Tumors in Dogs

Tumors in dogs are one of the most frequently found problems in older dogs. Generally, it can be cancerous or non cancerous, however, in the long run, either of them can be detrimental to the dog's health. Tumors, according to vets, are broadly of two types:

• Benign Tumor: These are absolutely harmless. Neither do they spread in neighboring organs nor are they have been seen pushing through surrounding organs.
• Malignant Tumors: It is harmful and it causes major health issues. They easily break, push other organs in vicinity and spread all over the body. It is commonly known as dog cancer.

Cases of Tumors in Dogs
Depending on the type of tumor in dogs, the symptoms and treatment methods are decided by vets.

Fatty Tumors
Firstly, you needn't panic, if you have found fatty tumors in your dogs. It generally occur in middle and old aged dogs. In majority of the cases, it is not a problem. They create problem when they're left unchecked for a long time. Hence, early intervention on the part of pet owner is essential.

Symptoms of fatty tumor may be a swollen lump on body parts like paws, elbow etc. As such, it won't create any problem however, you've to be observant. Analyze the fatty tumors for some time. Is it growing rapidly, starts growing suddenly after few weeks and changes its appearance or is causing unrest in the dog's behavior? If yes, then it's time for you to visit a vet and get the fatty tumor removed.

Mast Cell Tumors
Mast cells are the most common skin cancer among dogs. Generally, mast cell tumors may vary in appearance significantly. Mostly, a grown lump on or under the skin of a dog is a sign of mast cell tumor. It is highly probable that more than one mast cell tumor may be present on a dog that has been diagnosed with this tumor. Dogs suffering from this tumor may show signs of itching and there may be increase in size of the lumps over a certain period of time. Some of the treatment measures for mast cell tumors are surgical removal, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Spleen Tumors
Spleen, the organ that helps immune system working by filtering red blood cells, is prone to spleen tumors in older dogs. Generally, more than half of the spleen tumors spread throughout the body. Enlarged spleen leads to distention of the stomach and weakness in carrying out daily activities. Other signs of spleen tumors in your pet may include increased urge to urinate, sudden weight loss and loss of appetite. Diarrhea and fever are also some other common signs. Medically, malignant spleen tumors are known as hemangiosarcoma. Rupture in spleen tumor due to spleen enlargement worsens a dog's health. Due to blood loss, the affected dog may become severely weak and the gums may become pale.

Tumors in your canine pet can be treated by following several measures that are advised by expert vets. In case, you're unable to understand if your dog is suffering from a certain kind of tumor, it becomes logical to take your pet to an expert vet. Generally, various tumors go unchecked and they're only discovered in later stages, that are severe and more problematic. Hence, as a part of your duty for dog care, you must frequently visit a vet and keep an eye on your dog's health.