SKIN CANCER IN DOGS
Skin cancer in a dog is a kind of malignant growth which develops and causes severe pain and ulceration around the veins it surrounds, the growth is made up of aggregations of epithelial cells which is embedded in the meshes of the trabecular framework. It is extremely important to take notice of your dog’s skin changes or signs like tumors, skin redness, or inflammation, Ensure that you consult a veterinary oncologist to observe these skin changes immediately.
SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN OBSERVING SKIN CANCER IN DOGS
Non-healing wounds
Skin bleeding
Lump or growth
A bad smell oozes out of the affected skin.
A discolored area on the skin
Itching
Tumor
Loss of appetite
Abdominal swelling
Difficulty in breathing
TYPES OF SKIN CANCER IN DOGS
TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA is also a type of skin cancer also known as urothelial carcinoma, this type of cancer mainly occurs in the urinary system. Transitional Cell Carcinoma is a common type of cancer affecting the bladder and the ureter, urethra, and urachus.
MELANOMA CELL TUMORS: This type of skin cancer develops when melanocytes, especially the cells that give the skin its main color start to grow without of control.
Melanoma is not too common as some other types of skin cancer. Melanoma is very dangerous because it always spreads to many parts of the body when it is not observed in time.
Cancerous growth starts when cells in the body grow out of control. Cells in all parts of the body can turn to cancer, which will spread to other parts of the body, making your dog always scratch with discomfort.
OSTEOSARCOMA is a common type of bone cancer in dogs, another type of cancer starts in the body and spread to the skeleton, this is one of the few types of cancer that begin in the bones.
A veterinary doctor can improve the quality of the dog’s life for a period of time, Sooner or later these tiny clusters of cells will grow into metastatic bumps that will, unfortunately, become life-threatening or end the dog’s life.
cancerous growth is very painful and can easily cause deformation of the dog’s bone which makes it limp while walking or in discomfort, the bump growth is within the bones on the legs of adult dog breeds.
TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA this cancerous growth affects the urinary tract in dogs, it is known as the cancer of the epithelial cells which lines the urinary tract. This cancer is mainly seen in older female dogs, although males and females can be affected. Some categories of dog breeds, like Shetland sheepdogs, Scottish Terriers, beagles, White Terriers, and are known to develop this cancer.
As time goes on transitional cell carcinoma, tends to become more locally advanced and can also grow and spread to other sides of the body, such as lungs, bone, and pelvic lymph nodes. So it is important that dogs suspected to have transitional cell carcinoma undergo a stage test to know exactly the extent of cancer in the dog’s body. This staging test includes a physical examination, blood chemistry, blood cell count (c b c), urinalysis, abdominal ultrasound, urine culture, and thoracic radiographs (chest X-rays)
Transitional cell carcinoma most times shows clinical signs related to the growth of a mass in the bladder, and prostate. Signs that should be observed include blood in the urine, pain when the dog is urinating, increased urination, and blockage of the urethra which causes a lot of pain and stress while urinating.
HEMANGIOSARCOMA which is also known as angiosarcoma or malignant hemangioendothelioma is a type of cancer that originates in your dog’s endothelium, it comprises a top layer of tissue surrounding your dog’s blood vessels, like the heart and the lymph nodes.
Most of the time these tumors are filled with blood, So a ruptured tumor can lead to severe health problems which can lead to internal and external bleeding in the dog.
Hemangiosarcoma invades your dog’s blood vessels and can essentially appear in any tissue, this kind of cancer is based in the blood vessels, After the doctor’s diagnosis, treatment should be given without delay.
BRAIN TUMORS: this forms in the brain or the lining that surrounds the brain. Brain tumors can either primarily develop in the brain or secondary cancer that will spread to the brain from other parts of the body, Most of the dogs that develop brain cancers are over the age of five.
TESTICULAR: Cancer of the testicles in male dogs. The appearance is most times not bad, which is mostly treated through surgery.
CAUSES OF SKIN CANCER IN DOGS
AGE: This plays a major role as one of the causes of cancer in dogs. Up to 55% of older dogs that are more than 10 years are at risk of having a malignant tumor, although up to half of the neoplasms are treatable and have a good prognosis.
GENETIC FACTORS: Most of the time found to cause cancer in some breeds of dogs, few of the most popular breeds include Scottish terriers that risk getting transitional cell carcinomas (bladder cancer) and golden retrievers known for lymphosarcoma. Another breed with high chances of being affected by genetic factors includes Bernese mountain dogs, German shepherds, and flat-coated retrievers.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Studies done by various groups have linked environmental toxins to dog cancer. For instance, secondhand cigarette smoke has led to the accumulation of carcinogens in the pet’s body tissues. Studies show that this smoke results in the formation of tumors in the dog’s lungs and nose.
Bladder cancer in Scottish terriers has also been linked to exposure of these pets to herbicides and insecticides.
NUTRITION: Cancerous growth can also be common in low-cost food. that food contains aflatoxins. if aflatoxins bind with the DNA, they may cause cell mutation.
Homemade dog food sometimes poses danger and encourages cancer growth. Nutritional experts advise that homemade dog food could contain an unbalanced diet. like this instance, where the dog’s diet contains more carbohydrates, you might be risking your dog to cancer.
SKIN CANCER IN DOGS, CAN THEY RECOVER?
Most of the time, this will depend on the type of cancer and the method of treatment administered. In most cases, removal through surgical means will cure this disease, which will eventually make your dog live a normal life. In some cases, the prognosis is less favorable, especially if cancer has severe growth or spread to other parts, In some cases, Your vet or oncologist will be able to help provide more information about your individual furry family member and what to expect. Cancer is terrifying, and many effective treatment options are available, with even more being developed to care for this stubborn ailment.
SKIN CANCER IN DOGS, WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE.
People are often unserious about skin cancer when it comes to our dog’s health as they are covered with hair, but cancer is generally a highly sensitive matter in dogs.
It is natural to be disturbed if you notice a peculiar bump on your dog’s skin most people might describe this as carcinogenic or suppose your veterinary doctor has already diagnosed the condition on your dog, it is normal to feel worried
PICTURES OF SKIN CANCER IN DOGS
