Cancer is the last word that dog parents want to hear about their beloved dogs. However, cancer in dogs is on the rise​. It is estimated that one in three dogs will be diagnosed with cancer, and over 50% of dogs over the age of 10 will be diagnosed with cancer. 

To provide perspective,  the number of cancer cases that are diagnosed annually in humans is approximately 1.5 million, while there are 6 million new cases of cancer diagnosed in dogs each year.  

So many medical and scientific terms will be thrown at the dog parents as they try to absorb the news about their dogs' diagnosis. Veterinarians must take the time to explain these terms with patience and compassion. 

Malignant and benign are two terms commonly used in the initial conversations about cancer. Dog parents may need a more comprehensive understanding of these widely used terms. 

Benign refers to a type of tumor that is non-cancerous and generally less harmful than malignant tumors. Benign tumors typically do not invade surrounding tissues or spread to other body parts. They tend to grow slowly and remain localized.

Many benign tumors are encapsulated, which means a protective "shell surrounds them." making them easier to remove surgically as they are separated from the surrounding tissues. Once removed, benign tumors are less likely to recur than malignant tumors, assuming the entire tumor is excised.

Malignant is used to describe a severe and progressively worsening cancer, indicating that the condition is harmful, aggressive, and has the potential to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors can invade and destroy nearby tissues and organs, interfering with bodily functions.

Unlike benign tumors, malignant tumors can spread to distant body parts through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Malignant tumors often grow faster than benign tumors. Their cells can divide quickly, and they might appear more irregular under a microscope.

Even after surgical removal, there is a higher risk of recurrence with malignant tumors, even after they are removed, because they may leave behind microscopic cells that can grow over time. Cells in malignant tumors often show a high degree of variability in size, shape, and structure, a feature known as pleomorphism.

Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells spread from the original (primary) site where a tumor originated to other body parts. This occurs when cancer cells break away from the primary tumor, travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and form new tumors (secondary tumors) in other organs or tissues. Metastasis is a significant concern because it often makes cancer more difficult to treat and is a major cause of death from cancer. The ability to metastasize distinguishes malignant and benign tumors, which do not spread.

The stages of cancer describe how far cancer has spread and help guide treatment and assess prognosis. Cancer staging is often detailed by numbers from 0 to IV, with each stage having specific characteristics. 

Stage 0: Also known as carcinoma in situ. This stage describes cancer in its earliest stage, where it has not yet begun spreading. It is localized to where it started and is usually highly treatable.

Stage I: This is an early stage where cancer is small and has not spread extensively. It may also be referred to as localized cancer. In general, Stage I cancers are usually treatable and often curable.

Stage II and III: These stages indicate more extensive cancer growth or spread. In these stages, the tumor may be larger and have spread to nearby lymph nodes or tissues but not distant body parts. Treatment becomes more complex and often involves a combination of therapies such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Stage IV: This is the most advanced stage of cancer. It indicates that cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as other organs or distant lymph nodes. Treatment for Stage IV cancer is typically aimed at managing symptoms and prolonging life, as it may not be curable.

Treatment options contain another group of intimidating words. Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It targets and kills cells that grow and divide quickly, a characteristic of most cancer cells. 

Radiation therapy uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The radiation used in this therapy can be delivered by a machine outside the body (external beam radiation therapy), or it can come from radioactive material placed inside the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy, also known as brachytherapy).

The goal of radiation therapy is to damage the DNA of cancer cells, which interferes with their ability to reproduce and leads to their death. Radiation can also affect normal cells, but they typically repair themselves better than cancer cells.

Immunotherapy involves using the body's immune system to fight cancer. Treatments may include vaccines or other modalities that boost the immune system's natural ability to combat cancer cells.

Targeted therapy involves medications that target specific pathways or molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival. They are generally less harmful to normal cells than traditional chemotherapy.

Another term that will arise is palliative care. Palliative care for dogs focuses on relieving the clinical signs and stress of a severe illness, with the primary goal of improving the quality of life for both the dog and its owners. Unlike treatments aimed at curing the disease, palliative care concentrates on managing signs and maintaining comfort when a cure is not possible or when the side effects of aggressive therapies outweigh the benefits.

Aspects of palliative care include pain management, mobility assistance, along with emotional and psychological support for the dog's owners. Depending on the needs and the family's capacity to manage care, palliative care can be provided at home or in a veterinary hospital. It is integral to veterinary medicine, especially oncology, chronic diseases, and end-of-life care.

When a dog is diagnosed with cancer, her body has already experienced many changes. Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the crucial cellular process that regulates tissue homeostasis and removes damaged or abnormal cells, is altered by cancer. A dog's metabolism and immune system are also changed by cancer. 

Understanding these changes have already occurred allows parents to make more informed decisions about treatments and other courses of action. Dietary changes such as feeding a dog a ketogenic diet  encourage apoptosis. Adding herbs, medicinal mushrooms, and foods that contain antioxidants will modulate the immune system. Feeding a species-appropriate diet  with minimally processed food will prevent further cell damage caused by the end-products of ultra-processing foods. 

Common and Not-So-Common Clinical Signs of Cancer in Dogs

Common clinical signs of cancer in dogs can vary depending on the type and location of the disease. Signs go beyond lumps and bumps found on the dog's body. Some signs dogs experience can be very subtle, while others are extreme.

Clinical signs of the neurological system, such as seizures, behavioral changes, circling, ataxia, and head tilts, may indicate a brain tumor. Clinical signs associated with lung tumors include coughing, difficulty in breathing (dyspnea), and lethargy. 

Lethargy, anorexia, and weight loss are clinical signs of several cancer types, including cancers of the lymphatic system, gastrointestinal system, and respiratory system. Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal swelling, and abdominal pain are also indicative of digestive tract cancer. 

Lameness, swelling, and painful movement are signs of bone cancer, while difficulties in urination and defecation can be signs of urinary or reproductive tract cancers.

Less common and more generalized clinical signs seen in dogs with cancer include impaired wound healing, unexplained bleeding, loss of physical stamina, sudden onset of abnormal odors in the mouth, ears, or other areas of the body, excessive thirst, and urination. There are overlapping signs for many cancer types or other diseases. 

Large dogs are more susceptible to cancer than small dogs due to several interconnected factors. Larger breeds generally grow from larger embryos, requiring more cell divisions. This increased number of cell divisions raises the likelihood of DNA replication errors that can lead to cancer. Additionally, larger dogs typically have higher levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone associated with growth and cell division linked to higher cancer risks.

Genetic predispositions also play a role, as certain large dog breeds are more likely to inherit genes that increase cancer susceptibility. This is often exacerbated by breeding practices that perpetuate these genetic traits. Moreover, larger dogs tend to have shorter lifespans and experience accelerated aging, which are significant factors in cancer development. The aging process in these dogs leads to earlier and more frequent occurrences of cancer compared to smaller breeds.

Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers seen in dogs, accounting for 20% of all canine cancers. Dogs are two- to five times more likely than people to develop lymphoma, which can affect any breed at any age. Lymphoma appears most often as swollen lymph nodes under the jaw, in front of the shoulders, or behind the knees. Other common cancers include mast cell tumors, melanoma, osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, mammary gland tumors, and soft tissue sarcoma. 

Mast cell tumors can occur in the skin or other tissues. They vary in appearance and behavior, from small lumps to more aggressive and invasive tumors. Breeds that tend to be predisposed to mast cell tumors include Boxers, Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, Bullmastiffs, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, Shar-Peis, Weimaraners, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

Melanomas from pigment-producing cells can occur in the skin or mucous membranes. They can be benign or malignant and may require surgical removal. Dog breeds with an increased incidence of melanoma include:

Labrador Retriever: Particularly prone to oral melanoma, a form of melanoma in the mouth.

Cocker Spaniel: Susceptible to both cutaneous (skin) and oral melanoma.

Chow Chow: Prone to melanoma affecting the oral cavity.

Golden Retriever: Can be affected by oral and cutaneous melanomas.

Schnauzer: Predisposed to cutaneous melanoma.

Scottish Terrier: Known to have a higher incidence of cutaneous melanoma.

Doberman Pinscher: May develop melanomas, including oral and skin variants.

Osteosarcoma is a highly aggressive bone cancer that commonly affects larger dog breeds. It often affects the limbs and can cause lameness and swelling at the affected site. Osteosarcoma is more widely seen in large and giant breeds, including Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Irish Wolfhounds, Greyhounds, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, and German Shepherd dogs.

Osteosarcoma tends to occur more frequently in the limb's long bones, such as the radius, ulna, and femur. However, it can affect other bones as well.

Hemangiosarcoma (HSA)  is a highly malignant cancer originating from blood vessel cells. HSA commonly affects the spleen, liver, or heart and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to its tendency to metastasize.

While this cancer can affect any dog breed, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Labrador retrievers, Boxers, and Portuguese Water Dog are observed to have a higher predisposition to hemangiosarcoma.

Mammary gland tumors are common in female dogs and can be benign or malignant. Soft tissue sarcomas are tumors that develop in soft tissues like muscles or connective tissues and can vary in behavior from slow-growing to more aggressive forms.

Cancer can manifest in many forms and affect blood, bone, or body tissues. An accurate diagnosis is critical to provide the most appropriate treatment and the best prognosis. 

Treatment options for canine cancer vary based on factors such as the type of cancer, its stage, the overall health of the dog, and the preferences of the dog parent. An integrative approach that utilizes conventional and holistic therapies may be the best option for a dog's comfort and longevity.

The three standard conventional therapies are surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Immunotherapy is becoming more widely used in dogs, and some dogs are included in clinical trials at veterinary specialty hospitals. 

Surgical removal of localized tumors is often the first course of action for cancer treatment. It is commonly the treatment of choice for mast cell tumors, mammary tumors, or skin tumors. However, studies have revealed that disturbing the primary tumor can cause the cancer to spread more rapidly. 

Chemotherapy is used in cases where the cancer has spread or as an adjunct to surgery to target any remaining cancer cells. The treatment involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Although chemotherapeutic agents are toxic to cancer cells, they also harm normal cells. Dogs may experience side effects similar to those seen in humans undergoing chemotherapy. These can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and sometimes temporary immune system suppression.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to target and kill cancer cells. It is frequently used for tumors that are difficult to remove surgically or in cases where complete surgical removal is not possible. 

The spectrum of side effects associated with radiation therapy in dogs is multifaceted, contingent upon several variables such as the treatment site, radiation dosage, and the dog's overall health. Common repercussions include skin reactions like irritation, redness, and localized hair loss. Gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and potential immune system suppression, can lead to decreased white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Dogs might experience fatigue and lethargy, resulting in reduced activity levels. Additionally, localized pain and discomfort near the radiation-treated area can occur.

Understanding these changes have already occurred allows parents to make more informed decisions about treatments and other courses of action. Dietary changes such as feeding a dog a <a href="https://www.feedreal.com/articles/ketogenic-diet-for-dogs-with-cancer">ketogenic diet</a>  encourage apoptosis. Adding herbs, medicinal mushrooms, and foods that contain antioxidants will modulate the immune system. Feeding a <a href="https://www.feedreal.com/articles/introduction-to-real-ancestral-6x-diet">species-appropriate diet</a>  with minimally processed food will prevent further cell damage caused by the end-products of ultra-processing foods. 

Treatment choice involves a collaborative decision between the veterinarian and the dog parent, considering factors such as the type and aggressiveness of the cancer, the dog's overall health, potential side effects of treatment, and the owner's preferences and resources.

Holistic approaches to cancer treatment in dogs involve considering the animal's overall well-being, aiming to support the body's natural healing processes alongside conventional veterinary care. Nutrition is the foundation of holistic care for any dog, especially for a dog battling cancer. 

A balanced, species-appropriate diet can support the immune system and overall health. <a href="https://www.feedreal.com/articles/ketogenic-diet-for-dogs-with-cancer">Ketogenic diets</a> consisting of 82% fat, 17% protein, and 1% carbohydrates aid a dog's cells in fighting cancer. Studies have confirmed that cancer is a metabolic dysfunction of the energy centers of cells, the mitochondria. Because cancer cells have an altered use of oxygen and a preference for glucose, they cannot metabolize ketone bodies that form when a dog is fed a ketogenic diet. 

Diets rich in fresh, whole foods and natural supplements will support the immune system. Including <a href="https://www.feedreal.com/articles/what-herbs-can-i-give-my-dog-with-cancer">herbs</a>, full-spectrum CBD oils, and <a href="https://www.feedreal.com/articles/medicinal-mushrooms-for-dogs-with-cancer">mushrooms</a> will supply additional antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting nutrients.

Other modalities used for cancer patients include acupuncture, therapeutic massage, and mind-body therapies such as meditation, energy healing, or music therapy to provide for the overall health and well-being of the dog. The calming effects of the treatments on the dogs reduce stress and promote relaxation, while physical therapy techniques can help improve circulation and alleviate discomfort.

An integrative approach to treating dog cancer involves combining conventional veterinary medicine with complementary and alternative therapies to address various aspects of the disease while enhancing the dog's overall well-being. A dog parent must evaluate all options and do what is best for their situation.

As a dog progresses through her cancer journey, dog parents must be encouraged to try to prioritize their emotional connection with their dog over the clinical outcomes of treatments. This relationship provides a stable anchor amidst the uncertainty of cancer treatments. There are no correct answers, as no treatment is guaranteed to work for all dogs. However, one thing that has been shown to help is the human-dog bond. 

Studies suggest that the emotional state of a dog, influenced by the human-dog bond, can affect its quality of life during cancer treatments. Dogs that maintain a strong bond with their owners may exhibit better resilience and a more positive demeanor, contributing to a higher quality of life even during illness.

Cancer treatments have come a long way over the past couple of decades, but the reality is that cancer rates are rising. Looking at all of the reasons for the rise in cancer over the past five decades, some of the causes are obvious. 

Dogs eating the same ultra-processed diet that contains harmful, <a href="https://www.feedreal.com/articles/kibble-and-cancer">cancer-inducing by-products</a> like AGEs and HCAs ingredients are prone to cancer. Environmental toxins that are known carcinogens, like glyphosate, are in almost all commercial dog foods. Studies have shown that dogs have 32 times higher levels of these toxins in their bodies than humans. Their bodies cannot detoxify all of the toxins, especially while trying to digest unnecessary carbohydrates in their food. 

Feeding a dog a species-appropriate diet of fresh, whole foods provides the building blocks to maintain health while managing environmental toxins that assault its body. Foods should not contain synthetic vitamins and minerals and should be as clean as possible. Feeding organic pasture-raised meats, bones, and organs is ideal for additional essential nutrients and minimal product toxins. Unnecessary vaccinations and preventative flea, tick, and heartworm medications can interfere with a dog's immune system and gut microbiome, preventing it from fighting cancer cells as they form in the body.

A cancer diagnosis does not have to be a death sentence. Providing the proper nutrients will allow the dog to fight the cancer and heal its body. Using other holistic modalities will enhance the dog's overall well-being and aid its body with healing.

Navigating A Dog's Cancer Journey

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