for eMaxHealthDog Cancer
Dog cancer is back in the news again, this time as a result of a record $30 million fundraising campaign started by the Morris Animal Foundation which will fund canine cancer research at the University of Illinois.
Lymphosarcoma is the most common tumor that occurs in dogs. The malignant tumor is usually found in dogs between the ages of eight and twelve, unfortunately the cause of this tumor is still unknown, and is usually fatal. There are two types of treatment that can be done, if you catch the tumors early enough, both treatments can prolong your dogs life for about another eight months to a year, but these treatments do not cure the dog.
Since the tumor can occur in any organ or location in the body it is hard to decipher the symptoms. The symptoms that your dog will experience will depend on which organ the tumor is in. If you see any major changes in your dogs behavior, or think he has been sick for a while you should see your vet.
If the tumor starts in the digestive system you will see symptoms that reflect problems with food in general. This could cause your dog to have prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. This weight loss can occur even if your dog seems to be eating the same amount that they always have. The liver and spleen could also become enlarged and this enlargement will make the belly look big.
eMaxHealth welcomes yourcomments and feedback on this story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
Comments
#1 Re: Dog Cancer: Recognizing Lymphosarcoma In Your Dog
I found out on September 26, 2011 that my 9 year old shih tzu had a tumor in his throat. He was diagnosed with squamoscell carcinoma. Surgery was risky because the tumor was located behind the soft palate and tonsils. I couldn't put my baby through chemo and watch him be sick everyday. The doctor prescribed Rimadyl. For three weeks he was doing great and on Tuesday evening he went down. He didn't eat or drink for two days and cried all day and night. I had to put him to sleep on Saturday. My heart broke on November 5, 2011 at 5:12 p.m. I lost a big part of my family.
#2 Re: Dog Cancer: Recognizing Lymphosarcoma In Your Dog
Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences. I have just found that my dog - 11 years old Lhasa Apso has throat cancer. The tumor is a size of quail egg. He has breathing problems from time to time. It is heart breaking to see him suffer. When he gives me this sad look, my heart trembles. But I have made my mind that i would do the best interest of his welfare and make sure he is not suffering whatever it takes. Esther
#3 Re: Dog Cancer: Recognizing Lymphosarcoma In Your Dog
My dog has a growth in her throat. We were told that our option was to go Auburn and the specialist could "get it out" (2 years ago) and she could have radiation and chemo for $5000. We love our dog but decided to give her a quality life instead. The lump has grown almost to the size of a softball, but she acts completely normal. When she starts to get worse we plan to get medication and put her out of misery as soon as it gets bad. But I am actually surprised that she is acting completely normal. When she runs, sometimes I can hear her breathing differently and she tends to swallow more than usual but that is all I have noticed. She has lived 2 years past that time, and we are very happy with our decision. She is still as loving and acts like there is nothing wrong. It is sad to lose a pet, but we should all be realistic. You never know how fast or slow they go. Just make them happy, they are here for a short time. There is always a pet looking for a new home and the life you give your pet as a loving pet owner is a wonderful thing. Our choices are all personal decisions but I wanted to share this story with you to give you hope that if you do not choose all the chemo and radiation that your dog may actually end up happier and live longer than you may expect. My dog is 9 year old lab hound mix.
#4 Re: Dog Cancer: Recognizing Lymphosarcoma In Your Dog
Heart-warming story with a powerful message. Thank you for sharing.
#5 Re: Dog Cancer: Recognizing Lymphosarcoma In Your Dog
I just came back from the vet after I was alarmed by my silky terrier who cried softly and kept his head sideways. I took him immediately to the vet who suspects a tumor. Can a tumor show up overnight ? 2 months ago Wiski had his vaccines and after a cou[le of days a small swelling on one side of his neck showed up. I took him immediately to the vet who gave him an injection and said it was a reaction to the yearly vaccin. Indeed the little swelling disappeared after a couple of days but today The tumor is on the same spot . Tomorrow I will see another vet. Help, I am heartbroken and really upset.
#6 Re: Dog Cancer: Recognizing Lymphosarcoma In Your Dog
What are the symptoms we should check for?
electric dog fence
#7 Lymphosarcoma
my dog cloe has lymphosarcoma and is on chemotherapy. she's not eating and her breathing is bad. is there anything to help her? has someone has the same with her/his dog? what happen next?
Thank you, please help.
#8 Throat cancer
My 7 year old Shepard mix was just diagnosed with throat cancer. The vet doesn'tkno if it's squamoscell carcinoma or lymphoma, but told me the prognosis is not good. I'm seeinhg a veterinary oncologist and will have more to report.
#9 Something to help canine throat cancer
Folks, one of my small dogs, 9pounds, lived an extra 14 quality months with the use of Piroxicam. When I refused radiation treatment, the veterinary oncologist told me in exasperation "Well, I GUESS you can use Piroxicam!!!"
Asked my general vet about this & he agreed it would be a better choice as radiation BURNS tissue in their mouths and throat that is very painful. Seems Piroxicam works well for canine throat cancers.
My little Vinny perked up after 2 days on the pills and started running and prancing again like he was 4yrs old instead of 10... He stayed that way for 14mos, until just a few days before he died, as the cancer had spread to his organs. My vet has seen the terrible, painful damage that radiation can do, with no more time granted, so Piroxicam is a savior for many dogs. Some dogs don’t respond, and as is always the case, research it on the internet. I know how well Vinny responded to it and I am forever grateful that he stayed with us another 14mos and was spry the whole time…
I was able to get the Piroxicam from the "Pet Health Pharmacy" in Youngtown, AZ. They mail prescriptions anywhere. I live close, so I was in there every couple of months. They do a great service and make anything you need. They're a compounding pharmacy & have a Women's Pharmacy division as well.
My heart goes out to you - my best wishes for you and your beloved dog.
Mary in AZ
#10 Throat tumor
I just got home from the vet with my 11 yr. old shihtzu . She has been snoring loudly and even when she is awake sounds like she is snoring. The vet today found a tumor in her throat. She did a biopsy and said she was pretty sure it was melinoma. She said we could take her to UT for a second opinion or chemo. My question is what are her chances if we just remove the tumor and have no chemo. Oh and her lympnoids in her throat are swollen. The node on the left side is about the size of a golf ball. I dont what her to have to suffer but I can t stand the thoughts of having to put her down. I dont want to do chemo because I know that will make her feel awful and chances are it wont help.
I was hoping someone out there has had a dog with this and can help me decide what to do.
#11 Throat Tumor
I just got home with my, almost 9yr old, Lab and I have the same issue. I am seeing a specialist in four days, but from everything I have read, it does not sound good. There does not seem to be a cure and even if you do everything possible, you might only get another 20 months from your pet. I am going to have to way my options heavly, as I want my buddy to live as long as possible, but to live comfortably as well.