Just like humans, dogs can also develop cancer, especially as they age. Identifying whether a lump or bump is a tumor or related to another health issue can be challenging. Without medical attention, it’s also difficult to know if a lump is cancerous or benign.
If you notice any lumps, bumps, or changes beneath your pet’s coat, contact your vet immediately. While this guide won’t replace professional care, it will help you recognize warning signs and potentially catch cancerous lumps early.
What are Cancerous Lumps?
Cancerous lumps are tumors or growths that commonly develop in a dog’s skin, digestive system, and, in female dogs, the breast area. Some lumps, such as lipomas, are benign, while others, like mast cell tumors and carcinomas, are malignant (cancerous).
How to Spot Cancerous Lumps in Dogs
As dogs age, lumps may appear on or under their skin. Regularly check your pet and bring them in for a check-up if you spot anything unusual.
The warning signs of cancer in dogs are similar to those in humans, although they may be harder to detect due to the dog’s coat. Regular vet check-ups and grooming can help catch things you might miss at home.
Signs to Look For:
- Large Lumps: A large lump isn’t always cancerous—it could be benign, like a lipoma. Still, any change is worth having your vet check.
- Sudden Appearance of Lumps: While some lumps grow slowly, a lump that appears suddenly should prompt a visit to the vet.
- Changes in Size, Color, and Texture: Just like in humans, changes to existing lumps in dogs could signal cancer. Monitor for changes in size, texture, and color, especially if the lump darkens to black or purple.
- Discharge from Lumps, Nose, or Eyes: Some cancerous lumps may produce a discharge that can be tested for underlying causes.
Additional Signs to Watch For
- Sores and Wounds that Won’t Heal: Persistent sores or wounds can signal health issues, including immune problems, infections, or cancer. Some cancers resemble open or non-healing sores.
- Significant Weight Loss: If your dog loses a lot of weight without a change in diet, it’s time for a check-up. Even if cancer isn’t present, weight loss can indicate other health problems.
- Chronic Vomiting or Diarrhea: These symptoms could indicate various health issues, including gastrointestinal cancers. If your dog vomits or has diarrhea regularly, get them checked.
- Weakness and Lethargy: A decline in energy or behavior changes can be a cancer warning but may also indicate other ailments, particularly in older dogs. If your dog seems weaker or more lethargic than usual, a vet visit is advisable.
Common Types of Cancerous Lumps in Dogs
Though dogs can develop various benign lumps over their lifetimes, malignant (cancerous) lumps are the most harmful. Here are some common types of cancerous lumps in dogs:
- Mast Cell Tumor: Cancer of the immune system and blood cells
- Fibrosarcoma: Invasive cancers that resemble lipomas
- Melanoma: Skin cancer
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Skin cancer affecting hairless areas
- Mammary Carcinoma: Breast cancer
- Osteosarcoma: Bone cancer
Get in Touch with your Veterinarian
Right now is good time to get in touch with your veterinarian and if you don’t have one, give us a call at Oxford Veterinary Clinic at 662-234-3930 or visit our website at Oxford Veterinary Clinic dot Com.
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