Cancer, unfortunately, has become the leading disease related cause of death for dogs and cats. It is estimated that 1 in 4 dogs and 1 in 5 cats will be affected by neoplasia at some stage of their lives. This can be a serious and distressing diagnosis, but, it is important to know that there are many types of neoplasia, some are very serious and difficult to manage, others are minor with minimal complications. Understanding the terms associated with cancer is important to avoid confusion and undue stress when confronted with a tumor in your pet. 

Common terms you may encounter (like in the preceding paragraph) include tumor, neoplasia, cancer, benign, malignant, invasive, and metastatic. Neoplasia is a general medical term used to describe abnormal cell growth. It is derived from Greek neo- which means new and –plasia which means formation or growth. Under the neoplasia term an abnormal growth can be benign or malignant. Neoplasm refers to the mass itself. Tumor is a term derived from Latin that also describes a mass of abnormal cells and tissues that can be benign or malignant. Neoplasm and tumor describe essentially the same thing: an abnormal growth of cells making a mass. In other words, a mass or growth could be called a neoplasm or tumor. 

Benign describes a growth that is usually a mass of abnormal cells that grows slowly, is not invasive into the surrounding tissues, and does not metastasize (spread to other parts of the body). These are not considered cancer. Benign growths are often not a significant problem and monitoring can be an appropriate approach. However, some benign growths can become excessively large and interfere with normal function like a large lipoma that makes walking difficult or a heart based mass that impacts heart function. Other benign growths can bleed from the surface, rub against the eye, or just be irritating. For some of these benign growths early removal can be the best option.

Cancer is used to describe an abnormal cell growth that is malignant. Malignant cancer growths are ones that typically grow faster and invade into adjacent tissue or spread to other parts of the body. Malignant cancers can occur in many areas of the body. Depending on where the growth is located, it can have serious impacts on body functions and body metabolic processes. For example, a malignant cancer of the spleen in dogs can result in rupture, severe bleeding from the spleen, and can spread to areas like the liver. Bone cancer they can lead to severe pain, spread to other parts of the body like the lungs, and result in removal of the affected leg.

Determining if an abnormal growth is benign or malignant can require a biopsy to identify the cell type involved and to predict its growth behavior. The biopsy may be as simple as using a needle to obtain a sample of abnormal cells or more complex like surgically removing a sample of the mass. For many cancers, additional workup like blood tests along with radiographs of the chest and ultrasound of the abdomen may be required for better treatment planning. This additional workup can be part of the process of determining the cancer stage of the patient.

Basic cancer signs to watch for include abnormal swelling of the abdomen, difficulty breathing or eating, bleeding from any body opening (i.e. nose), non-healing wounds, sudden weight changes, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, a visible mass, or unexplained swelling, heat, pain or lameness. These signs will depend on the type and location of the cancer.

Depending on the type of cancer, overall health of the pet, and the pet companion’s goals for treatment, there is a range of therapy options. Basic conventional options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation based on the specific cancer and needs of the pets. Integrative therapies can be carefully used along with these conventional options. Alternative approaches can also be used depending on the pet’s condition and the pet companion’s goals. Integrative and alternative options can include the use of herbs and mushrooms with anti-cancer properties and immune boosting effects, nutritional supplements for general support, ozone therapy, homeopathic medicines, injections of extracts into the cancer mass, and many others. 

If your pet has indications of a tumor, contact your veterinarian. For therapy options after diagnosis, consultation with the appropriate specialist is valuable. No single approach, conventional, integrative, or alternative is appropriate for all situations. Each cancer type and pet has individual needs.

Ron Carsten, DVM, PhD, CVA, CCRT was one of the first veterinarians in Colorado to use the integrative approach, has lectured widely to veterinarians, and has been a pioneer in the therapeutic use of food concentrates to manage clinical problems. He is also the founder of Colorado Animal Rescue (CARE). In addition to his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, he holds a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology and is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist and Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist. He practices integrative veterinary medicine in Glenwood Springs. Dr. Carsten is the 2022 Colorado Veterinary Medical Association Distinguished Service Award recipient.