Veterinarians detect cancer in dogs through clinical testing, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory tests. Detecting cancer in dogs is a multi-faceted process that relies heavily on your veterinarians expertise as well as vigilant observation on your part. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment and improved outcomes, as many dogs may not exhibit obvious symptoms until the disease has progressed significantly.
Yes. Cancer in dogs is relatively common. We tend to see a fair amount in dogs as they age and sometimes in younger dogs. But for the most part, we see cancer in dogs after about the age of nine.
Some of the more common cancers we see are skin cancers, so you might see lumps and bumps on your dog, or mast cell disease. There are other types of skin cancers also, or just underneath the skin cancers. There are brain tumors. Unfortunately, hemangiosarcoma is a fairly common cancer we see in some larger breed dogs. Also, lymphoma is widespread. Thats a cancer of the lymph system and bladder cancer. Thats as many as I can think of right now. But pretty much every type of cancer that humans can get; we see those in dogs also.
People often have no idea that they have a tumor growing inside them, and dogs are no different. Many of them dont have any symptoms, so veterinarians must do annual exams on your dog. Doctors pick up things quite often. When we palpate your dog, or when we feel your dogs abdomen as part of the exam, well often find a large spleen or a tumor. We sometimes find things during rectal exams as well. We’ll see lumps and bumps on the body, many of them are benign, but some are not. And so the only way to know if those tumors are not benign is to put a needle in them and do a needle aspirate or a biopsy of them.
We palpate the lymph nodes when we do exams. We feel the lymph nodes for signs of enlargement. You have lymph nodes all over your body. Some are easy to palpate, meaning we can feel them on the exam. During oral exams, we find cancers in the mouth and the extremities, or sometimes in the eye.
As the dog owner, you want to look for weight loss and breathing difficulty, but unfortunately, these symptoms are when cancers are far gone. Otherwise, if you see lumps or bumps or something else you havent seen on your dog before, bring them in. Annual exams are essential, but you should also be looking for anything out of the ordinary.
If we find cancers early, we can treat them better, just as with people. We can diagnose them quickly and get the treatment started quicker, and hopefully, that will mean that the prognosis is much better.
Diagnosing cancer in your dog involves a combination of you telling us the history, perhaps finding a bump at home, or us finding things during an exam. As dogs age, we may want to take chest films as a survey to have a look, just like we do for us sometimes. Sometimes well do pre-anesthetic things, and well see something in the lab work. Blood work generally does not diagnose cancer, but it may give us a clue if somethings abnormal. If the white blood cell count is very high or the red blood cell count is very low, these can be signs that we want to look into, and then we may find cancer. X-rays and abdominal ultrasounds are also vital, and we also sometimes do ultrasounds of the chest. We perform a lot of biopsies of lumps, needle biopsies, and punch biopsies of lumps that we find on your dogs body to make sure that theyre benign. And if theyre not, were going to want to take them off.
So surgical is certainly an option. Chemotherapies. I tell people, everything that we have available for humans, we almost always have available for dogs. It just depends on the prognosis and how much youre willing to spend or can spend, as every case is different. Ive had dogs that are really in rough shape, and Im not going to recommend they go any further with treatment because I dont think its going to do the dog any favors. But we do have many excellent treatments that can prolong a high quality of life for your dog. We can completely cure mast cell cancers if we get to them early. So its vital to start collecting information and help us be your partner as you go through that with your dog.
Just as in humans, radiation therapies and chemotherapies can cause side effects in dogs, and a couple of my dogs have had both radiation and chemotherapies. One of them had no symptoms, the other had a lot of side effects, so it depends on the dog. Dogs tend to tolerate chemo better than humans do, and we do have a lot of medications for nausea and things now that are great drugs. But still, some dogs can have side effects. So its just dependent on the pet.
If you still have other questions and youd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at , you can email us, or you can reach out on Facebook. But please do reach out, and well get back to you as fast as we can.
Cancer is one of those words that makes every dog owner’s heart skip a beat. As our furry friends become cherished family members, their health concerns become our own. One question I hear frequently at our clinic is whether routine blood work can reliably detect cancer in dogs. The answer isn’t as straightforward as we might hope, and understanding this could potentially save your pet’s life.
The Surprising Truth About Blood Work and Cancer Detection
Let’s cut straight to the chase: in many cases, cancer cannot be detected on blood work alone. This might come as a surprise to many pet parents who believe that annual blood tests can catch everything. Dr. Phil Zeltzman, a board-certified veterinary surgeon, emphasizes this important point, noting that it’s a common misconception that blood work will always reveal cancer.
This doesn’t mean blood work is useless – far from it! Blood tests remain an essential diagnostic tool, but they have limitations when it comes to cancer detection.
What Blood Work Can Actually Tell Us
Blood work provides valuable insights into your dog’s overall health, including:
- Organ function (liver, kidneys)
- Blood cell counts
- Presence of inflammation
- Metabolic disorders
- Infection indicators
However, most cancers don’t reliably change these values until they’re fairly advanced. Some types of cancer might cause no changes in blood work at all, even when quite progressed.
When Blood Work Might Indicate Cancer
While blood work isn’t a definitive cancer test, it can sometimes reveal abnormalities that warrant further investigation:
- Abnormal cell counts: Certain cancers like lymphoma or leukemia may show unusual white blood cell counts
- Anemia: Persistent low red blood cell counts could indicate bleeding tumors
- Elevated liver enzymes: Could suggest liver tumors or metastasis to the liver
- Calcium imbalances: Some cancers can affect calcium levels
- Protein abnormalities: Certain cancers produce abnormal proteins
These findings aren’t specific to cancer – they could indicate many other conditions. But they might prompt your vet to recommend additional testing.
The 10 Physical Signs of Cancer to Watch For
Since we can’t rely solely on blood work, knowing the physical signs of cancer becomes even more crucial. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Veterinary Cancer Society, these are the key warning signs:
- Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
- Sores that do not heal despite treatment
- Unexplained weight loss not due to dieting
- Loss of appetite or difficulty eating
- Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
- Offensive odor, particularly from the mouth or ears
- Reluctance to exercise or loss of stamina
- Persistent lameness or stiffness
- Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating
- Swelling in the lymph nodes or other areas
I remember one of our clients, Sarah, who brought in her Golden Retriever, Max, for his annual checkup. His blood work came back perfectly normal, but during the physical exam, I noticed a small lump near his ribcage. Sarah hadn’t felt it during their daily petting sessions. The biopsy revealed an early stage mast cell tumor, which we were able to treat successfully.
Common Types of Cancer in Dogs
Different cancers present differently, and some are more common than others. The most frequently diagnosed cancers in dogs include
- Lymphoma/Lymphosarcoma: Over 30 categories affecting white blood cells
- Melanoma: Skin tumors that can spread quickly
- Mast Cell Tumors: Affecting the skin, potentially curable if caught early
- Fibrosarcoma: Slow-spreading but challenging to treat
- Hemangiosarcoma: A serious form requiring emergency intervention
- Osteosarcoma: The most common bone cancer, especially in larger breeds
Why Early Detection is Critical
The reality is that by the time cancer causes noticeable changes in blood work it’s often already at an advanced stage. This is why regular veterinary checkups that include thorough physical examinations are so important.
“I just can’t believe we couldn’t tell Missy had cancer,” said one teary-eyed client to Dr. Zeltzman. “There were no warning signs,” she added, after discussing biopsy results that revealed a cancerous mass in her dog’s intestine.
This highlights the insidious nature of cancer – a pet can be very sick “inside” without showing obvious signs “outside.”
Beyond Blood Work: How Vets Diagnose Cancer
When cancer is suspected, veterinarians typically use a combination of diagnostic approaches:
- Physical examination: Feeling for lumps, bumps, or abnormalities
- Imaging: X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI to visualize internal structures
- Biopsy: Taking a sample of tissue for microscopic examination
- Fine needle aspirate: Drawing cells from a suspicious area
- Specialized blood tests: Some specific tests can help diagnose certain cancers
- Urinalysis: May reveal signs of urinary tract tumors
The Importance of Regular Checkups
Since blood work alone isn’t sufficient to detect cancer, I strongly recommend regular veterinary checkups – ideally every 6 months, especially for older dogs. During these visits, your vet will:
- Conduct a thorough physical examination
- Feel for any abnormal lumps or bumps
- Check lymph nodes for enlargement
- Listen to heart and lungs
- Examine oral cavity (a common site for tumors)
- Recommend appropriate screening tests
What to Do If You Find a Lump
If you discover a lump while petting your dog, don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. Here’s what you should do:
- Make a vet appointment promptly
- Document the lump’s size (compare to a household object)
- Note any changes in your dog’s behavior or appetite
- Don’t “watch and wait” – early diagnosis is key
Remember what Dr. Zeltzman advises: Any surgeon will recommend that you don’t just “watch” a mass, but have it removed AND biopsied. If it turns out to be benign, that’s great. If it’s malignant, at least you know and can discuss next steps.
Cancer Prevention Strategies
While we can’t prevent all cancers, there are steps you can take to reduce risks:
- Maintain healthy weight: Obesity is linked to increased cancer risk
- Feed high-quality diet: Proper nutrition supports immune function
- Regular exercise: Keeps the body strong and helps maintain weight
- Limit exposure to toxins: Avoid known carcinogens like tobacco smoke
- Spay/neuter appropriately: This reduces certain cancer risks but timing matters
- Regular dental care: Reduces inflammation that may contribute to cancer
- Know your breed’s risks: Some breeds have higher predispositions to specific cancers
Treatment Options for Canine Cancer
The good news is that cancer treatment for dogs has advanced significantly. If your dog is diagnosed with cancer, options might include:
- Surgery: Removal of tumors
- Chemotherapy: Often better tolerated by dogs than humans
- Radiation therapy: Targeted treatment for specific areas
- Immunotherapy: Newer treatments that help the immune system fight cancer
- Palliative care: Focusing on quality of life and comfort
The Emotional Aspect of Cancer Diagnosis
Receiving a cancer diagnosis for your beloved pet is emotionally devastating. As someone who’s both a vet and a dog owner, I understand this deeply. It’s important to:
- Take time to process your feelings
- Ask your vet all questions – there are no stupid questions
- Consider getting a second opinion for major diagnoses
- Focus on your dog’s quality of life
- Lean on support from fellow pet owners who understand
The Bottom Line
Blood work alone cannot reliably detect cancer in dogs. Instead, a combination of regular veterinary checkups, thorough physical examinations, and prompt investigation of any concerning symptoms offers the best chance for early detection.
If there’s one thing I want you to remember from this article, it’s this: know your dog. Pet them thoroughly and regularly. Be aware of any changes in their body or behavior. And never hesitate to consult your veterinarian about concerns – that’s what we’re here for.
Cancer can be a scary diagnosis, but with vigilance and proper veterinary care, many dogs can either be cured or maintain a good quality of life for quite some time after diagnosis. Early detection is truly the key to success, even if blood work isn’t the magic detector we might wish it to be.
FAQs About Cancer Detection in Dogs
Q: How accurate is blood work for detecting cancer in dogs?
A: Blood work alone is not highly accurate for cancer detection. Many cancers won’t show any blood abnormalities until advanced stages.
Q: What’s the best way to screen my dog for cancer?
A: Regular veterinary exams (every 6 months for senior dogs), thorough at-home checks, and prompt investigation of any concerning symptoms.
Q: Are there specific blood tests for cancer in dogs?
A: While there are some specialized tests for specific cancers, there’s no universal “cancer blood test” for dogs.
Q: How often should senior dogs have checkups?
A: Ideally every 6 months, including a thorough physical examination.
Q: Which dog breeds are most prone to cancer?
A: Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Rottweilers have higher cancer rates, but cancer can affect any breed.
Remember, your vigilance as a pet parent combined with regular veterinary care provides the best defense against cancer. Don’t rely on blood work alone to give you peace of mind – know the signs and maintain those crucial checkups.
Dog Cancer – FAQs
After a few visits, we work to get a specific diagnosis to better understand how were going to treat it and its prognosis.
Here at The Drake Center, we do a fair amount of surgeries to remove cancers. We also work closely with our local specialists, who are oncologists and radiation oncologists. For clients who choose to go those routes, were going to partner with the specialists and pet owners to ensure we have all the crucial information. We then use this information to decide whats best for your dog.
Yes, for sure, there have been. We now have even some injectable chemotherapeutic agents that we did not have before, specifically treating mast cell disease. And we learn more every day. I would say that maybe were not quite as advanced as human medicine in treating cancers, but were pretty advanced in our information that we have and our abilities to provide longer, higher-quality lives for dogs.
I dont know the cure rate specifically, honestly. There are some cancers that we can cure as soon as we surgically remove them. We can put some dogs in remission, and then we find the remission just keeps going on and on, like lymphomas. And there are some dogs that we can buy them a quality one to two years. And, for many owners, its worthwhile to go ahead and treat that.
I dont know that I have a number for you for the cure rate, but there are many dogs that we indeed can help have a high quality of life for a more extended time. And thats what were here for.
Oh, for sure. We do many cancer surgeries, removing tumors, and that sometimes in and of itself can be curative. Although they can be major surgeries, they can be completely curative. Or we do cancer surgeries and then may refer for additional things like radiation or oncology, depending on what the owners wishes are.
It depends on the location of the cancer, so lets say I find a lump on your dog or your cat. Im going to either do a punch biopsy or a needle biopsy to hopefully get cells that tell me what type of cancer it is. Depending on what the diagnosis is from a pathologist, it will help me determine what the next plan is going to be.
Were also going to take X-rays quite often to check the chest and look for metastasis and look in the abdomen to make sure nothing is going on there.
So it depends on the cancer. They all have a little bit of different behavior. If we find enlarged lymph nodes, were going to see if this is lymphoma. And then were going to look for where that is and what type of lymphoma it is to determine what type of chemotherapies were going to recommend.
On top of the type of cancer, we want to know that cancers general behavior, whether its one that metastasizes or its just localized cancer, and then we just go from there.
Absolutely not. We see cancers and cure them – or at least treat them and put them in remission – all the time. And were here to help guide the clients, give them the best information, and work with them to get the best prognosis for their dog.
If you still have other questions and youd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at , you can email us, or you can reach out on Facebook. But please do reach out, and well get back to you as fast as we can.