Having reached the age of 10 years, cancer is the most common cause of dogs being put down. Studies show this number being as much as 50%.

Cancer is described as a malignant tumour able to arise in different organ and tissue. For the cancer to be characterised as malignant it be of such kind that it destroys and breaks down the primary tissue.

How the cancer develops further is dependent on the primary organ and tissue. Cancer is an illness caused by abnormalities in the cell level. There are disruptions in the cell splitting which leads to growth without regard to the normal tissue.

A lot of cancer type spread to the lungs, butt he different types may well spread to other parts of the body.

The Veterinary Cancer Society has worked out a list over the 10 most common signs of cancer in dogs and cats.


• Abnormal swelling which won’t go down or away.
• Wounds that won’t heal.
• Weight loss.
• Decreased appetite.
• Bleeding or puss from orifices.
• Discomforting scent.
• Problems when it comes to eating and swallowing.
• Bad shape or weaknesses.
• Lasting limp or stiffness.
• Difficulties breathing, urinationg or defecating.

Shallow tumours are more likely to be noticed by the owner than tumours on internal organs.

The diagnosis is made base don a clinical examination together with a tissue sample of the tumour. The clinical examination alone will not be enough to safely conclude cancer.

The three main forms of treatment in human and veterinary medicine are surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Both the type of cancer present and the general state of the patent are contributing factors in deciding what treatment should be used. The point to the cancer treatment is to control the cancer and contribute to preserve the patients well-being.

Contact your veterinarian should you have any questions. This article has been based on information gathered from The Foundation For Cancer in Dogs (Stiftelsen Forskningsfondet Kreft Hos Hund).