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Dog Uterine Tumors

Veterinarian Reviewed on March 29, 2014 by Dr. Janice Huntingford

Dog Uterine Tumors

This type of tumor is rare in dogs and can be benign. Most commonly they are malignant. They will appear mostly in middle aged to older dogs that are intact. They can easily be prevented by having your dog spayed at an early age.

The most common type of tumor is a fibroid tumor. Most of the tumors are benign and will have no clinical manifestations. If the tumors become large, they can cause pressure on other organs in the abdomen as well as the development of fluid in the area that is secondary to the tumor.

Occasionally it will appear with an infection in the uterus. It is with that infection that some symptoms may occur.

There are other conditions that cause similar symptoms. Vaginal tumors, vaginitis and infection of the reproductive area can cause discharge. The presence of other tumors in the abdomen may also cause distension and the accumulation of fluid.
Gastrointestinal, Dog Kidney Disease, Dog Liver Disease and metabolic diseases can produce many of the common symptoms that will also present with uterine tumors.

Signs and Symptoms

• There will be some discharge from the vagina.

• The abdomen becomes enlarged

Dog Loss of Appetite

Dog Vomiting

Dog Weight Loss

Dog Constipation

Dog Increased Urination, often with difficulty

• Fatigue and lack of interest in common activities

Diagnosis

Diagnosis will be made by the usual steps. You should have a good history to present to your veterinarian. It is up to the dog owner to observe any changes in physical activity or physical changes in their dogs.

Your vet will need that complete history and will proceed to do a complete physical examination. This will include blood tests, CBC and chemistry, urinalysis, x-rays and ultrasound of the abdomen and a biopsy if anything is noted on the films.

Treatment Options

Surgery is the only alternative for removal of uterine tumors. The ovaries should be removed as well.

If the tumor is benign, no further treatment is necessary.
If the tumor is malignant, your veterinarian may suggest Dog Cancer Chemotherapy as well. This is intended to prevent the malignant cells from metastasizing to other organs. There aren’t enough studies to give an accurate instance of resolution with chemotherapy.

If infection is present in the uterus, antibiotic therapy will also be initiated.

Home Care

Your veterinary care does not end when you take your dog home. There will be critical follow-ups that the responsible dog owner will have to initiate. Most importantly, you need to observe your dog for the normal improvement that will occur after surgery. Observe your dog’s incision and be alert for signs of infection such as redness, swelling or increased pain.

Prognosis after removal of a benign tumor is excellent. Usually sutures will be removed in a couple of weeks and all will be well.
If malignancy is detected, you vet will need to do frequent follow up visits. In addition to physical examination your vet will take x-rays and ultrasounds of the abdomen to check for further growth. Metastasis is always a possibility with malignant tumors.

If chemotherapy has been initiated, more frequent visits will take place. Any problems with your dog’s health should be reported to your veterinarian immediately.

Once you have your dog home, ensure adequate nutrition and administration of any Dog Pain medication that will be ordered. Any changes should be brought to the attention of your vet. Follow Dog Palliative Cancer Care guidelines and provide your dog with an adequate Dog Cancer Diets along with Dog Cancer Dietary Supplements.

Suggested Products

Nu-Pet Vitamin & Antioxidant Wafers
Cancer Support Kit – Dogs
ES Clear – Dog Cancer Support
Plantaeris for Dog Diarrhea
Maris for Dog Constipation

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

Read also: Dog Nasal Chondrosarcoma
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Our Expert

Dr. Janice Huntingford
Janice Huntingford, DVM, has been in veterinary practice for over 30 years and has founded two veterinary clinics since receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. She has studied extensively in both conventional and holistic modalities. Ask Dr. Jan

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