Dog Gingival Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Of all the aggressive carcinomas of the mouth in dogs, the squamous cell carcinoma is the most common Dog Mouth Cancer. Although they can grow quickly and invade bones and surrounding tissue, they generally do not metastasize to other organs of a dog’s body. They are usually found in older dogs, but on occasion they can be found in dogs that are much younger as well.

Signs and Symptoms

• Difficulty chewing and eating

• Dog Weight Loss

• Drooling

• Loose teeth

• Dog Bad Breath

• Bleeding from the mouth

• Noticeable growth in the mouth, such as with Dog Osteomas

• Malformation of the face

• Swelling along the neck and under the jaw due to enlarged lymph nodes in the area

Diagnosis

When any of the above symptoms or combination of symptoms appears, consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Provide your vet with a complete history leading up to the appearance of the symptoms. With that information as a guide, your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination of your dog and will also take samples of body fluids to send to a lab for analysis. This will include a CBC, chemical profile and urinalysis. This will aid your vet in determining whether or not the internal organs of your dog are functioning as they should.

As your veterinarian closely examines your dog’s mouth, they will be looking for loose teeth, and any massive growth of tissue. By touching the area under the jaw and along the neck, it can be determined If the animal has enlarged lymph glands. If they are enlarged, it is an indication that the lymph nodes are producing an increased number of white blood cells to fight the diseased status of your dog.

If the lymph nodes are enlarged, your vet will most likely perform a needle biopsy. A sample of fluid will be removed from the nodes and a more accurate description of the fluid in the nodes can be obtained. It will also indicate if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, such as in Dog Lymphoma Cancer.

X-rays of your dog’s head and chest can help to determine if the tumor has metastasized to the lungs or surrounding tissue. A biopsy will also be performed to accurately determine the type of tumor that is present.

Treatment Options

Treatment will vary. It will be dependent on the size of the growth. In the case of a small tumor, it is possible to freeze the tumor and remove it. If it has been allowed to grow larger, an operation to remove the tumor will be done. It is also possible that some of the bone or surrounding tissue will be removed. Your dog will most likely recover well after the procedure. Often the veterinarian will recommend Dog Radiation Therapy following the surgery.

There are instances when the tumor may be too large to remove surgically and a combination of Dog Cancer Chemotherapy and radiation may be used. The combination is generally more successful if used than if either modality is done alone. It is possible that this will extend the dogs life.

Prognosis

Your dog will be hospitalized for several days. When you get your dog home, you will need to observe your dog closely. Initially you may have to hand feed him or her to ensure that they are getting adequate nutrition. Administer all prescribed medications as directed.

Although the growth can be successfully removed, there is a possibility that it will recur.

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