Oncological diseases of dogs. Benign and malignant neoplasms of the stomach of dogs and cats

Cancer is a terrible diagnosis not only for people, but also for our pets. And, unfortunately, cancer in dogs is not something exceptional and rare. According to veterinarians, about 30% of males and about 50% of females over the age of 10 suffer from this fatal disease. Can you beat oncology? What should an owner do to help a four-legged family member?

Human cancer is practically no different from animal cancer - it is a non-contagious cellular mutation that occurs at the DNA level. In recent years, many researchers have confirmed the "single cell theory". According to this theory, terrible changes suddenly occur in a single cell and it “forgets” its functions. Over time, by dividing, mutated cells become more and more, they form into groups - tumors, and into daughter formations - metastases. For example, breast cancer in dogs often leads to the formation of metastases in bone or lung tissue, in the liver or kidneys.

Gradually, the tumor grows, replacing and displacing healthy cells of the organ. Since cancer cells "do not remember" their functions, the organ stops working properly. In addition, the tumor physically compresses adjacent tissues, which leads to even greater inhibition of performance. When the neoplasm begins to decompose, bleeding, ulceration and other signs of tissue decay are revealed.

Often, owners are interested in whether dogs have cancer of a particular organ. Unfortunately, animals suffer from all kinds of cancers that humans are prone to. Mostly old animals suffer from cancer, but sometimes young individuals aged 1-3 years old, more often females, suffer from cancer. There is no universal remedy, because cancer is a common name for various types of mutations, i.e. several different diseases. Folk remedies can support a dog, but only a veterinarian should treat!

Contrary to popular belief, most cancers can be beaten once and for all. But provided that the disease is detected at an early stage, and the veterinarian is an oncologist, and not an ordinary therapist.

It is impossible to say unequivocally how long dogs with cancer live - it depends on many individual factors. If cancer cells are not too active, and the disease is detected at an early stage, a complete cure or a full life for many years is possible. Much depends on the location of the tumor - a diseased kidney can be removed, but an operation on the brain of the story is not always possible. Therefore, the veterinarian will answer this question only after a thorough examination and monitoring of the dynamics of the disease.

Types and symptoms of cancer

Oncological diseases are very insidious and develop imperceptibly, without any signs of malaise in the early stages. At the same time, cancer in 90% of cases is curable precisely at stage I or 0, and if the dog has stage II or III cancer, the chances of recovery drop to 50%. Therefore, prevention and regular annual visits to the clinic - examination, and urine for biochemistry are extremely important.

Read also: Orchitis in dogs - basic information and treatment

The lion's share of malignant tumors occurs in non-sterile bitches due to constant hormonal changes during periods of estrus, childbirth, feeding and pregnancy. Many bitch owners ask veterinarians if dogs get cancer if the girl has never given birth or, on the contrary, gives birth from estrus to estrus. Unfortunately, this is not of particular importance - both those who have not given birth, and those who have given birth once, and those giving birth through estrus or every estrus, are sick. Therefore, veterinarians recommend spaying all non-breeding females: removal of the uterus and ovaries is 100% protection against cancer of these organs and 90% protection against breast cancer. In addition, all females are sterilized at the age of 7-8 years (at the end of breeding work).

1. Breast cancer in dogs can be detected at an early stage by palpation (incomprehensible lumps, seals, bumps in the nipples). The owner should feel the bitch's nipples regularly, gently and without pressure, or visit the clinic regularly for medical check-ups. In the later stages of the tumor, they are clearly visible - the nipples increase, change shape and color, bulging bumps appear (if the tumor opens, a bleeding ulcer will remain in its place).

2. Uterine cancer in dogs is more difficult to detect. As a rule, the only external manifestations are constant spotting, characteristic of many other diseases (pyometra, endometritis, genital infections). An indirect sign is miscarriages, non-viable offspring, empty matings. Hormonal drugs contribute to the disease (everything that shifts in time or stops estrus, any contraception like a sex barrier, etc.). Many of these drugs lead to the formation of a tumor after a single use!

Obvious signs of cancer in dogs appear only in the later stages. In addition to direct symptoms that depend on the location of the tumor, a general deterioration in the condition is noticeable - sudden whining (pain), gastrointestinal disorders, weakness and apathy, unwillingness to make contact or obsession, drowsiness, loss of interest in what used to cause delight (goodies, games).

3. Large and giant dogs are often diagnosed with bone cancer. Symptoms also appear in the later stages, so owners of at-risk breeds (all heavy large dogs) should immediately contact the veterinarian if they notice slight lameness, change in gait, caution in movements, some fatigue and / or unwillingness to follow commands related to running, jumping.

4. Skin cancer in dogs accounts for about 15% of all cancer diagnoses. Unfortunately, because of the coat, it is difficult to notice the tumor, so you need to carefully examine the pet while bathing and combing. The neoplasm looks like a mole, a pigment spot or a non-passing seal, covered with a crust. The color varies from pink to almost black. In any case, if something incomprehensible appears on the skin of your pet, contact your veterinarian.

Often owners think that squamous cell carcinoma in dogs only occurs on the skin. In fact, this type of cancer affects the cells of the squamous epithelium and mucous membranes, and they are on the internal organs and in the mouth.

5. Cancer of the stomach and intestines is manifested by symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract: alternating constipation and diarrhea, changes in appetite, vomiting, blood in the stool (black - stomach, scarlet - intestines). Noticeable weight loss, some weakness and drowsiness, anemia develops. Often in dogs, even with well-groomed teeth, there is an unpleasant obsessive smell from the mouth.

Read also: Runny nose in a dog - we diagnose the causes and treat the disease

6. Liver cancer in dogs often results in jaundice (yellowing of the mucous membranes) due to bile entering the bloodstream. In the early stages, appetite worsens somewhat and activity decreases, a change in stool (color, smell, consistency) is possible. The dog gradually loses weight, weakens, loses interest in life. Without treatment, cachexia quickly sets in - almost complete refusal of food, rapid exhaustion, complete apathy, constant diarrhea and vomiting.

7. Lung cancer begins with a dry cough, hysterical, debilitating. The dog suddenly coughs and breathes heavily without experiencing physical exertion. Over time, the cough becomes wet, with pus and/or blood interspersed in the sputum.

8. Spleen cancer in dogs, like in humans, is relatively rare. There are no specific symptoms, signs of malaise are common - weakness, poor appetite, exhaustion, cachexia, apathy. Ascites is an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneum.

9. Kidney cancer also does not manifest itself in any way until the later stages. Of the noticeable signs - blood in the urine, colic (strange gait, whining, constrained movements). The dog gradually weakens, moves less, eats poorly, swelling of the limbs may appear.

Diagnostic methods

There is an opinion that dogs smell cancer by a specific smell - many oncological institutes have successfully conducted studies confirming this theory. Unfortunately, even if a dog's nose is able to smell cancer in a person, the pet is unlikely to detect the disease in itself, and it is even more doubtful that he will be able to somehow inform the owner about this. Therefore, it is important to undergo a preventive examination once a year and take urine and blood tests for biochemistry - a certain shift in indicators will allow the veterinarian to suspect something was wrong at the very beginning of the development of the disease. To confirm or refute the diagnosis, it will be necessary to donate blood and urine again to detect "onco-markers", in the presence of which cancer is highly likely to be suspected.

Since the only way to diagnose cancer in a dog is by conducting a targeted study, various "search" methods are used to confirm the diagnosis. The choice of method depends on what type of cancer and location the veterinarian suspects. In particular, this is X-ray, ultrasound, fluorography, mammography, gastroscopy, MRI or CT, consultation of a highly specialized specialist is required. If a tumor is found, the doctor will take a puncture - a piece of tissue for cell analysis (to determine whether it is cancer or a benign formation).

Currently, the variety of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in dogs is very large. The most common are neoplasms (tumors) of the stomach and duodenum.

A tumor is called an excessive growth of tissue, consisting of cells that have changed pathologically under the influence of various environmental factors.

The causes of gastric tumors in dogs are still not completely understood, but research indicates a relationship between the incidence of cancer and dietary habits. In addition, the occurrence is preceded by the so-called precancerous conditions (changes in the properties of the cells lining the stomach). Most often this happens with chronic gastritis, which is not amenable to therapeutic treatment against the background of low acidity of gastric juice, ulcers, esophagitis (inflammation of the esophageal mucosa) and polyps in the stomach.

Tumors of the stomach are epithelial in origin (developing from epithelial cells of the gastric mucosa) and non-epithelial (developing from different layers of the stomach or vessels).

Each of these groups is divided into benign and malignant. The type is determined by the conclusion of the histological analysis of samples taken from the site of the tumor.

Most often, neoplasms of the stomach are found in dogs of giant breeds (mastino - Neapolitano, mastiffs), in dogs of a loose constitution (chao-chao, sharpei), as well as in dachshunds.

As a rule, stomach tumors develop over a long period of time and the clinical signs of the disease do not appear immediately. Pet owners should pay attention to their pet's appetite, spontaneous vomiting of food, foam and / or bile immediately after eating. Sometimes there is vomiting of the food of the previous feeding. Also, animals may experience general disturbances, up to a complete refusal of food and water, anemia (anemia), sudden weight loss, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), blood vomiting, diarrhea and black feces with a strong odor (melena).

In clinical diagnosis, biochemical and general clinical blood tests, ultrasound of the abdominal organs and, of course, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (gastroscopy) are of great importance.

According to the results of blood tests, indirect signs of the presence of a neoplasm, decay and metastasis can be seen.

In the general clinical analysis of blood in the presence of a tumor and its decay, the following changes are characteristic:

- decrease in hemoglobin

- increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

- an increase in white blood cells (leukocytosis)

- decrease in platelets.

In a biochemical blood test, the presence of a neoplasm can be judged by a change in the following indicators:

- increased LDH (increases with tissue destruction)

— lowering glucose

- Decreased iron concentration.

Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity allows you to see structural changes in organs.

Gastroscopy makes it possible to visually examine the surface of the gastric mucosa, taking tissue samples for cytological and histological examination.

Clinical case

The owners of an 11-year-old Chao-Chao dog came to the clinic with complaints of constant vomiting of foam, bile and food. According to the owners, the dog began to lose weight quickly.

On examination:

1. According to blood tests, it was found:

1.1.in general clinical analysis

- increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate

- platelets at the lower limit of normal

1.2. no changes were found in the biochemical analysis, the indicators were within the normal range.

2. According to the results of abdominal ultrasound, stratification and thickening of the stomach wall were found, which is an indirect sign of chronic gastritis.

3. with gastroscopy: stomach (on an empty stomach) contains a large amount of foamy white mucus. The folds of the stomach do not straighten well when inflated. Mucous edematous red, contact bleeding. In the fundus of the stomach, an ulcer was found, limited by a loose mucous ridge.

4. according to the conclusion of the biopsy - lymphoma

According to the results of the examination, the surgeon performed a resection of the stomach with excision of the affected area within healthy tissues with the imposition of a gastrointestinal (gastroduodenal) anastomosis.

After the operation, a course of rehabilitation was completed. The animal's condition stabilized. She began to eat, gain weight and delight her beloved owners. At the time of writing, 6 months have passed since the date of the operation, the clinical condition of the dog is good.

Veterinarian of the clinic "Belanta" Chadina E.O.,
assistant veterinary doctor of the clinic "Belanta" Erokhin T.

According to statistics, after the 10th year of life, about 30% of males and 50% of females suffer from cancer. Cancer in dogs is essentially the same as cancer in humans, it is also an uncontrolled growth of cells caused by a mutation at the DNA level. Sometimes there are benign formations, but more often neoplasms are malignant. A gene mutation starts in a single cell but spreads to numerous cells, which begin to form tumors as the disease progresses. And lymph and blood carry diseased cells to other organs, where they give rise to daughter formations - metastases. In order to help your dog in time, you need to pay attention to the following symptoms:

• any bulge or pineal mass anywhere on the dog's body;
• ulcers that do not heal for a long time;
• the dog has lost its appetite;
• the appearance of blood or pus in places of physiological openings;
• difficulty breathing, excretion of feces and urine;
• the appearance of bad breath;
• difficulty swallowing food or water;
• vomiting and diarrhea;
• difficulty walking, pain;
• coughing or wheezing;
  weakness, anemia, pain syndrome, sleep disturbances, coordination disorders, fainting.

Types of cancer

Since the nature of cancer in humans and dogs is the same, the types of cancer are practically the same. The only difference lies in the speed of development of certain species. The main types are:

Uterine cancer. In dogs, they manifest as sarcomas and fibrosarcomas. Developing in the mucous membrane, they can gradually affect other parts of the uterus. Alas, the onset of a malignant tumor is practically not accompanied by clearly noticeable symptoms. And signs can be noted only after the tumor reaches a significant size.

Liver cancer. Neoplasms in the liver can be both primary and secondary. Most often there are secondary neoplasms, which are metastases of foci of the disease in other organs. The main symptom of the disease is jaundice.

Lungs' cancer. Symptoms of cancer in dogs can be very similar to lung cancer in humans. The onset is usually accompanied by a dry cough. There is difficulty in breathing in the absence of a load on the body. Over time, you can notice sputum with traces of pus or even blood. Most common in dogs over 10 years of age.

kidney cancer. It is much less common and difficult to diagnose in the early stages. Of the noticeable manifestations - blood in the urine and pain, which can be seen in the difficult movements of the dog and whining. There comes a general weakness of the body and apathy.

Diagnostics

Given the variety of manifestations of cancer in various organs, diagnosis and treatment will also be specific. First of all, modern diagnostics is focused on an integrated approach and includes 3 main components: clinical, instrumental and laboratory studies.

Clinical research focuses on a thorough examination by a specialist.

Instrumental methods can be divided into main types:

• radiography - may be necessary to detect lung metastases in breast cancer, lung cancer, abdominal organs and bone tissue.
• Ultrasonography or ultrasound is most useful in identifying and analyzing neoplasms in the abdominal region. Helps to determine the structure and location of the neoplasm.
• Computed and magnetic resonance imaging - used to analyze neoplasms in the brain.
• A biopsy is a fundamental component of the diagnosis of any cancer. The diagnosis is based on histological and cytological methods that are able to show the nature of the changes inside the cell and tissues. The final diagnosis can be made only after receiving the results of the biopsy.

Laboratory research centers around the careful analysis of biological and biochemical materials such as blood, urine, or biopsy material.

Treatment

First of all, you need to remember that each case of the disease is individual. This means that only a specialist in the field of oncology can prescribe treatment. To date, medicine offers us the following options for treating cancer in dogs:

1. surgical method. All experts agree that most types of cancerous tumors in the early stages can be cured with surgery. The surgical method involves an extended operation involving and adjacent tissues. However, recent advances are directed towards a minimally invasive method. But, unfortunately, even radical measures sometimes do not protect against metastasis and relapse.
2. Chemotherapy. A drug treatment method in which drugs are introduced into the dog's body that can either reduce the development of cancer cells or lead to the death of a cancerous tumor. The negative side of the method is the destruction of healthy cells along with immunity in general.
3. Radiation therapy. Ionizing radiation can kill those cancer cells that cannot be reached surgically. However, there are also disadvantages to this method: some types of cancerous tumors are immune to radiation, and the radiation itself can be dangerous for the health of the animal.
4. Biotherapy. The method involves the use of biologically active agents such as vaccines. It gives temporary relief, but it cannot fundamentally solve the problem.

Cancer in dogs and cats. Reception of Dr. M.A. Shelyakov.

The prognosis is unfavorable. Will the operation help? Shall I not only torture the poor animal?

Let's say right away - all modern surgical techniques are developed and performed in the name of health, and not against it ...
If it were your dog/cat, would you operate on it? - we hear a similar question 3 times a day.
The answer is both simple and difficult at the same time.
Difficult - because it is impossible to pass through all the pain and suffering of the patient and his owner in order to respond as a spirit.
Simple - because the answer is obvious: if by operation, treatment, our work and knowledge we can provide the animal, albeit for a short time, but quality life - then, of course, the operation must be done. In the last sentence, it was not by chance that I singled out and underlined the words "quality life." It is this criterion that is decisive.
Undoubtedly, it is important how long the pet will live after treatment. But how he lives is even more important. Let it be only a year - but a real life with a quality mark! But not the invalid painful living out of days under injections and droppers.

By default, when choosing in difficult situations - put to sleep or operate - we are for life. But only quality life! If we see that it is not in our power to make the patient's life satisfactory - alas, but we will recommend to refrain from surgical intervention.

Frequently asked Questions

Is it possible to prevent cancer in dogs?

The main method of prevention is regular visits to the veterinarian, who will be able to detect signs of the disease in your dog in the early stages.

Is putting the dog to sleep always the only way out?

Modern veterinary medicine has a wide range of options for the successful treatment of your dog. Often, after the completion of a course of treatment or surgery, the dog can live for several more years.

What to do if the dog has a peculiar smell, thickening and discharge from the vagina?

It is urgent to contact a specialist veterinarian who will accurately establish the diagnosis. Your pet may have cancer of the uterus or vagina, or it may just be an inflammation such as vaginitis or endometritis.

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine M.Shelyakov

Cancer in dogs, unfortunately, has become a fairly common pathology among animals that have reached the age of 10 years. The statistics state that malignant tumors occur in 30% of males and 50% of older bitches. It is also possible for a neoplasm to appear in younger animals, for example, a genetic predisposition determines the incidence of cancer in some breeds of dogs. Owners need to know what signs of cancer in dogs and seek veterinary care immediately. Effective treatment of cancer in dogs is possible only in the early stages.

Types of Tumors - Cancer in Dogs

AT veterinary oncology, which studies neoplasms, the cause of their appearance, diagnosis and methods of treatment, there is a division of tumors into benign and malignant. This fundamental difference allows us sometimes to breathe a sigh of relief when making a diagnosis, and sometimes, alas, leads to the need to fight cancer together with our beloved dog.

benign tumor in a dog usually painless, has clear boundaries, since the tumor is in the capsule and only pushes the neighboring tissues apart without growing into them. It grows slowly, does not metastasize, and does not reappear when removed by a surgeon.

malignant tumor in a dog characterized by rapid growth, a tendency to bleeding and metastasis, a negative effect on the entire body as a whole. Surgical removal does not always solve the problem completely., since cancer cells can end up in the lymph nodes and other tissues and organs.

Reasons why dogs get cancer

Scientists around the world are working to find out causes of cancer in animals and man, but there is no unified theory. The most recognized hypothesis is that mutations occur in a healthy cell, which loses its normal functions and begins to grow, feed and divide uncontrollably. Accumulations of these abnormal cells form tumors, and the body can no longer control them. Cancer cells can be difficult to differentiate, they grow into neighboring tissues, and then, with the flow of lymph and blood, they first enter the nearest lymph nodes and then spread to different places in the body.

In dogs, the skin, mammary glands, uterus, organs of the gastrointestinal tract, bones, as well as the lungs and liver are most often affected by cancer.

Cancer in dogs and its symptoms

Oncology in dogs necessarily manifests itself in certain signs which should alert the owner:
• the pet becomes lethargic, does not enjoy games and treats;
• the dog has lost its appetite;
• she loses weight, even if she eats well;
• vomiting is observed, recurring from time to time, sometimes with blood;
• diarrhea alternates with constipation, even if there are no errors in the diet;
• an unpleasant odor comes from the dog's mouth;
• violation of the acts of urination and defecation;
• the appearance of bleeding from natural openings;
• the dog suffers from shortness of breath, dry cough, the mouth is open when breathing;
• the stomach increases in volume;
• the animal is lame for a long time;
• convulsive movements, seizures.

These are the so-called general symptoms, but there are also symptoms related to the neoplasm itself: changes in the appearance of a mole or wart, the appearance of a knot or induration on the skin, a non-healing wound.

These signs serve as an occasion for immediate medical attention and preferably veterinary oncologist, since tumor growth and metastasis development occurs rapidly and is often irreversible. Only the stage of one limited tumor, that is, the first stage of cancer, gives a high chance of recovery and long life in a dog.

How is Cancer in Dogs Diagnosed?

Malignant neoplasms can be detected at an early stage during a routine preventive examination by a veterinarian. Clinical Tests blood and urine, changes in their parameters will force the specialist to prescribe additional examinations. This is a radiograph, ultrasound examination of organs, a biopsy of the affected tissue. Histological examination will reveal the type of tumor, its origin. In some cases, methods such as endoscopy, MRI and CT are used. Only after such a comprehensive examination, the veterinarian will choose the tactics of treatment, determining what tumor is in front of him, at what stage of the disease and what is the general health of your pet.

Ways to treat cancer in dogs

If, after contacting a veterinarian and conducting a diagnosis, the diagnosis of cancer has become a reality, they can be used to combat it. various schemes and complexes of medical measures. First, the type of tumor must be considered. If it is benign, then in order to prevent its malignancy, the doctor will remove it surgically.

If the tumor is malignant, a combination of methods such as surgical removal of the tumor, radiation and chemotherapy will be needed. It depends on the location of the tumor, its origin, stage of the disease. At the zero and first stage the prognosis in case of tumor removal is favorable, but if cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes, this is already third stage cancer, and here relapses of the pathological process, the occurrence of metastases are possible. Some types of tumors are resistant to chemotherapy and can be treated with radiation, while others, on the contrary, are destroyed by certain drugs. The attending oncologist will take all this into account when prescribing treatment.

If the dog has been sick for a long time? Cancer in Dogs Predictions

If a The tumor has spread and given multiple metastases., the veterinarian fights to maintain a better quality of life for the dog and relieve pain, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are used. When a dog suffers from cancer for a long time, drugs are powerless against pain, the dog does not eat or cannot breathe due to lung metastases, then it would be more merciful to resort to painless euthanasia of the animal. As difficult as it may be to come to this decision, it remains the only way to save the dog from suffering.

Of course, if a doctor suggests euthanasia for you and you do not agree with his decision, contact another veterinarian and fight for the life of your pet. Other additional tests and examinations may be prescribed to confirm or refute the diagnosis and further prognosis for recovery.

How to prevent cancer in dogs?

Regular visits to the veterinarian remain the main preventive measure., preventive examinations and examinations of the pet to detect the disease in the early stages. This is especially true for older dogs, which with each passing year are at greater risk of developing cancer.

The most effective way to prevent cancer and mammary glands, uterus and ovaries - this is an early sterilization of the dog, especially if you do not plan to breed dogs.

To reduce the risk of cancer in dogs, you need to take care of eliminating negative factors, such as: chronic diseases of internal organs, hormonal disruptions, inactivity, strong ultraviolet radiation, poor nutrition, stressful situations.

If a dog successfully treated for cancer, regularly examine it, provide good care and walking, remove all excesses and "harmfulness" from the diet, then the dog will delight you with its company for several more years.

In our veterinary center "Ya-VET" a narrow profile doctor works - oncologist veterinarian engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of cancerous pathologies in animals. If you suspect your pet has cancer, do not waste time and seek veterinary help, in this case it is better to once again make sure that nothing serious is happening to the dog than to bite your elbows later. Routine clinical blood and urine tests reveal abnormalities in the functioning of the body, not to mention other examinations. Also monitor the condition of the skin and mucous membranes of your pet: seals, bumps, changes in the appearance of moles, warts, papillomas require examination and consultation with a veterinarian.

If you have no time at all, a lot of workload, call us and leave a request for a doctor to visit your home. The specialist will come to your home, conduct an initial examination, take the necessary tests and decide on further steps to treat the patient. Do not self-medicate, as such experiments with your beloved dog can upset you and your loved ones with their results. The veterinary center "Ya - VET" is open around the clock to provide assistance, its experienced specialists are fighting for the health of four-legged pets until the disease is overcome!

Leimiosarcoma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the smooth tissues of the stomach and intestines. The disease is very dangerous and painful. It most often affects older dogs (from 6 years old). Leimiosarcoma of the stomach and intestines is equally susceptible to all breeds. This type of cancer often metastasizes to the gastrointestinal tract and other organs of the body.

Symptoms

Most symptoms relate to the gastrointestinal tract. Among them:

• weight loss;

• blood in feces (hematochezia);

  accumulation of gases in the stomach and intestines (flatulence);

  rumbling in the stomach;

  false painful urge to defecate.

The reasons

The exact cause of this type of cancer is currently unknown.

Diagnostics

You will need to provide the doctor with a detailed medical history of the dog and a list of symptoms. The doctor will perform a complete physical examination of the animal, take a blood chemistry and urinalysis, and perform a blood cell count. Usually the results of these tests are normal. However, some dogs at an advanced stage of the disease may have some abnormalities: anemia, elevated levels of white blood cells (leukocytosis) and low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia).

Other diagnostic procedures include x-rays and ultrasound examinations of the abdomen to determine if changes have occurred in the stomach or intestinal walls (such as thickening of the walls). The veterinarian will also take a biopsy of the diseased tissue to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

The main treatment for this type of cancer is surgery. The doctor will remove the tumor and some of the healthy tissue around it. The presence of metastases plays an important role in prognosis.

Further observation

If the tumor has metastasized to other organs, the prognosis is poor, and, most likely, the animal will only be able to live for a few months. Sometimes surgery gives the dog a chance of survival, but it requires complete removal of the tumor.

After the operation, you will need to bring the animal for a check-up, as well as for X-ray and ultrasound examinations every three months. Some dogs require special, easy-to-digest foods and pain medication during recovery. Strictly adhere to the recommendations of the veterinarian and make sure that the vomiting, diarrhea, bloating and pain do not return to the animal.