What Are the Treatments for Rectal Cancer in Dogs?
Veterinary oncologists are veterinarians who specialize in cancers affecting dogs, cats and other animal patients. Rectal cancer, though rare, requires treatment in order to provide comfort and better quality of life for the affected dog.
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Symptoms
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Symptoms of canine rectal cancer include an abnormal growth from the rectal area, which may or may not be visible, constipation, bloody stool, difficult defecation, increased thirst, anorexia and diarrhea.
Surgery
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Most rectal tumors are fairly accessible, making surgery one of the top options for a dog that is suffering from rectal cancer.
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Radiation Therapy
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In canines, rectal cancer often spreads quickly. Therefore, removal should be accompanied by radiation therapy to help control the spread of the cancer.
Chemotherapy
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Some veterinarians may recommend chemotherapy over radiation therapy, or they may recommend that both be used simultaneously. Chemotherapy, like radiation therapy, is used to control the spread of the cancer.
Prognosis
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The prognosis for canine rectal cancer will vary greatly depending on the severity and metastasis (spread) of the cancer. Some dogs will respond well to treatment and live for more than a year, while others may only live a few weeks to a few months.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Eoin Lane
