Signs & Symptoms of Colon Cancer in Dogs
The threat of cancer in the family dog can be a frightening possibility to contemplate. For many, the family dog is just as much a member of the family as a child, husband or wife. Just like cancer in humans, cancer in dogs is most treatable if it is caught early. Unfortunately, your dog can't tell you how he feels, so you have to watch for the signs of illness. As soon as your dog starts to show symptoms of the disease it's time to consult your family vet for a diagnosis.
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Colitis
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Colon cancer in dogs can be difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms of colon cancer are the same as colitis or irritable bowl syndrome. Your vet can run a series of tests, including a blood count, serum biochemistry, abdominal X-rays and urine analysis. A biopsy or colonoscopy may also be needed to rule out cancer.
Stool
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Many of the earliest signs of colon problems show up in your pet's stool. If there is blood or mucous present when your dog defecates, it may be a sign of problems in the colon.
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Constipation or Frequent Defecation
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Another sign of trouble with the colon appears when your dog has trouble defecating. If your dog appears to be straining to void his stool, then he may have problems with colitis, irritable bowel syndrome or colon cancer. Conversely, if your dog goes to the bathroom too often, this can also be a sign of colon issues.
Vomiting
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Just as in humans, a dog's gastrointestinal tract is all connected. Food that the dog swallows will be processed through the body, and eventually disposed of as urine and fecal matter. However, colon cancer, irritable bowel syndrome and colitis can all prevent the body from adequately processing food. When this happens, sometimes the body disposes of food by causing the dog to vomit. Vomiting in an otherwise healthy dog should be taken as a warning sign.
Weight Loss
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When the body fails to adequately process food, the lost nutrients may cause weight loss. Rapid weight loss in pets can be caused by loss of vitamins, rapid transit of food through the entire gastrointestinal system, blood and fluid loss, and infectious agents entering the animal's body through the damaged intestinal wall.
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Resources
- Photo Credit photo by Schick
