Your veterinarian just called and told you the small lump they removed from your beloved dog is cancerous as he suspected but, worse, it is a malignant tumor. Your heart is in your throat, you ask him for a prognosis. To your surprise, he says the surgery was curative but you need to keep an eye out for new growths, as they need to be removed right away. You are flabbergasted that a malignant tumor can be cured with surgery alone. How is that possible when everything you have ever heard about malignant cancer usually is accompanied by a solemn death knell?
Comprehending what your Vet is saying
Comprehending what your vet is explaining to you or what you are reading helps you to make the right decisions for your pet.
The proper name for cancer is neoplasia, meaning new growth. In its simplest form, cancer is simply an overgrowth of new cells and the body begins to suffer when the nutrients required to feed the cancer cannot be met by the food intake but are taken from the lean tissue instead. Often the first symptom we see in our pets suffering from cancer is weight loss; this is an indicator that the cancer is already sucking its nutrients directly from its host.
Malignant Tumors
Malignant tumors have three goals in life: to live, to grow, and to take new ground. Unlike benign tumors that grow slowly, and that most often have a uniform shape and do not spread, malignant tumors grow quickly, are irregularly shaped and often have long tentacles that make surgical removal more difficult. Worse, they metastasize or spread through the lymphatic or circulatory system so what started as a mammary tumor can become lung, spleen, or bone cancer. There are hundreds of types of malignant tumors in dogs and they run the gamut on degrees of invasive, aggressive, and lethal behaviors.
Stage and Grade
Stage and grade are two words that are thrown around in oncology but few vets take the time to explain the difference. Stage describes where the particular tumor is at in regards to growth. An early stage or stage I tumor is small and non-spreading where as a grade IV tumor is big, may be part of a cluster of tumors, and has invaded another part of the body. Stage I tumors have a far better prognosis then stage III or IV tumors. The term grade refers to the aggressiveness of the tumor. A grade I tumor means the tumor is not aggressive so the likelihood of it spreading is rare. A grade IV tumor is extremely aggressive, making treatment far more difficult.
Types of Malignant Tumors in Dogs and their Symptoms
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in dogs and is six times more common in dogs then in cats. Overexposure to the sun considered the most likely culprit, especially in short haired dogs. Common skin cancers include squamous cell carcinomas or SCC, hemangiosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and mast cell tumors.
SCC is most often seen in areas of little pigment or thinly furred areas such as ears, face and the forehead area. They start as non-healing sores or lumps and without treatment, eventually metastasize to the internal organs.
Hemangiosarcomas are usually associated with the spleen, however, they can develop as skin cancer. They begin as red or black spots on the skin.
Fibrosarcoma begins in the connective tissue in the skull, spine, ribs and pelvis. Over time, it will wrap around the tissues, inhibiting movement.
Mast cell tumors start as small lumps that seem benign in nature. However, they can spread indiscriminately and are considered the most lethal of all the skin cancers. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the lump.
Mammary tumors are the most common form of cancer in unspayed females with over half being malignant tumors. Spaying a female dog before her first heat cycle precludes any chance of mammary tumors developing and each heat cycle she goes through increases the risk of developing this invasive from of cancer. Symptoms include small lumps in the mammary tissue and prognosis is dependent on how quickly treatment is administered.
Oral tumors in dogs are most often malignant. Unfortunately, by the time they are found, quite often they are far advanced and little can be done for the dog, as surgery to remove the tumor is difficult if the tumor has spread into the nasal cavity or eye area.
Nasal Tumors Sneezing, difficulty breathing, nosebleeds, or a discharge from the nose can indicate a nasal tumor. They are rare but almost exclusively malignant and treatment is difficult, much like oral tumors.
Bone cancer is unfortunately common in large and giant breeds and usually starts at the site of a previous injury or vaccination. Pain, heat in the area, limping, swelling, and lethargy are the most common symptoms.
Cancer of the lymph system in dogs is common. There are two types: lymphoma that affects the entire body and another that involves the alimentary, thymic, and cutaneous glands. It can include a variety of body systems and symptoms include enlargement of the lymph glands, depression, weight loss, and anorexia.
Abdominal tumors are uncommon but are usually malignant and early diagnosis is rare. Symptoms include weight loss, diarrhea or constipation, vomiting blood, bloody stools, pain or discomfort when moving, difficulty getting comfortable when lying down and stiffness of movement.
Lung cancer is not common in dogs except as a secondary cancer from another form of cancer that metastasized to the lungs.
Treatment for Malignant Tumors in Dogs
The treatment of malignant tumors in dogs is a difficult decision to make for owners and understandable, we all want our favorite companions to live long, healthy lives with no pain or suffering. Research and education about your dog’s cancer are your most important resources right now. Take some time to make the right decision and always keep your pet’s welfare at heart.
Depending on what stage and grade the cancer is, most veterinarians will suggest surgery to remove the tumor and chemotherapy to kill any remaining cells. Alternatively, many people opt to treat the cancer holistically feeling that whatever days the dog has left should be comfortable and happy days versus the pain of surgery and discomfort of chemo.
The decision is your own and you know your pet best, contact a holistic veterinarian to get a second opinion and start a treatment plan that best fits you and your pet.
Related product: Advanced Immune Restoration for Dogs
Treatment for Malignant Tumors in Dogs
The treatment of malignant tumors in dogs is a difficult decision to make for owners and understandable, we all want our favorite companions to live long, healthy lives with no pain or suffering. Research and education about your dog’s cancer are your most important resources right now. Take some time to make the right decision and always keep your pet’s welfare at heart.
Depending on what stage and grade the cancer is, most veterinarians will suggest surgery to remove the tumor and chemotherapy to kill any remaining cells. Alternatively, many people opt to treat the cancer holistically feeling that whatever days the dog has left should be comfortable and happy days versus the pain of surgery and discomfort of chemo.
The decision is your own and you know your pet best, contact a holistic veterinarian to get a second opinion and start a treatment plan that best fits you and your pet.
Please can you advise. 7 weeks ago we were told our dog had a mass between liver and kidney and is invading the vena cava.they gave us 2 weeks to 2 moths for my dog to live.
We are just approaching the 8th week and my dog is still running after squirrels at the park he has no appetite loss or any other symptom except his veins in his side’s are protuding from his body. I have 10 days holiday booked for 10 days and am wondering to euthanasia
How long would you say in your professional opinion could he have an extra couple of days? Month?
With kind regards
Susan
Our dog, age 11 years and 11 months, went from seemingly perfectly healthy to near death in only two weeks, and was euthanized at surgery. Her symptoms were mild, and she did not get better or worse for 13 days, so we treated her symptoms. Then when she worsened, she was rushed in for an ultrasound that found a huge mass deep in her abdomen, so she was rushed into surgery where her tumor had wrapped around and was ligating the mesenteric root where the main artery that feeds the intestines is located. The tumor was deemed non-resectable. We ignorantly had the dog vaccinated six months before symptoms showed. This is horrible.
Vaccines are the greatest public health disaster in human history.
http://www.thevaccinereaction.org/2017/04/autism-symptoms-in-pets-rise-as-pet-vaccination-rates-rise/
https://www.naturalnews.com/054771_vaccine_ingredients_cancer_tumors_GcMAF.html
https://www.naturalnews.com/2017-12-12-chemotherapy-found-to-increase-the-number-of-tumor-cells-ciruclating-in-the-blood-spreading-it-to-previously-unaffected-areas.html
What type of dog did you have, I had a Beagle that died at 11 years and a month in good health. Then he ate a tampon pooped it out but I was worried so I took him to the vet had blood tests run, x-rays and they could not find anything wrong but a fever. He was in the vet four times the next stop was an ultra sound but he died before we could do that. The vet said he was a special case and thought it was cancer or kidney failure even though bloodwork was fine. It drives me crazy that I do not know what happened. He wasn’t baby.
It was the vaccines!
https://www.naturalnews.com/054771_vaccine_ingredients_cancer_tumors_GcMAF.html
Hello Steve, my dog was diagnosed with an oral tumor underneath her tongue. She was given a few months to live but her breath is unbearable and she keeps drooling sort of brown liquids. She chokes on her food so we put it up on a bowl so she doesn’t have to Bend down. But she still is crazy and runs around with a ton of energy!? We are heading to Hawaii for spring break on Monday and we don’t know if the tumor will burst while we are gone. Should we put her down before hand? Or hope that she stays well while we are gone? Please reply -Lisa
I never recommend putting an animal down. They know how to die and do not need any help from us. Also, recovery is always possible. I have seen many cases come back from near death to live more years.
I am just curious if your opinion may differ if the dog has metastasis to the lungs, and therefore could essentially suffer suffocation. Our holistic vet believes the lymphoma may have mets to the lungs since she hears a certain, non- congestion sound.
Good Afternoon,
I have a French Bulldog, she is almost two years old. A faint hump began to develop on the top of her back. It is only on the one side and has since continued to grow. I was referred to a neurologist soon after we realised it was growing. I got x-rays and blood work which both came back normal. She went for a CT scan and the vet who interpreted the scan said it appears as if there is a tumour that is growing in her muscle. On the CT scan it appears as a mass of muscle. They are unsure if it is cancerous or not, and advised me to see an oncologist for further examination. She does not appear to act any differently, she is high energy and happy. The lump has continued to grow and feels hard like a flexed muscle. Do you have any thoughts or suggestions?
Thank you,
Hi Olivia, Im sorry to hear about your dog’s situation but i am grateful she is still high energy and happy. These are good signs of high vitality. I would recommend our Advanced Immune Restoration Protocol. It will help to reduce inflammation and boost the immunity to fight against this foreign entity in the body. https://vitalityscience.com/product/advanced-immune-restoration-dog/
Let us know if there is anything us we can help you with
Take care
LeLa
Hi, My dog Lily is a 8 yrs old 10 pound Multi-poo. She is a rescue who came from an abusive home. She suffers from occasional mild seizure. She also has tummy issues with gas (re-flux). At times she is in pain, shaking & refusing to eat. (on a L.I.D). She is taking Pepcid-AC and that seems to be helping. Lily also has a slight heart murmur. Recently she developed L rear 5th digit swelling. She was treated with oral steroids, antibiotics and antiseptic shampoo. There has been no change so the vet took x rays & a biopsy. X-ray shows no evidence of underlying bony involvement. Differentials for this include infectious/inflammatory processes as well as malignancy. Cytology interpretation : moderate chronic suppurative inflammation squamous cell proliferation w/moderate dysplasia. Concern for squamous cell carcinoma. I was then advised to take her to a cancer center for a second opinion. They did not see Lily but reviewed the x-ray and cytology report. They recommended that her toe be removed. I am concerned that this could be inflammatory in nature instead of something she would need surgery for. I don’t want her to go through unnecessary surgery without exploring other options. She also has terrible separation anxiety & I’m not interested in putting her through undue stress. So far Lily is happy & back to her usual self. Quality vs quantity is my motto. I love her dearly & want to do what is best for her & also what is in within my means. Please advise! Thank you.
Hello Mickie, A comprehensive approach is the best chance of success. This is regardless of dog cancer or IBS, or IBD. Since this discussion is quite long, I will begin by emailing you documents and strategy to move forward.