Mouth Cancer In Dogs Symptoms: What To Look Out For

Mouth cancer in dogs accounts for 6% of all canine cancers. It is the 4th most common cancer in dogs. Oral tumors are either benign or malignant. Benign tumors do not spread and can successfully be removed by surgery. Malignant tumors are locally invasive or tend to metastasise, so they require more aggressive treatment.

(Photo: tanakawho)

Symptoms of Mouth Cancer in Dogs

- lump or mass in the mouth
- facial swelling
- bad breath
- excessive drooling
- difficulty with eating and drinking
- weight loss
- no appetite
- oral bleeding
- displaced or loss of teeth

Diagnosis of Mouth Cancer in Dogs

- visual inspection of lump/mass
- complete blood count, biochemical profile, urinalysis
- fine needle aspirate or biopsy of tumor to determine tumor grade and stage
- oral x-rays or CT scan to determine extent of tumor invasion
- chest x-rays to determine any tumor spread to lungs
- fine needle biopsy of any enlarged lymph node
- analysis of the entire tissue removed by surgery to determine if all tumor has been removed and/or any further treatment required

See also: Mouth Cancer in Dogs Treatment Options

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