Dog care, symptoms, health issues, and dog health advocacy from an owner's perspective. In loving memory of Jasmine.
Masses in the spleen occur primarily in middle-aged to older dogs. Splenic masses often consist of only benign hematomas or fibrous nodules. However, these masses can sometimes be highly malignant forms of cancer, especially vascular cancer known as hemangiosarcoma. The spleen The spleen is a highly vascular organ that sits on the left, in front of the abdomen. It functions…
Cancers of the bladder and related structures (e.g., the urethra) are relatively uncommon in dogs. The most common type of canine bladder cancer transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). TCC is a locally invasive tumor that usually develops at the neck of the bladder, where it feeds into the urethra. This cancer typically occurs in older dogs, most often in Beagles, Scotties,…
Prostate cancer usually develops in older, intact male dogs. However, it doesn’t mean that neutered dogs cannot get it. Signs of prostate cancer often relate to the unique location of the prostate, which surrounds the urethra as it passes between the rectum and the pelvis. Signs of prostate cancer in dogs Prostate cancer can lead to difficulty urinating, as the…
Melanoma is the most common oral tumor in dogs. Male dogs, particularly certain breeds, are most susceptible to this type of cancer. Common symptoms include: bad breath pain facial swelling excessive drooling anorexia Further information: Canine Oral Melanoma Thank you, Lisa Freeman, for sharing Laney’s story. Laney’s story Laney came to me through a friend who bred Pekingese. I had…
Malignant melanomas are common in the mouth and on the skin and digits of the feet. Tumors may form on haired or hairless skin, and they may appear pigmented or non-pigmented. The tumors may grow rapidly, ulcerate, or bleed. What does it look like Oral melanoma Oral melanomas represent about 80% of melanomas diagnosed in dogs. Age and breed increase…