No dog owner wants to hear that their pet has cancer and requires treatment. However, there are cases where it cannot be helped. If your beloved dog has recently been diagnosed, you may be thinking about what to do. Here, we will detail the methods of treating cancer in dogs and help pet owners understand what they should expect.
Different Types of Cancer in Dogs
There are many types of dog cancer similar to humans. Your first move as a pet owner once you’ve discovered that your dog was diagnosed with cancer should be to figure out what kind it is. The types of cancers in dogs that are commonly recognized are:
- Lymphoma: A cancer that targets the lymphatic system and is one of the prevalent forms of dog cancer.
- Mast cell tumors: A type of skin cancer that can develop anywhere in the body.
- Osteosarcoma: A bone cancer that mostly targets the legs. It is typically encountered in larger dog breeds.
- Melanoma: An aggressive type of skin cancer that can spread to other body parts, including the eyes and mouth.
- Hemangiosarcoma: A blood vessel cancer that can affect organs, such as the spleen, liver, and heart.
Various Ways to Treat Cancer in Dogs
When you know the type of cancer you’re dealing with, you must think about treatment options. Your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist will decide on the best way to proceed with treating your dog based on the kind of cancer it has and the specific condition. Below are the three different ways that cancer is treated in dogs. If you wish to learn more, you can also go here.
Surgery
Surgery could be a viable alternative for your dog’s cancer treatment in the case of a single tumor or if the cancer is located in a smaller area. If the margins around the tumor are clear and the cancer is not spreading, many vets recommend this as the first step in treating dog cancer.
In certain cases, surgery is the only method of treatment suggested for some, while in others, the procedure is conducted before or after chemotherapy or radiation. To make an informed decision about treating your dog’s cancer surgically, you should be familiar with the types of surgery available.
Chemotherapy
This treatment is used for cancers affecting blood cells like leukemia and lymphoma, as well as other deadly cancers. Your vet will provide you with a prescription for a set of drugs that destroy cancerous cells. The treatment for dogs with cancer takes between six to twelve weeks.
It is possible to administer chemotherapy orally at home or through one of the drips you can inject into your dog. Visit websites like https://www.matthews.carolinavet.com/site/specialties/oncology to find out about chemotherapy treatment for dogs with cancer.
Radiation
Dogs with cancers whose tumors are difficult to access through surgery could benefit from this therapy. When treating your dog’s cancer with radiation, a significant dose is targeted at the area affected. The effect is to reduce or eliminate cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be given to your dog anywhere from twice to five times per week. Depending on how advanced your dog’s cancer is, this treatment can last as long as six weeks.
Costs Related to Cancer Treatment for Dogs
The treatment for cancer in dogs is costly, which should not come as a surprise. Your veterinarian may recommend an option for treatment that could cost pet owners a minimum of $10,000. A specialist visit for the diagnosis of cancer can cost approximately $1500. The charge for radiation therapy and chemotherapy can vary from $200 to $6000. It is evident that the cost of treatment is substantial. Fortunately, inexpensive pet insurance can alleviate this worry.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of the breed or age, any dog could develop cancer at any time. Despite the emotional strain, pet owners should be on guard for any changes in their companions that might indicate cancer. The early detection of cancer through regular veterinary checkups dramatically increases the chance of treating and predicting it. Dogs diagnosed with cancer still can hope for an extended and satisfying life with their owners, provided they receive the best possible treatment.
