The Five Most Common Questions about Cancer in Dogs

How common is cancer in dogs?

Unfortunately, cancer is one of the leading causes of death in older animals. According to the Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF), 1 out of every 4 dogs will develop cancer in their lifetime, and each year, approximately 6 million dogs are diagnosed with cancer.

What are some of the most common cancers in dogs?

Like their human companions, dogs can develop many different types of cancer, such as mammary cancers, lymphoma, leukemia, osteosarcomas, mast cell tumors and skin cancers, to name a few. According to the Veterinary Cancer Society, mammary tumors are the most common cancer seen in dogs.

Are there diagnostic tests or exams that should be done regularly to try to detect cancer in dogs?

To improve the chances of early cancer detection, you should take your pet to your veterinarian at least once a year. Personally, I recommend animals over 6 years of age be seen twice a year. Your veterinarian will do a complete examination, checking your dog from head to tail to look for:

• Abnormal skin growths (lumps and bumps)

• Enlarged organs or masses in your pet’s abdomen (belly)

• Abnormal heart or lung sounds, and abnormalities in the eyes, ears and mouth

These exams are important because veterinarians can discover things that you may never notice. However, not all cancers can be detected by physical examination, so your veterinarian may also recommend screening tests like blood work, urinalysis and radiographs (x-rays), to uncover underlying diseases like cancer. Depending on the age, sex and breed of your dog, your veterinarian may recommend one or all of these tests to help look for cancer.

Are some types of cancers more treatable than others?

Yes, all cancers are different and some are more treatable than others. The type of cancer, location, size, stage and response to treatment all affect the ultimate prognosis. With many cancers, the earlier the treatment is started, the better the prognosis, and ultimately, the longer the survival times. That's why it is so important to bring your dog to the veterinarian for examinations at least once a year.

Do chemotherapy and radiation treatments affect dogs the way they affect human cancer patients?

While remission is the ultimate goal, quality of life is equally as important. As a result, cancer treatments in dogs are generally less aggressive than regimens used in people. Therefore, pets typically do not suffer from some of the troubling side effects seen in people, such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss and extreme fatigue. If side effects occur, your veterinarian will adjust the treatment to ensure that your pet remains as comfortable as possible.

The goal of cancer therapy in dogs, like with many other diseases, is early diagnosis and treatment. In order to give your dogs the best odds of beating cancer, make sure your dog gets regular check-ups, take advantage of recommended screening tests, and become familiar with the common signs and symptoms of cancer in pets so you can look-out for them at home. If you want to know more about cancer, speak with your veterinarian and visit Veterinary Cancer Society (www.vetcancersociety.org) or Animal Cancer Foundation (www.acfoundation.org).

---

Hear From Us Again

Don't forget to subscribe to our email newsletter for more recipes, articles, and clinic updates delivered straight to your e-mail inbox.

Related Categories:

Dog Health

Diabetes Ketoacidosis (DKA) - A Complication of Diabetes in Cats and Dogs

Unfortunately, as veterinarians, we are seeing an increased prevalence of diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats. This is likely due to the growing prevalence of obesity (secondary to inactive lifestyle, a high carbohydrate diet, lack of exercise, etc.). You're probably wondering if you just had a dog or cat diagnosed with diabetes mellitus—what do you do? First, we encourage you to take a look at these articles for an explanation of the disease:

• Diabetes in Cats

• Diabetes in Dogs

This article will teach you about life-threatening complications that can occur as a result of the disease; specifically, a life-threatening condition called diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA) so that you know how to help prevent it.

What is DKA?

When diabetes goes undiagnosed or difficult to control or regulate, the complication of DKA can occur. DKA develops because the body is so lacking in insulin that the sugar can’t get into the cells — resulting in cell starvation. Cell starvation causes the body to start breaking down fat in an attempt to provide energy (or a fuel source) to the body. Unfortunately, these fat breakdown products, called “ketones,” are also poisonous to the body.

Symptoms of DKA

Clinical signs of DKA include the following:

• Weakness

• Not moving (in cats, hanging out by the water bowl)

• Not eating or complete anorexia

• Vomiting

• Excessive thirst and urination (clear, dilute urine)

• Large urinary clumps in the litter box (anything bigger than a tennis ball is abnormal)

• Weight loss (most commonly over the back), despite an overweight body condition

• Obesity

• Flaky skin coat

• Excessively dry or oily skin coat

• Abnormal breath (typically a sweet “ketotic” odor)

• Diarrhea
  

In severe cases DKA can also result in more significant signs:

• Abnormal breathing pattern

• Jaundice

• Abdominal pain (sometimes due to the secondary problem of pancreatitis)

• Tremors or seizures

• Coma

• Death

What can cause DKA?

When DKA occurs, it’s often triggered by an underlying medical problem such as an infection or metabolic (organ) problem. Some common problems that we see with DKA include the following:

• Pancreatitis

• Urinary tract infection

• Chronic kidney failure

• Endocrine diseases (e.g., hyperadrenocorticism [when the body makes too much steroid], or hyperthyroidism [an overactive thyroid gland])

• Lung disease (such as pneumonia)

• Heart disease (such as congestive heart failure)

• Liver disease (such as fatty changes to the liver)

• Cancer

Diagnosing DKA

While diagnosing DKA is simple, by looking at the blood sugar levels of dogs and cats and by measuring the presence of these fat breakdown products in the urine or blood, treatment can be costly (running between $3-5000). A battery of tests and diagnostics need to be performed, to look for underlying problems listed above, and treatment typically requires aggressive therapy and 24/7 hospitalization.

Treatment of DKA

Treatment, typically, is required for 3-7 days, and includes the following:

• A special intravenous catheter called a “central line” (placed to aid in frequent blood draws)

• Aggressive intravenous fluids

• Electrolyte supplementation and monitoring

• Blood sugar monitoring

• A fast acting or ultra fast acting insulin, regular or Lispro, typically given intravenously or in the muscle

• Blood pressure monitoring

• Nutritional support (often in the form of a temporary feeding tube)

• Anti-vomiting or anti-nausea medication

• Antibiotics

• Long-term blood sugar monitoring and a transition to a longer-acting insulin

Thankfully, with aggressive supportive care, many patients with DKA do well as long as pet parents are prepared for the long-term commitment (including twice-a-day insulin, frequent veterinary visits to monitor the blood sugar, and the ongoing costs of insulin, syringes, etc.).

Preventing DKA

By following your veterinarian’s guidelines and recommendations you can help regulate and control your pet’s diabetic state better and monitor your pet carefully for clinical signs. For example, if your pet is still excessively thirsty or urinating frequently despite insulin therapy, they are likely poorly controlled and need an adjustment of their insulin dose (of course, never adjust your pet’s insulin or medications without consulting your veterinarian).

When in doubt remember that the sooner you detect a problem in your dog or cat, the less expensive that problem is to treat. If you notice any clinical signs of diabetes mellitus or DKA, seek immediate veterinary attention. Most importantly, blood glucose curves (when a veterinarian measures your pet’s response to their insulin level) often need to be done multiple times per year (especially in the beginning stages of diabetes mellitus).

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian.

Related reading:

• Diabetes in Cats

• Diabetes in Dogs

---

Hear From Us Again

Don't forget to subscribe to our email newsletter for more recipes, articles, and clinic updates delivered straight to your e-mail inbox.

Related Categories:

dog health, cat health

Can dogs get breast cancer? Learn about Mammary Tumors in Dogs

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Every October, we are reminded to spread the word about breast cancer prevention and early detection. That awareness extends to our dogs as well.

What is a mammary tumor (breast cancer)?

A mammary tumor develops as a result of abnormal replication of the cells that make up the breast tissue. Mammary tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). These two forms of the disease have different diagnostics, treatments, management, and prognosis.

There are several different types of malignant mammary tumors, with carcinomas being the most common. Carcinomas arise from epithelial (skin) cells, tubules of the mammary glands, or other cells found in the mammary chain. There are other cancers that can affect mammary glands, including osteosarcomas.

What causes this cancer?

The exact causes for the development of mammary tumors in dogs are not fully understood. It is well known that exposure to specific hormones, namely progesterone, increases the risk for developing mammary cancers in dogs. This is because progesterone stimulates growth factors (molecules that stimulate specific processes in the body) that cause mammary cells to multiply (i.e., replicate).

The incidence of these tumors is related to whether a dog is intact or has had an ovariohysterectomy (i.e., has been spayed). Dogs spayed prior to their first heat (also called estrus) have only a 0.5% risk of developing mammary tumor(s). However, after a first or second heat, this dramatically increases to a risk of 8% and 26%, respectively. Age also appears to play a role; the risk of tumor development significantly increases once a dog reaches 7 years of age and continues increasing until 11-13 years of age. This increased risk is breed dependent indicating that there is a genetic component.

Certain breeds appear to be more commonly affected, including Chihuahuas, Poodles, Dachshunds, Yorkshire Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Brittany Spaniels, English Setters, Boxer Dogs, and Doberman Pinchers. Research in veterinary medicine continues, but to-date we still know little about which genes and mutations can lead to the development of mammary tumors in dogs. In human medicine, research has established a definite relationship between the BRCA gene (or breast cancer gene) and the development of breast cancer

What are the signs that my dog has this type of tumor?

The most common clinical sign of a malignant mammary tumor is one (or more) palpable masses underneath the skin of the abdomen. They may be next to or within the nipple and follow along the mammary chain. The size of the mass(es) and their appearance may vary, but they are usually firm and nodular. Occasionally the skin over the mass may ulcerate (open) and bleed, and the affected area may feel warm to the touch and become painful. The mammary gland may even develop a discharge.

If the tumor has metastasized (spread to other areas of the body), other signs may become evident. Your dog may generally feel unwell, eat less, become lethargic, and lose weight. If the lungs are involved, your dog may have problems with breathing or develop a cough.

How is this type of tumor diagnosed?

These tumors are typically found as either singular or multiple nodules along your dog’s abdomen during a physical exam. Other procedures are then performed to determine the type of tumor and whether it is benign or malignant.

A common procedure to diagnose this tumor is a fine needle aspiration (FNA). FNA involves taking a small needle with a syringe and suctioning a sample of cells directly from the tumor and placing them on a microscope slide. A veterinary pathologist then examines the slide under a microscope.

In some cases, results from FNA may not be entirely clear and a biopsy or removal of the entire tumor may be necessary. Pieces of the tumor are then examined by a veterinary pathologist under the microscope. This is called histopathology. Histopathology is not only helpful to make a diagnosis but can indicate whether it is benign or malignant, and therefore how the tumor is likely to behave.

Given the risk of metastasis (spread to other areas of the body) with malignant mammary tumors, your veterinarian may also recommend staging (searching for potential spread to other locations in the body). This may include bloodwork, urinalysis, X-rays of the lungs, and possibly an abdominal ultrasound. The lymph nodes associated with the mammary glands may be sampled by FNA even if they seem normal.

How do malignant mammary tumors typically progress?

The way malignant mammary tumors typically progress is entirely dependent on the type and size of the tumor(s), and whether metastasis has occurred. Larger tumors (those greater than 3 cm) and those with evidence of spread have a poor prognosis. Tumors smaller than 1 cm have a better prognosis. Detecting and treating these tumors when they are small and before spread has occurred will provide your dog with the best chance for long-term control.

What are the treatments for this type of tumor?

For dogs with solitary mammary tumors, surgery is by far the best treatment. If there is only one small mass and staging shows no evidence of spread, surgery may be the only treatment your dog receives.

For dogs with multiple tumors of one or both mammary chains, the associated – or all – of the mammary glands may need to be removed. If your dog is intact, an ovariohysterectomy (spay) is recommended and may be done at the same time as the mammary gland removal.

For dogs with larger tumors or evidence of spread to other areas of the body, chemotherapy is typically recommended. There is increasing evidence that radiation therapy may provide some benefit for dogs with inflammatory carcinomas in addition to chemotherapy. Your veterinarian will discuss the options that are best suited for your dog’s particular situation.

---

Hear From Us Again

Don't forget to subscribe to our email newsletter for more recipes, articles, and clinic updates delivered straight to your e-mail inbox.

Related Categories:

dog health

Your Dog's Gums and Problems to Watch For

Gums can be an often-overlooked part of a dog’s mouth, but they’re just as important to keep clean and healthy as your dog’s teeth! Below, learn more about what color your dog’s gums should be, gum problems to look out for, and how to help your dog maintain healthy gums.

What Color Should My Dog’s Gums Be?

If you want to know what healthy dog gums look like, look no further than the seafood bar at your local grocery store. Healthy gums should appear shrimp-colored pink and unhealthy gums will appear red and inflamed.

Certain diseases can cause discoloration of the gums. For instance, red, inflamed gums can be a sign of gingivitis. Gingivitis is caused by plaque, which is composed mostly of bacteria. Plaque can accumulate on the tooth surface especially in the space underneath the gum line. Gingivitis is also caused by the body's oral immune system reacting to the plaque bacteria on the teeth.

If your dog’s gums are other colors, that can also be indicative of additional health problems. If the gums are pale or white, that could be a sign of anemia. If the gums are blue that often means that your dog is not getting oxygen. If the gums are yellow in a dog, it can be a sign of Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can cause liver disease, and jaundice, which can also be a sign of liver disease.

Common Gum Problems in Dogs

Another sign of unhealthy gums? Bad breath. Bad breath or especially a sudden worsening of the breath is often associated with worsening of gum disease.

Gum disease is usually caused not by problems with the gums, but by bacteria on the teeth. So to take care of the gums, brush your dog's teeth. The best and most common way to prevent gum disease is to brush their teeth every day using a soft-bristle toothbrush. Brushing aside, you also can use products approved by your vet, such as dental-maintenance chews (we sell OrvoVet Dental Chews—just ask our receptionists!).

Periodontal disease is the most common cause of unhealthy gums, but other diseases such as immune-mediated inflammatory disease, bleeding disorders, gingival enlargements, and even oral cancers can also cause unhealthy gums. Periodontal disease is most common in dogs under 30 pounds. This is due to crowding—small dogs tend to have large teeth in a relatively small mouth.

Read more: Periodontal Disease and Treatment: Dental Scaling

Additionally, breeds like boxers can be prone to gum overgrowth, a benign condition that is genetic in nature. Although the condition itself is benign, it can result in an almost tumor-like overgrowths of gum tissue which can cause pseudopockets in the dog’s gums.

If you can imagine gum tissue growing up and around the tooth, you can imagine it forming this little nook, cranny or pocket between the overgrown gum and the tooth where fur and debris and food can get stuck and subsequently cause bad breath and infection.

Additional Gum Issues to Watch Out For

Younger dogs, and puppies especially, can come down with papillomatosis, or warts of the gums. Signs include the appearance of solitary, clusters, or even hundreds of warts. If you see one or two warts, don’t worry. Those will usually fall off in one to two months. Dogs with an abundance of warts, however, may need to have surgery to remove them.

Over time, the texture of an older dog’s gums can become more cobbled looking. A cobbled texture in and of itself is nothing to fret about, but cobbled gums can be a sign of cancer. Depending on the type of cancer, if the cobbled gums are accompanied by bad breath, oral pain, reluctance or difficulty chewing, and oral bleeding, seek out a vet to examine your pet.

However, rather than fret over textural changes, it's the color of the gums or if they are bleeding or look like they are going to bleed easily to be more concerned about.

Additionally, rough or intense chewing on a toy or a bone can cause gums to bleed. Sharp pieces of the chew toy could temporarily roughen up the gum. If this is the case, this gum condition normally is not a serious issue, unless the bleeding doesn’t stop. If bleeding lasts more than 10 minutes, it is advised to seek emergency treatment.

Bleeding gums could be a sign of oral cancer, kidney failure (high levels of ammonia can accumulate causing ulcerations and gum bleeding), or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (or ITP)—when the immune system destroys platelets so blood doesn’t clot. If a dog consumes rat poison, it also could cause their gums to bleed,

How Can Gum Problems Be Treated?

If you suspect your dog has gum problems, head to the vet. Your veterinarian will perform a complete dental exam under general anesthesia and take dental X-rays to determine the appropriate treatment.

Treatment is based on the results of the exam and X-rays, and may include anything from a good cleaning of the plaque and tartar on the tooth surface to periodontal surgery or even tooth extraction. If other diseases are suspected (like an immune disease or cancer), a gum biopsy can be obtained and observed.

If you suspect your dog already has a dental disease, it’s best to have a vet treat the condition first and then start an at-home gum-care program.

If your pet has a preexisting dental problem that could be associated with oral sensitivity, it may be beyond the point where tooth brushing is going to do any help. It’s just going to irritate the dog. When your pet has a mouthful of healthy teeth left, then is the time to start on a home-care program with tooth brushing!

---

Hear From Us Again

Don't forget to subscribe to our email newsletter for more recipes, articles, and clinic updates delivered straight to your e-mail inbox.

5 Big Questions to Ask About Pet Obesity - How to Check, What to Feed, and How to Exercise

Obesity is becoming prevalent among pets that come through clinic doors. This is an incredibly critical issue because pets with obesity are at increased risk for developing serious weight-related disorders such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disease, cancer, and more. We must do better.

To help you better care for your furry loved one, here are the top five questions you need to ask your veterinarian to keep your pet healthy. They’re simple, won’t embarrass you, and just may save a life.

Question #1: Is my pet overweight?

This is the most important question you must ask your veterinarian – and one your vet may not be eager to answer. Unbelievably, many veterinarians are simply afraid to tell if your pet is overweight. This is primarily due to the fact your vet doesn’t want to inadvertently offend you. Weight issues are tricky and loaded with perceived judgment, strong emotions, and social stigmas.

As a concerned pet owner, you need to understand your pet’s weight is one of the most influential factors of longevity, quality of life, and disease prevention. To answer this question, your vet will conduct a couple of measurements, determine a Body Condition Score, and determine your pet's current weight status.

Ask the question. Demand a thorough assessment. Don’t be offended if the answer isn’t what you expected. This isn’t personal; it’s your pet’s future.

Question #2: How many calories should I feed my pet each day?

We’ve got to be specific when it comes to feeding our pets. Don’t fall into the trap of inquiring, “How much should I feed?” You’ll get a generic, inaccurate response. We need precise numbers of calories and nutrients your pet needs. That way, regardless of the type, brand, or formulation of food you feed, you can determine how much to feed. This is a subtle, but incredibly significant difference.

Your vet should then ask you a few lifestyle questions, perform a couple of calculations, and give you a narrow range of calories. Memorize this number. Find out how many cups or cans of your pet food this equals. Feed that amount. Don't forget to include any treats in your daily caloric counts. Those tiny “calorie grenades” can swiftly sabotage the best dietary plans.

Question #3: How much weight should my pet lose in a month?

If your pet is like most dogs and cats, it’ll need to shed a few unhealthy pounds of excess fat. You need to ask how much weight your pet needs to shed and how long will it take to reach a healthy weight. I prefer to think in terms of pounds per month due to practicality and performance. Monthly weight checks are practical and reasonable for even the busiest pet owners. A weight loss plan’s performance is critical to track and monitoring monthly trends is an accurate indicator of success or stagnation.

In general terms, a dog can safely lose 1 to 3-percent of its body weight and cats 0.5 to 2-percent per month. Many dogs can lose 3 to 5-percent and most cats should aim for about a half-pound per month. Losing weight isn’t easy or fast for pets, especially cats. If you put your pet on a crash diet, they can develop serious medical conditions, including a life-threatening form of liver failure that can occur in less than 72 hours. Patience is essential for pet weight loss. Most canine patients will have a 3 to 6-month weight loss plan and cats 9 to 12-months. Your vet will formulate a step-weight loss plan that will gradually decrease the amount you’re feeding over a 1 to 3-month period. This will help curtail cravings, begging, and late-night pestering. There will be some unhappy pooches and purr babies when you institute a diet. Your vet should provide you with tips on preventing these behaviors and transitioning to a new weight-loss diet.

Question #4: What kind of exercise should my pet do?

Most vets and pet owners focus on how long a pet should exercise each day. Instead, ask your vet what types of activities are best based on your pet’s species, breed, age, gender, current physical abilities, and interests.

Walking, swimming, agility, chase, ball retrieving, and remote-controlled toys – the opportunities for physical activity with your pet are endless. The general recommendation is that dogs need at least 30-minutes of physical activity a day and cats should strive for three 5-minute intense play periods. How you spend those minutes will determine if you do it or don’t. Make your outings enjoyable, entertaining, and interactive.
Cat owners, please don’t forget to ask this question. Whether you play with a feather duster or laser pointer, move the food bowl, or use a hip, high-tech toy, engage your cat’s inner predator and encourage it to pounce, leap, and prowl every day.

Did you know there are electronic gadgets that can monitor your pet's activity? They’re a great tool to document how much your pet is walking or playing each day. Better yet, you can share these reports with your vet to spot any deficiencies or ways to maximize your training.

Question #5: Is my pet at risk for a medical problem due to excess weight?

This is a profoundly serious question that you need to understand for your pet’s future. Dogs and cats carrying extra fat are at greater risk for developing debilitating diabetes, crippling arthritis, deadly high blood pressure, kidney disease, and many forms of catastrophic cancer. You need to have a frank conversation with your vet to find out if your pet is potentially facing one of these conditions. If so, what can you do to cut those odds? The most crucial decision you make each day about your pet’s health is what you choose to feed it. Choose wisely; your pet’s life depends on it.

It’s never too late to reduce your pet’s chances of contracting one of these grim disorders. Early recognition and awareness are the best defense against many diseases. Ask the question.

There are many more topics you need to discuss during your time with your veterinarian, but your pet’s weight should be covered at every exam. The few minutes you spend on diet and weight could well be the difference between two additional years of high-quality life or a shortened, suffering final stage of life. Take the time to write down these questions, ask your vet, and act on the answers. Together, you and your vet can chart a course for a better, longer, and happier life for your pet loved one. It’s worth it.

---

Hear From Us Again

Don't forget to subscribe to our email newsletter for more recipes, articles, and clinic updates delivered to your inbox (here). Or, you can keep up to date by liking and following our Facebook page (here).

Related: We have more information under dog health + client care.