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).

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11 Ways You're Shortening Your Dog's Life

As pet parents, we like to think that we are providing a healthy, happy life for our dogs. We feed them top quality food, give them lots of love, and toss the ball around the backyard whenever we have the time. But, there is a lot more that goes into raising a healthy pup. And sometimes, our busy lifestyles cause us to overlook some simple measures that could help to extend the lifespan of our canines.

The good news, however, is that all of this is repairable and it’s never too late to bump up the level of care that we put into raising our pets. So, just what could be shortening your pet’s life?

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Letting your dog gain too much weight

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 53 percent of dogs were overweight last year. In addition to that, the association found that 95 percent of the owners of these obese dogs incorrectly identified their pets as being at a normal weight. Letting your dog get too heavy can not only reduce their life span but also their quality of life. You may not realize this, but dogs do not process or break down food like we do.

For example, when a dog eats 1 ounce of cheddar cheese, it is equivalent in calories to a human eating 1.5 hamburgers or 3 chocolate bars. And it’s not just people food that presents the issue—some dogs are simply being fed too much dog food or treats. A simple way of remembering? Treat each treat like a candy bar. Would you give your child 8 candy bars a day? Hardly.

Solution: Limit the amount of people food you give to your pup and monitor their kibble intake. Don’t forget to increase your pets' exercise routines, even if that means getting creative. Can’t go outside? Put your pup on a leash and walk them around inside. It may sound silly, but anything to get them moving helps!

If the weight still isn't coming off, consult your veterinarian, as they may want to put your pet on a dietary program. Your vet may also be able to help identify an underlying disorder, like hyperadrenocorticism or hypothyroidism, that may be contributing to weight gain.

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Neglecting canine dental care

Periodontal disease (gum disease), is a common problem in dogs. As the American Humane Society reports, veterinarians estimate that 85 percent of dogs over five years of age suffer from the condition, which develops after food and bacteria collect along the gum line and form plaque in a dog’s mouth. A build-up of oral bacteria can ultimately lead to all sorts of health problems for your pet, including heart valve problems and infections within the kidneys.

Solution: Grab a toothbrush and start scrubbing your dog’s teeth as often as you can.

Surprisingly enough, it's not that difficult to brush your dog's teeth—the finger brush works great. There are chew toys and bones that assist in reducing plaque, as well as water additives that help maintain oral health. It’s also a good idea to schedule a visit with your veterinarian for a professional cleaning session at least once each year.

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Skipping annual check ups

While it may be a two-person-job to get your dog into the veterinarian on an annual basis, doing so may save their life. Simply getting your dog seen once or twice a year by a veterinarian can help improve life span, even for seemingly healthy dogs. Even if your dog is acting normally, something could be brewing inside. In some cases, by the time symptoms appear, there isn’t much we can do. But if we get treatment started early, that can help to improve a dog’s quality and quantity of life.

Solution: It is recommend taking your pup in for an annual or bi-annual physical (especially for dogs over the age of 7). If there have been underlying conditions in the past, pet parents should ask for yearly blood work to follow up on such ailments. It is ideal to keep pets up to date on vaccinations to protect them from rabies, canine distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and bordatella.

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Not providing daily exercise

Just because your pet played hard at the dog park on Monday doesn’t mean that you can forgo giving them any exercise until Thursday. Exercise not only helps to keep the weight off, it also provides mental stimulation for your pup. Keeping up your pet’s fitness routine gives them a healthy way to expel energy, engage their mind, and improve overall mood.

Solution: Find an activity you and your dog both enjoy and work it into your daily routine. As an added bonus, people who exercise with their pets tend to lose more weight themselves. If you don’t have time to drive to the dog park five days a week, mix up your routine. Take your dog on walks around the block (or in the house), toss the ball in the backyard, or play a game of hide-and-seek in your house.

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Exposing your dog to second-hand smoke

Just like humans, canine lungs are not equipped to handle smoke being blown at them all day. Second-hand smoke can be extremely detrimental to pets, causing all sorts of ailments, such as an increased cancer risk and harmful respiratory issues.

Solution: Obviously the ideal way to tackle this situation is to abstain from smoking yourself. But if the habit is important to your lifestyle, then it’s a good idea to make sure that you do it away from your dog. Keep your dog in the house while you go outside on the patio to smoke.

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Forgetting about heartworm and flea and tick prevention

These measures are just as important as remembering to keep up with your dog’s vaccinations. Flea, heartworm, and tick control is critical. Tiny critters spread diseases, some of which are life threatening. Fortunately there are many prevention options available from your veterinarian—from collars and topical spot-ons to oral medications.

Solution: For the safest and most promising approach, purchase only veterinary approved products and to follow the recommended dosage guidelines. Don't forget to set reminders in your calendar for when your pets are due for their next dose of preventive treatment.

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Pushing certain breeds too hard

Small and toy dog breeds, as well as brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, have very different exercise requirements than other types of dogs. For instance, English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pekingese, and Boxer types should not be exercised in extreme heat, as it can be life threatening to them.

Solution: Make sure to speak to your veterinarian about how much and what type of exercise is best for your breed. And if you feel like your dog is trying to tell you that you are overdoing the workout, listen to them. Symptoms such as excessive panting, dropping to the ground in the middle of a workout, or lethargic (weak and tired) tendencies mean that you should stop and let your dog rest immediately.

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Feeding your dog table scraps

In addition to adding extra and unnecessary calories to your dog’s diet, pet parents risk inducing pancreatitis by feeding their dog fatty table scrap. Many foods that humans consume are extremely high in fats and sugars compared to what our pets should be exposed to. In addition, certain human foods—including garlic and chocolate—can be toxic to pets if consumed.

Solution: If you have a hard time saying no to those pleading eyes, offer your dog a healthy treat like baby carrots or apple slices. If your dog begs at the table, feed them their meal in another room while the family eats dinner to cut down on under-the-table handouts. Pet parents should also take a moment to familiarize themselves with what foods are considered dangerous for dogs.

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Letting your dog outside unsupervised

Letting your dog roam free without you watching opens the door for a whole world of possible tragedies. Cars, coyotes or other predators, unscrupulous people—they're all out there. Don't let your dogs roam the streets unattended, even if they are tagged and microchipped.

Solution: Keep your dog on a leash at all times when walking outside. If you take your dog to the park, be a responsible pet parent and make sure to monitor their play sessions. If you notice a coyote or a potential predator, remove your dog from the situation immediately.

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Not socializing your dog

Dogs who fail to get socialized don’t get the same “bite” out of life as their happy, socialized counterparts. They often develop anxiety and fear-related issues, even dermatologic issues, and they don't enjoy walks in the same way. Similarly a dog that has no human interaction, no fun, and no playtime can get depressed.

Solution: Take your puppy at a young age (once fully vaccinated and cleared by your veterinarian) to training classes and puppy meet-ups where they can get to know other dogs. Let your dog stop and greet other dogs while out on a walk or host other dogs in your yard for puppy play dates.

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Not spaying or neutering

Forgoing spaying and neutering can be dangerous to your dog’s health. Spaying and neutering is still the best way to guarantee reducing the risk of several cancers, let alone the behavioral issues you can see with intact dogs.

Additionally, each heat cycle that a female dog goes through makes her more prone to the development of mammary cancer. Intact males are also more likely to develop prostatic diseases and testicular cancer than their neutered counterparts.

Solution: You can arrange to have a spay or neuter procedure done at your veterinary office. If cost is an issue, there are many clinics that offer low cost procedures; just call your local pet clinics and shelters to find out when they are having a special on the procedure. And as far as when to have the procedure done, there are different guidelines for different breeds. There have been many modifications made with regards to large breed dogs and when is the best time is. For this reason, you should discuss and plan the procedure out with your vet.

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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.

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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.

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