Dog Gastrointestinal Neoplasia

Cancers that occur in the digestive system are called neoplasias. They can appear anywhere from the mouth to the stomach, large intestines and rectum as well as places in between. Often this type of Dog Cancer is a primary cancer but can also be one that has metastasized from another site.

Middle-aged to older dogs are most frequently affected by neoplasia. It is a type of cancer that is neither breed nor age specific. Early in the disease process, there are few symptoms which make it very difficult to diagnose during that time period.

Signs and Symptoms

• If you dog has difficulty eating, has bleeding from the mouth or very Dog Bad Breath, consult your vet.

• With esophageal involvement there will be Dog Vomiting, excessive drooling and Dog Weight Loss.

• In the stomach, your dog will have vomiting, possible with blood, Dog Loss of Appetite, black stools and weight loss.

• Within the small intestine, symptoms would be Dog Diarrhea, lack of appetite, vomiting, tarry stool, excessive gas and weight loss.

• Neoplasia in the colon will result in diarrhea, often with blood or mucus and constipation.

• The rectum involvement will result in Dog Constipation and red blood in the stool.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis can sometimes be difficult. The symptoms of intestinal neoplasia are similar to those of several other intestinal problems in dogs. Adenocarcinoma is the most common in dogs.

Your veterinarian will order a series of diagnostic tests.

• Blood tests that include chemical profile, blood count

• Urinalysis

• The stool will be checked for blood

• X-rays of the abdomen and chest

• Ultrasound of the abdomen

• A test called an endoscopy may be performed. These consist of inserting a small tube into the mouth and proceed down through the esophagus and stomach. This will be performed under sedation.

• Contrasting studies using dyes may be done

• Biopsy of any suspicious areas

• Abdominal surgery to explore the area and obtain biopsies

Treatment Options

Treatment may vary depending on the extent of the neoplasia and the location. Hospitalization is always in order. Dogs will receive intravenous fluids and transfusions if the blood count indicates a need. The veterinarian will remove the malignancy and surrounding tissue to reduce the area of involvement and to improve the comfort of the dog.

This will be followed by Dog Cancer Chemotherapy and Dog Radiation Therapy, in an attempt to slow down or stop further metastasis. The diet of the dog will be changed accordingly. This will also depend on the location of the neoplasia.

Home Care

When your beloved dog comes home you will need to follow your veterinarian’s directions. Dog Pain will have to be managed. The disease can cause pain and the surgery will most certainly cause pain. Administer pain medication as directed. It is best to address the possibility of pain before it becomes extreme. The first sign of discomfort will warrant the administration of the prescribed medication.

Administer the prescribed diet and keep your dog as well nourished as possible. You may choose to invest in a comfortable bed to assist in pain relief. Report any changes in your dog’s condition to your vet.

Suggested Products

Nu-Pet Vitamin & Antioxidant Wafers
Cancer Support Kit – Dogs
Mouth Drops for Dog Bad Breath

Additional Dog Cancer Pages

Dog Cancer | Dog Skin Cancer | Dog Bladder Cancer | Dog Pancreatic Cancer | Dog Bone Cancer | Dog Cancer Prevention | Dog Cancer Diagnosis | Dog Lymphoma Cancer | Dog Gastric Cancer | Dog Mast Cell Tumors