Common Dog Diseases

Cancer

Finding out that a loved one has cancer can be very scary and confusing. When that loved one is your dog, it’s important to keep in mind that different veterinarians might have different views on the best way to treat the disease.

Cancer Symptoms

Symptoms of cancer in dogs may include:

• Lumps (which are not always malignant, but should always be examined by a vet)

• Swelling

• Persistent sores

• Abnormal discharge from any part of the body

• Bad breath

• Listlessness/lethargy

• Rapid, often unexplained weight loss

• Sudden lameness

• Black, tarry stools (a symptom of ulcers, which can be caused by mast cell tumors)

• Decreased or loss of appetite

• Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

Diagnosing Cancer in Dogs

• If a lump is present, the first step is typically a needle biopsy, which removes a very small tissue sample for microscopic examination of cells. Alternately, surgery may be performed to remove all or part of the lump for diagnosis by a pathologist.

• Radiographs (xrays), ultrasound, blood evaluation and other diagnostic tests may also be helpful in determining if cancer is present or if it has spread.

Dogs More Prone to Cancer

• Though cancer can be diagnosed in dogs of all ages and breeds, it is much more common in older dogs.

• Certain breeds are prone to specific cancers. Boxers, Boston terriers and Golden Retrievers are among the breeds that most commonly develop mast cell tumors or lymphoma, while large and giant breeds like Great Danes and Saint Bernards are much more likely to suffer from bone cancer than smaller breeds.

It is important to be familiar with the diseases to which your dog might have a breed disposition.

Cancer Prevention

• Having your dog altered at a young age can dramatically reduce their chance of getting certain types of cancer.

• Breast cancer can be avoided almost completely by having your dog spayed before her first heat cycle, while a neutered male dog has zero chance of developing testicular cancer.

Cancer Treatments

• Treatment options vary and depend on the type and stage of cancer.

• Common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy or a combination of therapies. Success of treatment depends on the type and extent of the cancer and the aggressiveness of the therapy. Of course, early detection is best.

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Diabetes

Diabetes in dogs is a complex disease caused by either a lack of the hormone insulin or an inadequate response to insulin.

Diabetes can be classified as:

• Type I (lack of insulin production)

• Type II (impaired insulin production along with an inadequate response to the hormone).

The most common form of the disease in dogs is Type I, insulin-dependent diabetes, which occurs when the pancreas is incapable of producing or secreting adequate levels of insulin. Dogs who have Type I diabetes require insulin therapy to survive.

Diabetes Symptoms in Dogs

The following are signs that your dog may be diabetic:

• Change in appetite

• Excessive thirst/increase in water consumption

• Weight loss

• Increased urination

• Unusually sweet-smelling or fruity breath

• Lethargy

• Dehydration

• Urinary tract infections

• Vomiting

• Cataract formation, blindness

• Chronic skin infections