Read About Canine Tumors

Canine Tumors - Facts

  1. Problem Definition:

    Tumors are cancerous or non-cancerous growths, which may occur in all animals. In dogs, cancerous tumors are in the form of round cell tumors, melanocytic tumors, spindle cell tumors, lipomas and epithelial neoplasms. Non-cancerous tumors can be lumps, warts, abscesses and hematomas. Image
  2. Symptoms:

    Tumor symptoms in dogs are seen as excessive and abnormal lumpy growths at various places on the surface, which continue to grow.
  3. Duration of Problem:

    Tumors can last for a very long time. Early tumors are called benign tumors, which can remain without showing any special symptoms for several years. If untreated, they will convert into malignant tumors, which will bring on the death of the dog.
  4. Exposure:

    Dog tumors are not at all contagious. Other dogs and humans coming in contact with dogs having tumors are not affected.

Canine Tumors - Prevention & Treatment

  1. The Treatment:

    The three main methods to remove tumors in dogs are by surgery, radiation therapy and using tumor-retarding drugs. Surgery is suitable for tumors that are small in size. Surgery works for benign tumors, but may be of no avail in tumors that have become malignant. The tumor must be easily accessible to be operable by surgery. Moreover, radiation is used if the tumor is invasive, or if the entire tumor cannot be removed by surgical methods. Radiation is a method that is also employed in supplementation to surgery to prevent further tumor growths. Use of tumor-retarding drugs, also known as chemotherapy, is also used when the tumor is non operable. It is chiefly used in cancers that are non-tumorous such as leukemia. Chemotherapy is also used in conjunction with a surgical removal of a tumor to prevent further tumor growths.
  2. Prevention:

    There are no vaccines that can stop the growth of tumors.
  3. Precautions:

    Most vets and people of the animal health field believe that tumors are genetically rooted, though the exact causes of cancers in dogs are not known. No amount of precaution can guarantee that dogs will remain free of tumors in their lifetimes.
  4. Helpful Supplies:

    There would be no supplies needed for dogs with tumors; proper treatment is the only thing that will help.

Canine Tumors - Concerns

  1. Level of Seriousness:

    Canine tumors are extremely serious conditions. If neglected, they will be fatal to the dog. Their causes are not known and even treatment methods are not quite effective. If removed in their benign state, there is a chance of complete recovery.
  2. Lasting Consequences:

    Tumors have great lasting consequences. Even if a benign tumor is surgically removed, there is a chance that it may occur again in some other part of the body. Malignant tumors will certainly lead to death. The death can only be delayed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
  3. ImageGenetics:

    The branch of medicine that studies the relation of genetics with tumors (cancers) is known as oncology. Oncologists believe (and have proven) that cancerous tumors are caused by mutation of genes, called oncogenes, from the parents.
  4. Lifestyle Accommodations:

    It is extremely necessary that the dog be hospitalized at once.
  5. Expense:

    Tumor operation costs can be extremely high. The expense would depend on the size of the tumor and the method used for treatment.