Signs of Pancreatic Cancer in Dogs

The pancreas is a very important gland organ for all vertebrates. It is responsible for regulating blood sugar in the body and is essential for digesting food. When it becomes diseased, the result can be very painful and debilitating. Having a beloved family pet become ill is very stressful and worrying. The anxiety is further compounded when the diagnosis is not very promising.

Pancreatic Cancer

The cause of this disease is not known, however, the majority of tumors formed in the pancreas are malignant. Fortunately, this condition is very rare. The diagnostic rate is less than 5 percent of all canine cancers. Because this disease is so uncommon in dogs and symptoms do not show until the disorder has progressed, proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment often do not take place until the disease has metastasized to other organs.

Symptoms

The symptoms of this disease are often vague and non-specific. Warning signs may include vomiting, abdominal pain, anorexia, weight loss, lethargy, hair loss, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Loss of coordination, seizures and blood in the dog's stool may also be present.

Diagnosis

If your pet is displaying any of the warning signs, it's critical that you take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Necessary tests will be performed to determine the source of the dog's illness. If the determination is pancreatic cancer, an abdominal ultrasound may be performed to locate the tumor and evaluate whether the cancer has spread to the liver and regional lymph nodes.

Treatment

Pancreatic cancer is very difficult to treat. Surgery is an option if the disorder hasn't spread to other parts of the body. If it has metastasized, surgery presents no significant cure benefit except for, possibly, gastrointestinal bypass surgery. This procedure is an option if the tumor will eventually cause bowel obstruction, but this is only short-term relief. Depending on the dog's individual circumstances, the veterinarian may opt for radiation, chemotherapy and prescription drugs. Most dogs will not be allowed to have food; nutrients and vitamins will need to be administered intravenously. Pain medication may also be prescribed as needed.

Prognosis

Unfortunately, the prognosis for dogs diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is poor due to the critical location of the disease and the advanced stage typically seen at diagnosis. Life expectancy is usually no longer than a year.