Spleen Cancer In Dogs Symptoms: What Are The Warning Signs?
Spleen cancer in dogs is a malignant tumor that develops in the spleen. This type of tumor can develop slowly and some dogs may display non-specific (general) symptoms of none at all during the early stages.
Non-Specific Spleen Cancer in Dogs Symptoms
reduced appetite
vomiting
lethargy
weight loss
Eventually, the tumor ruptures and results in internal hemorrhage. Excessive blood loss can be life-threatening.
Specific Spleen Cancer in Dogs Symptoms
When there is blood loss, dogs may show the following symptoms:
distended abdomen
weakness
pale gums
difficulty breathing
anemia
collapse
As a pet owner, you should be aware of the above canine spleen cancer symptoms or any changes in your dog’s health and behaviour. If the tumor is detected early, the spleen can be removed before the tumor ruptures and bleeds.
Canine spleen cancer, especially splenic hemangiosarcoma, is highly aggressive and tends to spread quickly to other organs. Early detection and treatment with surgery and chemotherapy may prolong survival times.
There are 2 types of liver cancer in dogs:
- metastatic
- primary
Metastatic liver cancer in dogs
Metastatic liver cancer is tumor that has spread from other parts of the body. This is the most common type of liver cancer in dogs. Treatment depends on the stage of metastasis. Due to the aggressive nature of this tumor, prognosis is not good.
Curcumin is a natural yellow compound derived from turmeric. The latter comes from the root of Curcuma Longa plant and is a staple ingredient in curry dishes.
Curcumin has been used in Ayurvedic (Indian) and Chinese medicine for more than 5000 years. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-viral and anti-microbial properties. Hence, it is one of the most promising phytochemicals for fighting a range of diseases. Extensive research has shown curcumin’s therapeutic efficacy against cancer. It is generally safe, even when ingested in large amounts.
Commercial raw dog food is a convenient alternative to homemade raw food. It is available as freeze dried or dehydrated raw dog food. These are specially formulated raw meats, vegetables and fruits, where moisture has been removed by freezing or dehydration. You only need to rehydrate with water prior to feeding to your dog.
Make sure you choose a commercial raw dog food that is balanced. Always check the label to ensure that the formulation is “nutritionally complete” or “a complete diet” for all dogs/puppies.
Characteristics of high quality, commercial raw food for dogs
By nature, dogs are carnivores that are designed to eat raw meat. This is also true for other carnivores such as cats, tigers, lions, bears and wolves.
I remember the numerous times when my cat proudly brought back a dead rat in her mouth or my dog ate a dead bird in the garden. Yet, neither my cat nor dog had any ill effects.
For thousand of years, dogs thrive on raw meat in the wild. Dogs are virtually domesticated wolves. So if you think of wolves, they hunt and eat various parts of a prey: muscle meat, organ meat, meaty bone and guts (which contain grains or greens)… all raw, just like nature intended.
Why feed raw food diet to dogs
Dogs are designed to eat unprocessed foods. Feeding a raw food diet is nothing new as it resembles a canine ancestral diet.
Raw food contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids. Cooking, heat or high processing destroys/alters these nutrients, rendering them unavailable or toxic to a dog’s health.
K9 Immunity is an immune enhancement supplement for dogs with cancer. It is made from the same pharmaceutical grade immuno-modulating compounds as the human grade Immune-Assist. The latter has been used in human patients for more than 6 years.
Does K9 Immunity work?
While K9 Immunity is not a miracle cure for cancer in dogs, it has been shown to increase quality of life and remission time, relieve side effects of chemotherapy and improve response to other therapies.
K9 Immunity contains polysaccharides derived from 6 species of medicinal mushrooms. Human and animal clinical studies have shown that these compounds have anti-tumor effects through the activation of immune system and reduce the adverse side effects of conventional cancer treatment (radiotherapy and chemotherapy).
According to the manufacturer, K9 Immunity has been used in thousands of dogs with cancer. Check out some of K9 Immunity success stories and testimonials here.
Canine malignant mouth cancer can be divided into:
- locally invasive
- metastatic (spread to other parts of the body)
Locally invasive malignant mouth tumors are fibrosarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Metastatic malignant mouth tumors are melanoma and osteosarcoma.
Canine Mouth Cancer – Locally Invasive
1. Fibrosarcoma
Fibrosarcoma often develops on the gums. Although locally invasive (bone invasion), it may spread to the lungs. Oral fibrosarcoma is treated with surgery and/or radiation therapy. The recurrence rate is about 40-65% after surgery.
2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Although this tumor usually affects the gum, it can also form on the tongue and tonsils.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue:
- usually invades the bone
- about 5-10% metastatic rate
- often recur following treatment
Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and tonsils:
- tend to spread to local lymph nodes and lungs
- high recurrence rate
Oral squamous cell carcinoma is treated with surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. Tumors located in the front part of the jaw are easier to treat and have better prognosis.
Canine Mouth Cancer – Metastatic
1. Melanoma
Melanoma is the most common canine mouth cancer. It usually occurs in dogs with dark pigmented oral mucosa and located on the gum. Melanoma is highly metastatic. By the time it is diagnosed, the tumor is likely to have spread to local lymph nodes or lungs.
The conventional canine melanoma treatment is surgery and/or radiation. In January 2010, canine melanoma vaccine ONCEPT gained full approval from USDA for treatment of oral melanoma in dogs. This therapeutic vaccine is used in combination with surgery and/or radiation therapy.
2. Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone cancer.
Tumor located in the upper jaw: highly metastatic, prognosis is poor.
Tumor is located in the lower jaw: lower risk of spread, so prognosis is generally better.
Treatment for oral osteosarcoma is surgery and/or chemotherapy
The primary treatment for mouth cancer in dogs is surgery. The tumor and a wide margin of healthy tissue surrounding it are removed. This may involve removing part or whole of the upper or lower jaw. The cosmetic appearance is often good despite removal of large portion of the jaw bone.
Radiation therapy is used when tumor is not completely excised or surgical removal of tumor is not possible. In the latter case, radiation therapy is used as palliative treatment.
Chemotherapy may be recommended for certain oral tumors that metastasise.
Tumors located on the front part of mouth or lower jaw are easier to remove and tend not to spread.
Tumors at the back of the mouth, tongue, tonsils or upper jaw are metastatic and have a poor prognosis.
The information on this website, in emails, reports and guides is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care of a veterinarian. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any pet health problems or illnesses without consulting your veterinarian.
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Dangers Of Commercial Pet Food Exposed!
The terrifying truths about commercial dog food that kills thousands of dogs across the US every single day revealed in 'Dog Food Secrets'
