Other Types of Cancer

Canine Mammary Carcinoma - Female dogs are at high risk for developing malignant mammary tumors. Mammary tumors are the most common types of tumors in non-spayed female dogs. While 40 percent to 50 percent of these tumors are malignant, complete surgical removal is often curative.

Canine Squamous Cell Carcinomas - Squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common cancers found in dogs. Common sites are the mouth and the toes (nailbeds). Early detection and complete surgical removal is the treatment of choice and fewer than 20% develop metastatic disease. SCC of the tonsil and tongue are quite aggressive and fewer than 10% survive 1 year or longer despite treatment measures.

Canine Mast Cell Tumors - A common malignant tumor in dogs is the mast cell tumor. Mast cells are immune cells that are responsible for allergies. Mast cells can be found in all tissues of the body but typically form tumors on the skin in close to 20 percent in the canine population. MCTs range from relatively benign to extremely aggressive, leading to tumor spread and eventual death. Particular breeds of dog are at risk for the development of this tumor, indicating a role for genetic factors.

Malignant Histiocytosis - Malignant histiocytosis (MH), while rare in people, occurs frequently in certain breeds of dogs including Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, Flat-Coated Retrievers and Bernese Mountain Dogs. There is no reported effective therapy for this disease and nearly all patients die within two to four months of diagnosis. Recent work suggests Lomustine (CCNU) is helpful in extending pet survival.

Brain Tumors - Tumors in the brain may occur in dogs and cats as primary or as metastatic tumors. Epileptic-like seizures or other extreme behavioral changes may be the only clinical signs. CAT scanning will allow precise localization of these lesions. Surgical excision followed by radiation therapy is the indicated treatment if the tumor is in an accessible portion of the skull. Radiation therapy alone can control some inoperable tumors.

Bladder Cancer - Bladder cancer occurs in dogs with some breeds, Westhighland Terriers, at higher risk than others. This is a slow developing cancer and pets may not show symptoms for 3 to 6 months. Once symptoms occur, urinary obstruction and bleeding is common. Piroxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, palliates symptoms in most dogs for 3 to 9 months. In combination with various chemotherapy drugs this can be extended for 3 to 18 months. Radiation can be palliative in some.