Educational Articles
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Fibrosarcomas are a type of soft tissue cancer that is common in dogs. They are most often found on the limbs and trunk of the body but can also be found in the nasal cavity or mouth. They usually originate from the connective tissue of the skin and beneath the skin, but occasionally from the bone. Older dogs and certain breeds (especially large breeds) are at greater risk. Fibrosarcomas are often painful. Surgery is the treatment of choice for fibrosarcomas, with or without radiation and/or chemotherapy. With proper and prompt treatment, favorable outcomes are possible.
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Hepatoid gland tumors are a type of cancer that develop from the sebaceous (sweat) glands of the skin. The most common location for these tumors to develop is the perianal area, and the most common tumor is the perianal adenoma. Perianal adenocarcinomas, and rarely perianal epitheliomas may also occur. These tumors appear as one or more small, round, pink, hairless, slow-growing nodules around the anus, and can sometimes ulcerate and become infected. Malignant tumors can grow much bigger and faster, invade the underlying tissue, and metastasize. Diagnosis may be made by fine needle aspiration, biopsy, or full excision of the tumor. Staging is recommended for adenocarcinomas. Treatment may involve surgical removal along with neutering, cryotherapy, laser ablation, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and occasionally hormone therapy. The prognosis is good with perianal adenomas, fair to poor with adenocarcinomas, and generally good with epitheliomas.
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Infertility in a female dog is defined as the inability to conceive and deliver viable puppies, even when mated multiple times with a known fertile male surrounding the time of ovulation. This handout outlines the varying causes of infertility in female dogs and how they may be diagnosed and treated.
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Intestinal tumors are uncommon in dogs and cats, comprising about 2% of all cancers. There are many kinds, including leiomyosarcomas, lymphomas, adenocarcinomas, mast cell tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), plasmacytomas, carcinoids, and osteosarcomas (all malignant) and leiomyomas, adenomatous polyps, and adenomas (all benign). Most intestinal tumors are malignant. Intestinal tumors are more prevalent in older animals and certain breeds. Signs, diagnosis, and treatment are discussed.
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Primary liver tumors in dogs and cats are rare. There are 4 types: hepatocellular tumors, bile duct tumors, neuroendocrine tumors, and sarcomas. These cancers can be massive, nodular, or diffuse in form. In dogs, most liver tumors are malignant, while in cats, most are benign. The signs of liver tumors range from being asymptomatic to having inappetence, fever, lethargy, and weight loss; and less commonly, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea; increased drinking and urination; and jaundice. Occasionally there are neurological signs, such as seizures. With tumor rupture and intrabdominal bleeding there may be weakness, collapse, and difficulty breathing. The diagnosis is based on history, clinical signs, exam findings, diagnostic imaging, and FNA or liver biopsy. A biopsy is best for a definitive diagnosis. Surgery is the treatment of choice for most primary liver tumors followed by chemotherapy. Chemoembolization is a newer treatment.
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Lung tumors are considered rare in cats and dogs. Many pets may not show symptoms at first, and a tumor may be found coincidentally. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, treatment may be possible; otherwise, symptomatic supportive care may be an alternative option.
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Lymphatic tumors are rare in pets. Lymphangiomas are benign and lymphangiosarcomas are malignant and have a moderate-to-high metastatic potential. Patients with lymphatic tumors typically have severe edema or cavity effusions because of lymphatic obstruction and leakage. These types of tumors occur more frequently in young dogs and cats. Treatment usually involves surgical excision and chemotherapy may be used as a follow-up treatment in the case of lymphangiosarcomas.
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Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph nodes and lymphatic system. This cancer may be localized to one particular region, or may spread throughout the entire body. Lymphoma is a relatively common cancer, accounting for 15-20% of new cancer diagnoses in dogs. The prognosis for lymphoma varies, depending on various characteristics that can only be determined by specialized testing.
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The most common forms of cutaneous lymphoma are epitheliotropic lymphoma and dermal lymphoma. No specific risk factors or causes have been identified in the development of cutaneous lymphoma. Generally, cutaneous lymphoma can appear as various-sized irritated, ulcerated, or infected patches anywhere on the skin, including the gums, nose, or lip margins. These areas may become ulcerated and bleed, or become crusted. Secondary infections are possible. By far, the most common treatment for cutaneous lymphoma is chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the response to treatment, although initially encouraging, is typically short-lived, with gradual return of the tumors.
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There are several different types of malignant mammary tumors, with carcinomas being the most common. Carcinomas arise from epithelial (skin) cells, tubules of the mammary glands, or other cells found in the mammary chain. The size of the masses and their appearance may vary, but they are usually firm and nodular. Occasionally, the skin over the mass may ulcerate (open) and bleed, and the affected area may feel warm to the touch and become painful. Detecting and treating these tumors when they are small, and before spread has occurred, will provide your dog with the best chance for long-term control.
