November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

The word “cancer” is a dreaded word to hear whether it affects you, your loved ones, or your  canine companion  According to the Comparative Oncology Program of the US National Cancer Institute , there are 65 million dogs diagnosed with cancer , with 6 million new cases added every year. Over 50% of dogs over the age of 10, die of some form of cancer. Research and treatment protocols are providing hope for longevity, improved quality of life and ultimately a cure for cancer not only in dogs but also their human counterparts.

Early intervention and detection usually yields the best outcomes so it is important for pet parents to educate themselves on the possible signs of cancer in dogs.  These include

• New lumps and bumps or existing ones that change in size or consistency
• Swelling in any area of the body, but particularly the limbs
• Limping
• Sores that do not heal
• Significant changes in appetite or unintentional weight loss
• Loss of energy for normal routine activities
• Shortness of breath or coughing
• Difficulty defecating or urinating
• New strange, foul orders particularly from the mouth or ears

Of course, there are other conditions that may be responsible for any of these changes in your dog, such as limping may be due to a muscle strain and changes in urination may be due to a urinary tract infection.  That is why a trip to your veterinarian is key in getting a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan.

Some of the most common types of cancer in dogs are

• Lymphoma – one of the most common types of cancers in dogs; characterized by enlarged lymph nodes in the body and may impact the organs
• Melanoma - a cancer that occurs in the dog’s oral cavity and presents as a darkly pigmented growth
• Hemangiosarcoma – an aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the blood vessels
• Mast Cell Tumor-the most common type of skin cancer, may present as a lump or scaly area on the skin
• Osteosarcoma – an aggressive bone cancer that starts in the long bones of the limbs, typically affects the large breeds such as Great Danes and Mastiffs
• Mammary Gland Cancer - a carcinoma that is found near the dog’s nipples; unspayed dogs are at greater risk for mammary gland cancer
• Transitional Cell Cancer - a cancer that affects the bladder or urethra

Because some naturally occurring cancers in dogs are similar to those affecting humans, it only makes sense that oncologists are sharing their research findings to benefit both species in what is known as translational cancer research. The Purdue Comparative Oncology Program ( PCOP) in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine currently has clinical trials in canine cancers that are closely related to human cancers such as transitional cell cancers of the bladder, multicentric lymphoma, oral squamous cell carcinoma and splenic hemangiosarcoma.  

The Colorado State University Animal Cancer Center’s program “One Cure” seeks to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer in pets through research that can be translated to human cancers, therefore, One Cancer, One Cure.  CSU offers a unique free consultation service for pet owners who are facing cancer with their canine companions. After filling out a general questionnaire, pet parents are contacted by a Lucy Oncology Clinic team member to answer general questions about canine cancers and treatment options.

For more information on these programs, click the links below:

https://www.vet.purdue.edu/pcop/index.php

https://www.csuanimalcancercenter.org