A mammary tumor is a tumor originating in the mammary gland. It is a  common finding in older female dogs that are not spayed (the incidence rate is one in 4 in unspayed female dogs over the age of 4), but they are found in  other animals as well. The mammary glands in dogs are associated with their nipples and extend from the underside of the chest to the groin on both sides  of the midline. There are many differences between mammary tumors in animals and breast cancer in humans, including tumor type, malignancy, and treatment options.

Mammary tumors can be small, simple nodules or large, aggressive, metastatic growths. With early detection and prompt treatment, even some  of the more serious tumors can be successfully treated.

There are multiple types of mammary tumors in dogs. Approximately 50% of  all mammary tumors in dogs are benign, and… Read the rest

What is an osteosarcoma?

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor diagnosed in veterinary practice. It is considered similar to pediatric osteosarcoma in humans, a bone cancer that usually develops during the period of rapid growth that occurs in adolescence, as a teenager matures into an adult. Osteosarcoma typically affects large breed older dogs but dogs one to two years of age are also diagnosed with this serious disease. There seems to be a higher incidence of osteosarcoma in male dogs.

What are the clinical signs of osteosarcoma?

The symptoms of osteosarcoma are related to the bone or bones involved. The usual symptom is intermittent lameness in a forelimb or hindlimb without any known trauma or injury. There may be a painful area over a long bone or the owner or veterinarian may notice a hard swelling. In some… Read the rest

Liver tumors dog are an important part of the body as the liver affects many bodily functions such as blood clotting, breaking down toxic substances, waste products and stores energy for the body.

Two types of liver cancer in dogs can arise – Primary liver cancer and metastatic liver cancer.

Primary liver cancer is the result of a primary liver tumor (one that originates in the liver). The most common primary liver tumor is the hepatocellular carcinoma which usually does not spread to other parts of the body. Instead, the tumor invades into the liver tissue. Primary liver cancer is less common than metastatic liver cancer in dogs. Primary liver cancer occurs more frequently in older dogs (10 years of age or older). There is a slightly increased risk of primary liver tumors in male dogs. Although rather rare, primary… Read the rest