Cancers

Overview
There are many different types of cancer that can affect dogs, some more serious than others.
It can be extremely worrying if your dog is diagnosed with cancer but it is important to remember that not all cancers mean your dog is going to die.
This following gives an overview of the types of cancers Curlies can get, how they are diagnosed and treated, as well as some questions to ask your vet if your dog is diagnosed.

General information
Cancer is when a cell inside the body multiplies uncontrollably, with no purpose. Most cancers (except certain types of blood cancer), cause tumours to develop, which spread around the body damaging important structures.
There are many different types of cancer, some more serious than others. Some can be seen from the outside (such as skin cancer and mammary cancer), and others can’t (such as liver and lung cancer). It is important to remember
that not all tumours are cancerous (malignant), some are benign.
Malignant tumours – are cancerous, grow quickly and tend to spread around the body causing problems.
Benign tumours – are not cancerous, are usually slow growing and don’t tend to spread around the body.
Benign tumours only usually cause problems if they get in the way of other body parts (e.g. a big benign lump next to a leg might get in the way and cause pain when your dog is walking).

Types of cancer
Some of the common types of cancers that can affect Curlies include:
Mast Cell Tumours
Lymphoma
Osteosarcoma
Brain Tumours
Lung Tumours
Liver Tumours

Symptoms of cancer in dogs
Each type of cancer causes different symptoms but some of the most common include:
A mass or lump
Low energy
Reduced appetite
Weight loss
Coughing
Drinking more
Vomiting or diarrhoea.

When to contact your vet
Contact your vet if you find a lump on your dog, or if they have symptoms you’re worried about. You know your dog best. If you are concerned, it’s always best to contact your vet.
If your Curly develops cancer of any sort, please contact Gill May, Breed Health Coordinator at secretary@ccraofgb.co.uk with the details so that they can be added to the breed health database. Thank you.