As a dog owner, nothing’s more terrifying than finding a weird lump on your furry friend. I still remember the panic that gripped me when I discovered a small bump on my Golden Retriever’s side during our evening cuddle session. The question that immediately popped into my head was, “Does my dog have a tumor?”
If you’re reading this, you might be experiencing that same heart-dropping moment. First, take a deep breath. Not all lumps and bumps are cancerous, and even if your dog does have a tumor, many are treatable when caught early.
In this article, we’ll go through everything you need to know about dog tumors – what they are, the warning signs, and what to do if you suspect your pup has one. After all, knowledge is power when it comes to keeping our four-legged family members healthy!
What Exactly Is a Dog Tumor?
Before we dive into the warning signs, let’s clarify what we’re talking about A tumor forms when cells in your dog’s body multiply out of control instead of following their natural life cycle Basically, the cells don’t get the memo that they’re supposed to die and be replaced – instead, they keep dividing and creating a mass.
Dog tumors fall into two main categories:
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Benign tumors: These aren’t cancerous and don’t spread to other parts of the body. While they might need medical attention, they’re typically not life-threatening.
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Malignant tumors: These are cancerous and can spread (metastasize) to other organs and tissues. These are the ones we worry about most.
10 Warning Signs Your Dog Might Have a Tumor
According to veterinary experts here are the top 10 warning signs that your dog might have a tumor. I’ve noticed many pet parents (myself included!) miss these subtle changes until they become more obvious.
1. Unusual Lumps or Bumps Under the Skin
This is probably the most recognizable sign. Regularly run your hands through your dog’s fur and across their skin to check for any abnormal lumps or bumps. Remember – you can’t tell if a lump is cancerous just by touching it, so don’t try to diagnose it yourself!
Pro tip: Check between your dog’s toes too! Tumors can form in surprising places.
2. Strange Odors
Have you noticed an unusual smell coming from your dog’s mouth, ears, or other parts of their body? This could be a warning sign of cancer. Tumors in the mouth often result in bad breath that doesn’t go away even after dental care.
3. Non-Healing Wounds or Sores
If your dog has a wound or sore that just won’t heal despite proper care, it could indicate a problem with their immune system or possibly a tumor. Cancers can sometimes manifest as non-healing sores.
4. Loss of Appetite or Weight Loss
Has your chow hound suddenly become picky about their food? Unexplained weight loss or decreased appetite can signal something’s wrong. While this could be related to dental issues or other health problems, it’s also a common sign of cancer, especially when combined with other symptoms.
5. Persistent Coughing or Difficulty Breathing
If your dog has been coughing for more than a couple of days or seems to be having trouble breathing, it’s time for a vet visit. Unlike humans, dogs don’t really get common colds and coughs, so these symptoms could indicate something more serious, including potential tumors in the respiratory system.
6. Increased Drinking or Urination
Have you been filling your dog’s water bowl more frequently? Or maybe they’re asking to go outside to pee several times in an evening when they normally don’t? Increased thirst and urination can be warning signs of certain types of cancer, as well as other serious conditions like diabetes or kidney disease.
7. Difficulty Swallowing
If your pup is struggling to eat or drink, or seems to be having trouble swallowing, this could potentially indicate throat or neck cancers. This isn’t something to ignore!
8. Changes in Bathroom Habits
Straining during urination or defecation isn’t normal. If your dog is having difficulty with bathroom functions, it could be due to an infection or possibly tumors affecting those systems.
9. Signs of Pain or Discomfort
Some cancers, particularly bone cancer, can cause pain. Watch for limping, lameness, or a reluctance to do physical activities that your dog previously enjoyed. While arthritis is also common in older dogs, persistent pain should always be checked out.
10. Decreased Energy Levels
Is your normally energetic pup suddenly acting lethargic? Lower energy levels and a lack of enthusiasm for favorite activities can be a sign of various ailments, including cancer. Dogs are masters at hiding pain, so sometimes reduced activity is the only clue something’s wrong.
Common Types of Dog Tumors
Now that we know the warning signs, let’s talk about some common types of tumors that affect our canine companions.
Mast Cell Tumors
These are among the most common skin tumors in dogs. The tricky thing about mast cell tumors is that they can look like almost anything – from a simple pimple to a cyst. They’re often found on the skin but can appear anywhere on the body.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma affects the lymphocytes, which are an important part of your dog’s immune system. Classic signs include enlarged, firm lymph nodes, usually found around the jaw, in front of the shoulder, or behind the knees. Dogs with lymphoma might also be lethargic or lose interest in food.
Lipomas
These are benign fatty tumors that are extremely common, especially in older dogs. They’re usually soft, moveable lumps under the skin. While lipomas are typically harmless, they can sometimes get very large or grow in locations that interfere with movement.
Osteosarcoma
This is a type of bone cancer that’s painful and can result in bone fractures, limping, and swelling. It’s more common in larger breeds like Great Danes and Rottweilers.
Histiocytoma
These benign skin tumors are most common in younger dogs (under 2 years old). They often appear as small, button-like growths and frequently resolve on their own within a few weeks.
Hemangiosarcoma
This aggressive cancer arises from cells that line blood vessels and commonly affects the spleen, heart, and skin. It’s often diagnosed when a tumor ruptures, causing internal bleeding – which is an emergency situation.
Melanoma
Just like in humans, melanomas in dogs develop from pigment-carrying cells. Interestingly, they can be pink or non-pigmented in dogs and can be flat rather than raised. Most melanomas in dogs occur in the mouth, but they can also appear in the eye, nail bed, or skin.
Oral Tumors
The most common oral tumor in dogs is oral melanoma, followed by fibrosarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These tumors can cause bad breath, difficulty eating, and drooling.
Papillomas (Warts)
These benign growths are caused by the canine papillomavirus and are common in dogs that frequent dog parks, daycare, or play groups. They typically appear on the lips, tongue, throat, or gums and usually resolve on their own.
Mammary Gland Carcinoma
These tumors develop in the mammary (breast) tissue and are more common in female dogs that weren’t spayed or were spayed after their second heat cycle. About 50% are benign when discovered, but this can only be determined after removal and testing.
What To Do If You Think Your Dog Has a Tumor
If you’ve found a lump or noticed any of the warning signs we’ve discussed, here’s what to do:
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Don’t panic! Remember, not all lumps are cancerous.
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Schedule a vet appointment as soon as possible.
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Take notes about when you first noticed the symptoms, any changes you’ve observed, and whether your dog seems bothered by the area.
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Consider measuring the lump or taking a photo to track any changes before your vet visit.
Your vet can’t diagnose a tumor just by looking at it or feeling it. They’ll need to take a sample to determine what type of growth it is. This is typically done through:
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Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA): This involves inserting a small needle into the mass to obtain a sample of cells. It’s quick, relatively painless, and often the first diagnostic step.
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Biopsy: If the FNA is inconclusive or more information is needed, your vet may recommend a biopsy, which involves taking a larger tissue sample or removing the entire growth for testing.
Treatment Options for Dog Tumors
The treatment recommended for your dog’s tumor will depend on several factors, including:
- The type and stage of the tumor
- Whether it’s benign or malignant
- Your dog’s overall health and age
- How aggressive you want to be with treatment
Common treatment options include:
- Surgical removal: Often the first choice for accessible tumors
- Radiation therapy: Used for certain types of cancer or when surgery isn’t possible
- Chemotherapy: Often better tolerated by dogs than humans (they typically don’t lose hair!)
- Immunotherapy: Newer treatments that help the immune system fight cancer
Some good news: Many benign tumors can be completely cured with surgery. Even for malignant cancers that have spread, treatments can often extend your dog’s life while maintaining good quality of life.
The Bottom Line: Early Detection Is Key
Did you know that dogs over the age of 10 have a 50% chance of developing cancer? That’s a sobering statistic, but it doesn’t mean we should live in fear. Instead, we should be proactive!
The best thing you can do for your furry friend is to know their body well. Make it a habit to check them regularly for any unusual lumps, bumps, or changes in behavior. Early detection dramatically increases the chances of successful treatment.
And remember – your veterinarian is your partner in your dog’s health. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you notice anything unusual, even if it seems minor. When it comes to potential tumors, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Have you ever found a lump on your dog? How did you handle it? Share your experiences in the comments below – your story might help another worried pet parent!
Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. If you suspect your dog has a tumor or any health issue, please consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
What Do I Do if My Dog Shows Signs of Cancer?
If you find signs of cancer your dog, SASH or your local vet, will be able to conduct a more thorough assessment to give you clarity about what is going on with your pet. Depending on the location and type of cancer, you may be referred to an Internal Medicine Specialist, a Surgery Specialist, or a Dermatology Specialist.
If cancer is confirmed and diagnosed, you will then be referred to one or more Oncology Specialists at the SASH Animal Cancer Centre. The Animal Cancer Centre offers cutting-edge cancer treatments for pets. Treatment options could include surgery, radiation treatment, chemotherapy, or a combination of the three. Each cancer treatment plan will be tailored specifically to the pet, taking into the wishes of the family.
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1. Lumps and bumps underneath your pet’s skin
You can gently run your hands across your dog’s skin like this, feeling for abnormal lumps and bumps beneath the skin. Unfortunately, to the touch, you can’t tell if a lump is cancerous or not, so it’s best to have it tested by a vet.
Lumps can form on any part of your dog’s body, including between the toes, so it’s great if you can train your dog to be able to look at it’s feet.
2. Abnormal odours from the mouth, ears, or other parts of your dog’s body
If you notice an unusual smell coming from your dog’s mouth or ears, this is a warning sign of cancer in dogs. They may need a dental or have an ear infection. Tumours in the mouth can result in a bad smell too.
3. Non-healing wounds or sores
Persistent, non-healing wounds or sores can be a sign that your dog’s immune system isn’t functioning properly, or is busy combating another infection. Cancers can also look like non-healing sores.
4. Loss of appetite or weight loss
Loss of appetite or rapid weight loss is a sign that something isn’t right with your dog.
Sometimes this can relate to dental or other medical issues, and in other instances, it’s an indication of something more serious – particularly if it’s out of character for your dog, or is also combined with other warning signs of cancer in dogs.
5. Coughing or difficult breathing
If your dog has had a persistent cough for longer than a couple of days, or has started to display breathing difficulties, this can indicate more serious health issues that need to be investigated.
Dogs don’t really get colds and coughs like humans, so this could be a sign of cancer in dogs.
6. Increased drinking or frequency of urinating
Increased drinking or urinating can be a warning sign for certain types of cancer in dogs, as well as other metabolic illnesses.
If your dog has started to go outside multiple times in an evening, it’s time to get this checked.
7. Difficulty in swallowing
If your dog is having difficulty in swallowing then this may be a potential warning sign of throat and neck cancers. This is something you should be paying attention to.
8. Changes in bathroom habits
If your dog is starting to display trouble when urinating or is struggling or straining when defecating it could be an infection or a sign of cancer in dogs.
9. Evidence of pain
Some cancers, in particular bone cancer, show themselves through your dog presenting signs of pain or discomfort such as limping and lameness.
If your dog is showing reluctance to do physical acts that were previously, it’s time for a check up – arthritis is also common in older dogs, and there are ways we can make them more comfortable.
10. Lower energy levels
If you dog is lethargic, and isn’t showing enthusiasm for its usual favourite activities, then you should be alert and have your pet checked.
Lower energy levels can be a sign of different ailments in older pets, many of which can be treated, such as heart disease and cancer.
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FAQ
How dangerous are histiocytoma dog tumors?
Histiocytomas are not a dangerous type of growth for your dog to get, but there are some varieties of round cell tumors that are malignant (cancerous). As with any new growth or lump you find on your dog, a trip to the vet to have it checked over is needed to ensure that it isn’t something more serious. Click to see full answer.
What does a cancerous tumor feel like in a dog?
Most commonly, it will look like a skin lesion or a lump on your dog’s body. If you pet your dog and notice a lump which is solid and feels like it has boundaries, it is time for a check-up. Enlarged lymph nodes or wounds that won’t heal for a couple of days can also point us to this dangerous disease.
Can dog tumors go away on their own?
They are viral in nature and typically form in and around a dog’s eyes and mouth. If left alone, they usually go away within 2 weeks to 2 months. If they are causing irritation or are affecting your dog’s vision or ability to eat, however, they can be surgically removed with relative ease by your vet.
What kind of tumor does my dog have?
Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer that occurs in dogs. It begins as a tumor that often affects the long bones of the limbs, but it can affect any bones in the body. Osteosarcoma is an aggressive type of cancer that tends to spread rapidly, especially to the lungs, lymph nodes, and other bones. 1
What are the symptoms of tumors in dogs?
Symptoms of a tumor in a dog include visible lumps or bumps, non-healing sores, abnormal body or mouth odors, lethargy, unexplained weight loss, changes in bathroom habits (like straining or blood in stool/urine), loss of appetite, persistent coughing, difficulty breathing or eating, and signs of pain or lameness. It’s crucial to see a veterinarian for any unusual or persistent changes in your dog’s health for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
How do I tell if my dog has a cyst or tumor?
What does the beginning of a tumor look like on a dog?
In general, cancerous lumps tend to have the following characteristics: Abnormal shape. Cancerous dog lumps usually have irregular borders. They may also have both soft and firm areas.
How long does a dog live if it has a tumor?