there is a high probability of damage to the auditory nerve. Allocations can be a sign of cancer of the nasal cavity and sinuses. Pathology is more common in dogs of medium and large breeds with elongated muzzles..

Other symptoms of oncology of the nasal cavity:

  • protrusion of eyeballs;
  • asymmetry of the muzzle;
  • sneezing, wheezing;
  • nosebleed.

Anomalies of the muzzle

A tumor around the bones of the jaw, gums, and tongue is a symptom of cancer of the oral cavity. Pathology may be accompanied by bleeding, inflammation, darkening of the area near the base of the tooth.

Other symptoms of cancer in dogs:

  • bad breath;
  • swelling of the muzzle, lymph nodes;
  • lack of appetite;
  • tooth loss;
  • dyspnea.

Nose bleed

This symptom is a sign of oncology in older pets. Malignant tumors in dogs in the sinuses grow slowly over many years. Even if it’s not oncology, bleeding indicates a serious problem. It speaks of the inability of the body to clot blood, may be a symptom of infection..

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Pain or discomfort

Pain or discomfort

Dogs with cancer may be uncomfortable in the area of ​​the tumor. The animal will lick, scratch the affected area, will howl. This will affect the emotional state: the pet will constantly lie, will become apathetic for walking. Such symptoms are a reason to consult a veterinarian. Even if the reason is not in oncology, the pet is sick in any case.

Cramps

Cancer symptoms in dogs include periodic involuntary muscle contractions. Their cause is the unstable electrical activity of the brain, the catalyst of which can be a growing tumor. It causes an increase in intracranial pressure, leading to compression of the bones. Accompanying symptoms of a brain tumor – vomiting, loss of consciousness, coordination problems.

Other causes of seizures:

  • epilepsy;
  • blow with a blunt object to the head;
  • renal failure;
  • liver disease
  • poisoning.

Skin diseases

Like humans, pets have melanoma – dark spots with fuzzy contours. If skin cancer in dogs develops in the oral cavity, it starts to smell badly from the mouth, salivation, and loose teeth appear. When the paws are affected, claws fall out, lameness occurs.

Pathology often develops in older dogs of small and medium breeds – spaniels, poodles, dachshunds. It can be observed in large animals – black terrier, Labrador, Giant Schnauzer and other pets, prone to severe pigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes.

Weight loss

Weight loss

A malignant tumor of the digestive system affects the metabolism of the animal, which is manifested by loss of appetite. Even if the dog eats as always and receives the right amount of nutrients and calories, it can lose weight faster.

Weight gain

Another common symptom of advanced cancer in dogs is overweight. Extra pounds become noticeable against the background of loss of appetite. Contact your veterinarian to determine the cause of the pathology..

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Comments: 2
  1. Sage

    What are some common signs of cancer in dogs that we should watch out for?

    Reply
  2. Mia Price

    Are these signs common in all breeds, or are there specific breeds that are more susceptible to developing cancer?

    Reply
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