Dogs & Colon Cancer
Colon cancer can affect dogs as well as people. A veterinarian can confirm the presence of the cancer and recommend a course of treatment.
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Description
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Gastrointestinal neoplasia, or cancer, can occur in any part of a dog's digestive system, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach or colon, and may spread to other parts of the body, according to PetPlace.com.
Causes
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While researchers do not know the exact cause of colon cancer in dogs, chronic inflammation, certain parasites, age and genetic disposition in certain breeds may all make a dog vulnerable to the disease.
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Diagnosis
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A dog with bloody diarrhea or difficulty making a stool may need an examination for possible colon cancer. Veterinarians typically perform a wide range of diagnostic tests from blood work to X-rays, but only a tissue biopsy can confirm the presence of colon cancer.
Treatment
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While surgery may succeed in removing the cancer, inoperable cancers may require chemotherapy, radiation or dietary adjustments.
Outlook
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A completely successful surgery may cure the dog of its cancer. Other treatments may only extend the dog's life by a few months while improving its quality of life during that period.
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