Cancer

  Cancer is a potentially dangerous growth, which can affect any part of the body. As many as one in five dogs are likely to develop one of the many different forms of cancer at some stage of their lives. The risk increases with age and so, with dogs now enjoying a longer life expectancy, the number of animals with cancer has been increasing in recent years.

  What causes cancer?

As with human cancers, the causes of cancer in dogs and the processes which occur in the disease are still not well understood. Some toxins or infections may increase the risk of developing some types of cancer, but the exact causes of most cases are unknown. One known influence on cancer in dogs is spaying, and­ spaying a bitch at less than a year of age greatly reduces her chances of breast cancer in later life.

  How do I know if my dog has cancer?

Cancer can have many different symptoms. It is not possible to tell whether a sick pet is suffering from cancer without consulting a vet. Lumps and bumps which are visible on the outside are not necessarily cancers,­ but they should be checked by a vet. Cancer can occur in any animal and at any age, but certain types of dog are more susceptible to particular forms of cancer.

  Can cancer be treated?

In many cases yes. It depends on the part of the body affected and whether the tumour is malignant, i.e. cancerous (which is likely to spread to other parts of the body) or benign (which will not spread). If your dog is diagnosed with cancer the most important thing is for it to continue to enjoy life to the fullest. Where a cancer cannot be completely cured, treatment can often maintain a good quality of life, although unfortunately, some treatments are expensive. Your vet will discuss the options, and will provide guidance on how to recognise if your pet is in pain. Most vets will encourage you to opt for euthanasia if they feel that your pet is in too much pain to attempt treatment. There are three basic methods of treatment. Not all cancers are sensitive to all types oftreatment and they are sometimes used together. Your vet will advise on the best treatment.

  Surgical removal

This is usually the best choice for growths affecting the skin, or for internal tumors which appear to be forming distinct lumps. It is sometimes possible to predict prior to surgery whether a lump is likely to be benign or malignant, but to find out for certain the tissue removed at surgery needs to be sent to a laboratory. For any cancer whose size is making your pet unwell, surgery often produces an improvement in condition, but there is a risk that the cancer will come back in the same or a different place.

  Chemotherapy (drug treatment)

Veterinary chemotherapy is designed so that the unpleasant side effects seen in people are greatly reduced, and the majority of animals remain well and happy throughout treatment. Sadly, chemotherapy in animals does not usually cure the cancer but it can be effective in delaying illness for many months. Chemotherapy may be used alone or combined with surgery to prevent or delay the appearance of secondary cancers.

  Radiotherapy (X-rays)

Radiotherapy units are only located in a few specialized centers and your vet would need to refer you to a cancer specialist for this form of treatment. The radiation may be given from an outside source or radioactive material may be injected into the body. A beam of radiation is most effective on cancers of the limbs and head where it is less likely to damage normal tissue before reaching the cancer.

  Will my dog be in pain?

It is a top priority for vets to keep animals pain free and enjoying a normal life. Modern painkillers are highly effective but there will come a point (unless a cancer can be completely removed at surgery) when your pet starts to feel pain and his or her quality of life is reduced. At this point, your vet will usually suggest euthanasia. If you feel that your pet is not enjoying life, you should talk to your vet. Conversely, you do not need to be afraid that your vet will insist on euthanasia for an animal that is enjoying the normal day-to-day routine.

  How long will my dog live?

This is the question that every owner wants answered but, as with human cancer, it is impossible for your vet to give you an answer with any confidence. The survival chances will depend not only on the type and stage of the disease but also on your dog's general state of health. You should discuss this issue with your own vet so that you can agree between you on an appropriate treatment plan for your dog. Talking it over with your vet is the very best way to obtain reassurance and an independent assessment that you are doing what is right for your pet.

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