At this time, my loyal companion, Kiera, is facing mouth cancer. It is a scary time for all of us. Nobody who owns a pet likes to think about cancer. However, the truth is that one in three dogs will eventually have cancer of some kind in their lifetime.
Roughly 50% of canine tumors are curable if detected early. It’s crucial to understand the most typical symptoms of cancer in dogs because of this.
Keep in mind that clinical signs can be caused by a variety of illnesses.
And that the signals can differ depending on the type of cancer.
The first step is to recognize these symptoms; the next step is to consult your veterinarian so that a proper diagnosis may be made.

Signs That Your Dog Is Cancerous
Here are a few of the most typical cancer symptoms in dogs, along with the corresponding cancer types.

Dogs’ Mammary Gland Tumors
While mammary tumors can form in dogs of any age or breed, this type of cancer mainly affects female dogs who have not had sex as well as those who have had sex after two years of age.
Poodles and other spaniel dog breeds are among the breeds that are more susceptible.
Usually, this malignancy starts as one or more nipple-area nodules that may swell and become inflammatory. Breast cancers that are malignant can often spread to other areas. This definitely needs to be brought to your vet’s attention.

Unknown Bump and Lumps
A mammary gland tumor is one of the many cancer types that can produce lumps or bumps on your dog’s body.

Lipomas
Not all noticeable tumors are serious, however. Lipomas are common but benign fatty tumors that grow in the layer just beneath the skin.
These tumors most frequently occur in the trunk, armpit, and groin areas, but they can also grow internally. It is not uncommon for elderly dogs to develop multiple lipomas, which feel like soft, moveable lumps under the skin. While lipomas are not life-threatening, they can interfere with movement if they become large enough, and internal lipomas may compress internal organs.

Lameness
Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer in dogs. While tumors usually occur in the long bones of the limbs, osteosarcoma can develop in any bone.
This bone cancer grows very quickly and often spreads to other areas of the body, especially lymph nodes, lungs, and other bones. Because of its aggressive nature, osteosarcoma is usually detected after the cancer has already spread.
Dogs with osteosarcoma may appear to be in pain and walk with a limp, and the affected limb may be swollen. Large and giant dog breeds have the highest risk of developing osteosarcoma.

Pigmented Sores
Darkly colored sores are a sign of melanoma, a cancer of the pigment-producing cells.
Melanomas in dogs often affect the mouth and lips, and they can also be found on their nail beds, footpads, and eyes.
Specific signs will depend on where the tumor is located and may include a swollen paw, eye discharge or sores in the mouth.
Breeds with darkly pigmented oral tissues, such as the Chow Chow’s tongue, have an increased risk of developing melanoma.
Surgical removal can be difficult, as malignant melanoma tends to be locally invasive and spreads to deeper tissues and bones.

Swollen Lymph Nodes
Several types of cancer can cause lymph nodes to feel more prominent.
Lymphoma is a common malignant cancer that accounts for up to 20% of all canine tumor cases.
This cancer affects the lymphocyte, a type of white blood cell that plays an important role in immune function.
While most lymphoma cases begin in the lymph nodes, lymphoid tissues in the visceral organs, skin and bone marrow can also be affected.
Lymphoma can affect dogs of all ages and breeds, but Golden Retrievers and Boxers are among the most common pure breeds.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, knee and armpit regions are typically the first to be noticed.
Several types of canine cancers can also spread locally to nearby lymph nodes, causing them to enlarge. These include melanoma, osteosarcoma and mammary gland tumors.

Wounds That Won’t Heal
A very aggressive form of cancer known as the mast cell tumor, may appear as a skin lesion that just won’t heal.This cancer affects mast cells, which are immune cells involved in allergic and inflammatory reactions. These cells are located throughout the body, but tumors tend to concentrate in the vessels and nerves near the skin, mouth and nose. Less commonly, the gastrointestinal, respiratory and urinary systems may be effected. Abnormal growth of these cells causes an uncontrolled release of histamine, irritating the area surrounding the tumor. Mast cell tumors are most common in older, purebred dogs, including the Boxer, Boston Terrier, Bulldog, and Schnauzer.

Gastrointestinal Problems
The massive release of histamine associated with mast cell tumors can also cause significant problems with the gastrointestinal system, leading to stomach ulcers, vomiting and diarrhea.
Less dramatic signs of GI upset, such as decreased appetite, may occur from several other forms of cancer, including osteosarcoma and lymphoma.

Sudden Weakness or Collapse
While weakness can arise for a number of reasons, sudden collapse is an alarming but common symptom of hemangiosarcoma, a cancer of the cells lining the blood vessels.
Hemangiosarcoma is a rapidly spreading form of malignant cancer that most frequently targets the heart, skin, spleen and liver. This form of cancer is most common in the German Shepherd, Golden Retriever and other large breeds.Since dogs usually show only mild warning signs, cases of hemangiosarcoma may not be detected until the cancer has reached an advanced stage. Unfortunately, one of the most common initial signs of hemangiosarcoma involves sudden collapse due to massive internal bleeding, likely from a ruptured spleen.

Labored Breathing
Several of the canine cancers mentioned above are capable of spreading to the lungs, where they may cause respiratory distress. Melanoma, hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumors, and osteosarcoma can all cause labored breathing and coughing with metastasis.

Unexplained Weight Loss
Weight loss that has no apparent cause may be a side effect of cancer, particularly with hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma and osteosarcoma. Weight loss typically occurs because of the metabolic demands of the tumor or because your dog is in pain and discomfort, resulting in anorexia and decreased activity.

Lethargy
While a variety of issues can cause lethargy, cancer can cause increased sleep and a reluctance to exercise and play. Specific cancers that are frequently associated with lethargy include lymphoma and osteosarcoma.

So our plan is to spend as much quality time with our dog as possible and shower her with love! It is a sad and scary time. After our visit to the vet to have a growth removed, it had returned within two weeks. There are treatments, but none of them have a good outcome and seem to cause further problems with her jaw bone. She is 12 1/2 years old, and we can tell she is not happy. Also, the treatment comes with a specialist that would cost close to ten thousand dollars. So please say a little prayer and hug your fur babies tight!