Tumors

What are tumors and how do they develop?

Tumors are changes in tissue caused by uncontrolled cell division. The causes are not always clear, but there are some factors that can increase the risk, such as

• Unhealthy diet
• Poor water and air quality
• Viral infections
• Exposure to fumes or chemicals

Tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors usually grow slowly, do not form metastases (secondary tumors) and are often easy to remove. Malignant tumors grow quickly, destroy the surrounding tissue, form metastases and are more difficult to treat.

What types of tumors are there in dogs?

In dogs, tumors can occur in different parts of the body. The most common are

• Skin tumors: They appear as lumps, nodules or bright spots on the skin. They can be benign or malignant. The most common malignant skin tumors are mast cell tumors, which arise from the cells of the immune system.
• Mammary gland tumors: These occur mainly in older bitches that have not been spayed or were spayed late. They can be benign or malignant. The most common malignant mammary gland tumors are carcinomas that develop from the gland cells.
• Oral cavitytumors: These occur mainly in older dogs and can be benign or malignant. The most common malignant muzzle tumors are melanomas, which arise from the pigment cells. They appear as lumps and melanomas in the animal's mouth. If your dog has obvious pain when chewing or drops food, this is a sign of cancer of the mouth.
• Bonetumors: These occur mainly in large dog breeds and are usually malignant. The most common bone tumors are osteosarcomas, which develop from bone cells. They manifest themselves as swelling and lameness in the limbs.
• Lymphomas: These occur mainly in middle-aged to older dogs and are usually malignant. They develop from the cells of the lymphatic system, which is responsible for the defense against infections. They appear as enlarged lymph nodes on the neck, in the armpit or in the groin area.

How can tumors be detected in dogs?

It is not always easy to detect a tumor in a dog, as the symptoms can vary depending on the type and location of the tumor. Some common signs of a possible tumor are:

• Lumps or swellings under the skin or in the mouth
• Changes in the size, shape or color of skin lesions
• Wounds that do not heal
• Weight loss for no apparent reason
• Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Bleeding from the mouth, nose or anus
• Coughing or shortness of breath
• Fever or lethargy
• Pain or discomfort

If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your dog, you should take him to the vet as soon as possible. Only a vet can make an accurate diagnosis and determine the type and stage of the tumor. To do this, they can carry out various examinations, such as

• A physical examination to determine the location and size of the tumor
• A blood test to assess the dog's general state of health
• A tissue sample (biopsy) to determine the type of tumor
• An X-ray, an ultrasound scan or a computer tomography (CT) scan to detect the spread of the tumor

What can you do as a dog owner?

As a dog owner, there are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of your dog developing a tumor, or at least detect it early. These include:

• A healthy diet that is tailored to your dog's needs
• Regular exercise to keep your dog fit and active
• Good hygiene to prevent infections and parasites
• Castration or sterilization, which reduces the risk of mammary gland or sex tumors
• Protection from sunlight, which can promote skin tumors
• Regular check-ups at the vet, even if the dog seems to be doing well. The earlier a tumor is detected, the better the chances of recovery.

What treatment options are there?

The treatment of a tumor in dogs depends on the type, stage and location of the tumor. The most common treatment methods are

• Surgery to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue. This is often the first choice for benign or localized malignant tumors.
• Radiotherapy, in which the tumor is irradiated with high-energy radiation. This can reduce the size of the tumor or slow down its growth. This is often an option for tumors that cannot be operated on or are located in hard-to-reach areas.
• Chemotherapy, where the dog is given drugs that inhibit cell division. This can prevent or delay the spread of the tumor. This is often an option for tumors that have metastasized or are very aggressive.

The treatment of a tumor in dogs can have side effects, such as

• Hair loss
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Susceptibility to infection or anemia
• Pain or discomfort

The vet will discuss with you which treatment is most suitable for your dog and what the advantages and disadvantages are. He will also make sure that your dog suffers as little as possible during and after treatment and has a good quality of life.

What is the prognosis for dogs with tumors?

The prognosis for dogs with tumors depends on many factors, such as

• The type and stage of the tumor
• The location and size of the tumor
• The response to treatment
• The age and general condition of the dog