Dogs over the age of ten are more likely to be identified with mouth cancer, but it can also develop at any age. Some types quickly spread to other body parts and develop at an alarming level, even reaching the hiding bone. In this post, we will explore some signs that may indicate your dog has oral cancer and the possible methods for therapy.
What is mouth cancer in dogs?
The mouth cavity of our pets consists of multiple kinds of cells, including skin, fibrous, and bone cells, similar to the human mouth. The existence of cancer in any of these cells triggers them to mutate and multiply uncontrollably, resulting in tumors that can spread to and penetrate neighboring healthy cells.
While some cancers progress gradually and are unlikely to metastasize, others can quickly travel from one area of your dog’s body to another. Melanoma, squamous cell cancer, and fibrosarcoma are the three most common forms of oral cancer in dogs. You can visit a website like https://www.quailhollowvet.com/site/veterinary-services-charlotte/internal-medicine to learn more.
What are the symptoms of mouth cancer in dogs?
Oral cancer in dogs typically shows up with the following signs:
- Severe drooling
- Loose teeth
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
- Blood coming from the mouth
- Oral pain
- Bad breath
- Weight loss
- Swollen or deformed areas on the face
- Visible mass in the mouth
- Trouble chewing or drinking
How do veterinarians treat dog oral cancer?
Mouth cancer in dogs is commonly treated with surgery. Your pet’s cancer might be treatable by surgery if it is detected early enough and the lump is located in an easily accessible spot. Some dogs with advanced cases of mouth cancer may require thorough surgical removal of their jaw to eliminate the disease.
After surgery, your vet might introduce radiation therapy or immunotherapy to help remove cancer cells and speed up the recovery process. If your dog’s oncologist can not remove the tumor surgically because of its advanced phase or place, radiation therapy might be utilized instead or in addition to the surgical procedure. Dogs receiving radiation treatment for mouth cancer may experience temporary mouth irritation, including redness, swelling, and ulceration; nevertheless, these indicators usually lessen within a week. Consider the Quail Hollow Veterinary Hospital to help you with this surgical treatment.
What does dog oral cancer look like?
Oral cancer can arise in a variety of ways depending on where they have formed, but they most commonly reveal as lumps or swellings anywhere in the mouth, most commonly on the periodontal and roof of the mouth. These tumors tend to hemorrhage and burst open, making the patient vulnerable to infection.
The size, type, position, and strength of your dog’s tumor all contribute to how it feels and looks. However, tumors in the mouth can be darker in color than the surrounding cells or non-pigmented, and they could seem like soft swellings or more cauliflower-like in shape.
How long can dogs live with oral cancer?
Numerous aspects, including the lump’s area, its progression stage at diagnosis, and the dog’s total health, influence how long a dog with mouth cancer can anticipate to live.
Surgery might successfully heal a lump if it is spotted early enough. Unfortunately, oral tumors in dogs are commonly misdiagnosed until the cancer has spread. A lot of these dogs have a life span of 12 months after diagnosis with proper care; after that, euthanasia is the most humane choice. Click here to learn more about your dog’s oral health.
