Stomach Tumors in a Dog
Dog stomach tumors can occur in most any dog; however, according to the Pet Cancer Center, stomach cancer accounts for less than 1 percent of all cancers in dogs. Dogs with stomach tumors usually present the same characteristic symptoms as other stomach problems and diagnosis can be a bit difficult. A dog owner should consult a veterinarian immediately if a dog has a suspected stomach tumor.
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Significance
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Dog stomach tumors are often quite serious and detrimental. According to the Pet Cancer Center, the most common stomach cancers found in dogs include adenocarcinomas, lymphoma, mast cell tumors, plasmacytomas and fibrosarcomas. Adenocarcinomas commonly spread to the dog's lymph nodes, lungs and liver.
Symptoms
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The Dog Health Guide reports that dogs with stomach tumors will typically vomit. The vomit commonly contains specks of dark blood. In addition, dogs with stomach tumors may lose weight, have distended abdomens and become weak.
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Diagnosis
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In order to diagnose stomach tumors in a dog, the veterinarian can perform a few tests. She can take special radiographs called positive or double-contrast radiography to look for the tumor in the stomach, or she can use a sonogram machine to look in its stomach. In addition, the veterinarian can use an instrument called an endoscope to internally examine the stomach to look for tumors. If the veterinarian locates a tumor, she can use the endoscope to take biopsies of the tumor, which can identify if the mass is malignant or benign.
Treatment
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The Pet Cancer Center reports that the most effective treatment for dog stomach tumors is surgery. During the surgery, the veterinarian can attempt to remove the tumor and can identify if the tumor has spread to other organs. If the tumor blocks the passage of food from the stomach to the intestines, the veterinarian may be able to perform bypass surgery to provide comfort for the dog.
Prognosis
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Prognosis of a dog with stomach tumors depends upon the results of the biopsy. If the tumor is malignant, the prognosis also depends on the type of cancer the dog has. According to the Pet Cancer Center, most dogs with stomach cancer only live for about six months. In rare cases, dogs have lived up to three years.
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References
- Photo Credit Dogs face image by adrian stones from Fotolia.com
