Cancer Lumps on Dogs (Pictures)
Cancer lumps on dogs are quite common, especially if your dog suffers from a type of cancer called squamous cell carcinomas. It is important for pet owners to know if their dog has cancerous lumps so they can take the necessary steps to protect their pets’ lives.
Are cancer lumps on dogs hard or soft?
Cancerous lumps on dogs can be hard or soft. Hard lumps are more likely to be cancerous and require treatment. Soft lumps are less likely to be malignant, but they can still be precancerous.
If your dog has an irregular lump that is not changing size or shape, it is probably not cancerous and should be checked by a board-certified veterinary surgeon for further diagnosis.
What do cancer bumps on dogs look like?
Cancer lumps may appear large and hard, painless to the touch. They can grow slowly for weeks or months before they become obvious.
Cancer bumps can occur anywhere on a dog’s body: head, neck, chest, abdomen or tail. It may appear spontaneously or develop gradually over time. Sometimes cancer is slow-growing and sometimes it’s fast-growing.
If you suspect your dog has a cancer lump, talk with your veterinarian about treatment options and concerns you might have about keeping your dog well until treatment begins or if surgery is necessary.
What are the signs of a dog with cancer?
Some dogs will show no symptoms at all, while others may have a few or many.
A dog with cancer will usually have symptoms that include:
- Lethargic and weak
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydrated
- Fever
How does a dog with cancer act?
The signs of a dog with cancer are usually quite obvious, although their severity can vary from dog to dog. In most cases, a dog will be unable to eat, drink or sleep and will be very weak. They may also have a fever and may have diarrhea or constipation.
A dog with cancer may also experience some degree of weight loss and muscle atrophy (diminished muscle mass). The skin around the tumor may become thickened or crusty.
In addition to the physical pain and discomfort that they must endure, many dogs have emotional issues as well. Dogs with cancer may experience depression, anxiety, fearfulness, or develop other behavioral changes as well.
You should call your vet immediately so that they can perform further tests on your pet.
How long will a dog live with a cancerous lump?
Some dogs may live weeks to months, while others may live for years.
The best way to find out if your dog has a cancerous lump is to have your vet examine him/her and perform a biopsy. The results of that biopsy will determine if the lump is cancerous or not.
Some dogs will have a tumor that is benign (harmless) and won’t require any treatment. But some tumors can be malignant (cancerous), and further treatment may be required. This might include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy.
Sudden lumps on a dog under the skin
The lump under the skin of the dog may be caused by a tumor, infection, or abscess. Treatments depend on the underlying cause.
Tumors can be removed surgically or through radiation therapy. If surgery is necessary, it is usually performed by an orthopedic surgeon. Radiation therapy may be used in conjunction with surgery.
Infections are treated with antibiotics and supportive care such as intravenous fluids and medication to treat pain and nausea. If an abscess develops, drains may be placed to allow the pus to drain from the area and prevent further damage to local tissue.
Parasites can be treated with a variety of medications including anti-parasitic medications that kill parasites directly or medications that kill fleas and other external parasites that carry parasites into the body via bites or contact with infected body parts.
Conclusion of cancerous lumps and bumps on dogs
You should consult with your veterinarian if you notice any unusual swelling or lumps on your dog’s body. Your veterinarian will make a diagnosis based on your dog’s history and physical examination.
If your dog is exhibiting signs of pain, fever, or other symptoms that suggest an underlying medical problem, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible with your veterinarian.
Your veterinarian may also recommend imaging tests such as x-rays and CT scans to evaluate for tumors or other suspicious masses before making a diagnosis.
