Dogs can get cancer at roughly the same age as humans. Some cancers are preventable by spaying and neutering, others are not.
A diagnosis of cancer may be based on x-rays, blood tests, physical appearance of lumps and other physical signs. The ultimate test is thorugh a biopsy.
Top Ten Common Signs of Cancer in Your Senior to look for:
1) Abnormal Swelling that persists or continues to grow
2) Sores that do not heal
3) Weight Loss
4) Loss of Appetite
5) Bleeding or Discharge from any body opening
6) Offensive Mouth Odor
7) Difficulty eating or swallowing
8) Hesistation to escercise/loss ofstamina
9) Persistent lameness/stiffness
10) Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating
Obviously if any of these symtons present-get your guy to the vet.
We , who have seniors have been keeping up with wellness exams, and are ahead of as much as possible
1)More than half of dogs over ten will develop cancer. This tumor can affect any breed, at any age.
2) Peripheral Lymphoma
The most common sign is enlargement of the peripheral lymph nodes, particularly under the jaw, in front of the shoulders and behind the knees, This is a difficult to detect, unless dog shows decreased appetite or lethargy.
3) Inernal Lymphoma
This form affects the inernal lymph nodes, such as the lover or spleen. Signs of internal lymphoma are often severe , consisting of vomiting,diarrhea, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing. Left untreated, these can become fatal.
Hemangiosarcoma
This is a tumor that develops from cells that line blood vessels. This tumor affects middle-aged or older dogs of any breed. This sarcoma develops over time and is not painful. Signs do not show until late in the disease when the dog suffers from internal bleeding from the tumor rupturing. The organ most frequently affected is the spleen. Most dogs do not survive long after diagnosis.
Finally:
Osteosarcoma
This form primarily affects the long bones (front and rear limbs), but can affect any bones including the skull or ribs. This sarcoma is aggressive and rapidly spreading tumor. Usually treatment requires removal of affected limb with the hopes to stop the spreading of the disease.