What is Intestinal Cancer (Adenocarcinoma)?
Intestinal cancer is fairly rare in dogs. When it does occur, though, intestinal tumors are normally located in the colon and rectum, though sometimes they can be found in the small intestines. Intestinal tumors can be benign or malignant, though adenocarcinomas are malignant. This means they have the potential to metastasize, or spread to other areas of the body. Most animals diagnosed with intestinal tumors are middle-aged or older, and male dogs have a higher predisposition. Certain breeds, such as Collies and German Shepherds, are more likely to develop adenocarcinoma. Possible symptoms of adenocarcinomas include weight loss, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. The most preferred treatment is surgical removal of the tumor, though chemotherapy and anti-inflammatories may be used as alternatives or in conjunction with surgery. Immediately following surgery the dog should be monitored for complication. In many cases of malignant tumors, especially where the tumor has metastasized, dogs only live for anywhere between 3 and 15 months.
Adenocarcinomas are malignant tumors found in the glandular structures in the epithelial tissue. While intestinal cancer is rare in dogs, most intestinal tumors are malignant and therefore, prognosis is not good.
Intestinal Cancer (Adenocarcinoma) Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $2,000 - $12,000
Average Cost
$7,500
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
Symptoms of Intestinal Cancer (Adenocarcinoma) in Dogs
Symptoms of intestinal tumors are usually gastrointestinal signs, and in early stages they may not be distinguishable from other, less serious gastrointestinal diseases. Some of the symptoms of intestinal tumors, including adenocarcinomas, are:
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bloody vomit or feces
- Ascites (build-up of fluid in the stomach, causing swelling)
- Feces that appears black or tarry
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Tenesmus (trouble defecating)
- Hematochezia (feces that appear maroon, resulting from blood)
- Peritonitis (inflamed peritoneum)
Types
Most intestinal tumors are malignant, though there are some cases where they are benign, particularly in the rectum, though malignant tumors develop in this location as well. Adenocarcinomas are only one type of intestinal tumors. Others include:
- Lymphoma – cancer of the lymph nodes
- Leiomyosarcoma – a cancer of the connective tissues in the body
- Extramedullary plasmacytoma – a mass of neoplastic monoclonal plasma cells in soft tissue
- Extraskeletal osteosarcoma – rare cancer of the soft tissue
- Mast cell tumors – cancer of a blood cell involved in the body’s response to allergens and inflammation
- Hemangiosarcoma – cancer in the lining of the blood vessels, occurring primarily in dogs and cats
Causes of Intestinal Cancer (Adenocarcinoma) in Dogs
As with most cancers, the cause of adenocarcinoma is not really known. Male dogs ranging between six and nine years in age are more regularly affected than females and other ages. Breed predilection includes Collies and German Shepherds.
Diagnosis of Intestinal Cancer (Adenocarcinoma) in Dogs
Your veterinarian may do a number of diagnostic tests to rule out other causes and determine the severity of the tumor so the best treatment option can be pursued. Some of these diagnostic tests include:
- Physical exam
- Abdominal palpation
- Abdominal X-rays
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Blood test
- Chemistry profile
- Laparoscopy (surgery using thin, lighted tube to evaluate abdominal organs)
- Exploratory laparotomy (surgery involving an incision through the stomach wall to see the inside of the stomach)
- Aspirate (drawing of fluid from the stomach using needle)
- Endoscopy (a non-surgical procedure using a tube-like camera to obtain visuals of the digestive tract)
- Exploratory surgery
- Histopathology (a study of a tissue sample obtained from the tumor)
Treatment of Intestinal Cancer (Adenocarcinoma) in Dogs
- Surgery is the most likely course of treatment for adenocarcinomas. Full recovery is dependent on complete removal of the tumor, which is often difficult to achieve.
- Chemotherapy may be recommended as an alternative to surgery, especially in cases where tumors have metastasized.
- Prescription of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for inflammation reduction. This may also kill tumor cells for carcinomas.
- Special diets or other medications may be used depending on symptoms and accompanying conditions.
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
Recovery of Intestinal Cancer (Adenocarcinoma) in Dogs
Prognosis relies largely on the severity of the tumor and how much it has spread, but in most cases the prognosis is grim. Many dogs with metastatic adenocarcinomas only live around 3-15 months after treatment.
Intestinal Cancer (Adenocarcinoma) Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $2,000 - $12,000
Average Cost
$7,500
Top
Intestinal Cancer (Adenocarcinoma) Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Labradoodle
Teddy
7 Years
22 found this helpful
22 found this helpful
Our dog Teddy was diagnosed with cancer in his intestines, which has spread to his kidneys and lymphoid. He was struggling to go to the bathroom for a couple of weeks and it was always liquidy and filled with blood. The vet told us that this would probably continue until he passes . We changed his diet and stopped feeding him kibble, and focused on a BARF diet with a couple of other supplements. Now his bowel movements are the best of his life. Is this normal, as we feel cautiously optimistic that he somehow is getting better. Could this also just be a positive side affect from prednisone,as he thought his colon was 80% blocked.
June 27, 2018
22 Recommendations
The prednisone may be reducing inflammation which in turn may be improving faecal quality; however, it is not going to change the underlying issue unfortunately. The BARF diet may also be helping with faecal quality but it is difficult to know for sure. You should keep an eye on Teddy and ensure he is comfortable and visit your Veterinarian regularly for checkups. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 28, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Yorkshire Terrier
Zack
8 Years
14 found this helpful
14 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Not Eating, Diarrhea,No Bowel Movem
My baby boy Zack passed away and I was advised he had bowel cancer. This came on suddenly and I don't understand why! Zack was a Yorkie and 8 years old, he was a diabetic and blind but otherwise healthy. He lost his appetite on Thursday and had diarrhea and on Saturday he was gone.
June 24, 2018
14 Recommendations
It is always distressing when a loved one passes, especially when they seemed otherwise healthy leading up to it; some cancers can grow and only show symptoms in the later stages or is only discovered during necropsy. I never examined Zack, so I cannot say whether or not there was something which would have indicated that there was an issue. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 25, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
American Bulldog
Toby
Ten Years
13 found this helpful
13 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Vomiting
Rash
Personality Change
Loose Bowel Movements
Jelly-Like Stool
We have an American Bulldog that is 10 yrs old. We rescued him & he had always had some issues with anxiety and especially food allergies as he is all white. For years he has had about 1 day a week where he throws up basically just stomach acid & then he might be fine or not eat for part of the day, then he's back to normal. But in the past year or so, now when he has one of those days, he also has frequent, uncontrollable, almost liquid diarrhea that is maroon colored and is more like jelly. It has a completely different consistency & smell than his regular feces. We have to put him in diapers & sometimes just hose him off if it's bad enough. He also has a skin problem/rash & has lost hair on his underside that won't seem to go away that he won't stop munching on. We don't have a lot of money for diagnostic tests & my husband can't really work full time because Toby can't be left alone on those days. Seems like IBS or cancer. At 10, is it worth trying to figure out or should we start preparing for the end?
May 20, 2018
13 Recommendations
A maroon coloured jelly sounds like the consistency of raspberry jelly (or jam) which would be a characteristic symptom of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis but other symptoms don’t really fit. Infections, parasites, food sensitivity, poisoning among many other causes (including cancer) may lead to similar symptoms; it would be wise to have your Veterinarian examine Toby as they may be able to give an indication to a possible underlying cause. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 21, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
pit bull terrier
Fred
9 Years
5 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Weight Loss
Lethargy
Blood In Stool
Change In Attitude
Cant Control Bowels
Could my dog be suffering from intestinal cancer? These symptoms have been ongoing for quite some time. He was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and is on medication for that. But i fear it is something else entirely. His whole demeanor has changed and i feel horrible for him.
Feb. 23, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
5 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. I'm sorry that Fred is having these problems. I'm not sure what might be going on with him without examining him and being able to see him, but possible causes might be intestinal parasites, infectious or inflammatory bowel disease, or cancer. A visit to your veterinarian would be a good idea, as they can test his stool sample, perform a rectal exam, and recommend any other possible tests or treatments that he might need. I hope that he is okay.
Feb. 23, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Boston Terrier
Jeter
15 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Leaking Poop
Leaking Poop Raw Bottom
Leaking Poop Raw Bottom Constapted
my 15 year old boston terrier was diagnosed with fatty tumor near his bowel area. we are struggling with the right time to let him go. He has been pooping watery poops in his bed ect. He has gone a full day with no going to the bathroom, but we put him on merlix and pretisone and the next day he had a loose stool. He is still eating and drinking and seems ok but I am worried about the poop leaking so much. Is this a sign that the tumor is to big and he can not pass stool? When is the time? Do we wait till he can not eat or drink any longer , or is he suffering now with the blockage?
Jan. 18, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. I'm sorry that Jeter is going through this. Without seeing him, knowing how big or where the tumor is, or evaluating the rest of his physical status, I have a hard time commenting on whether he is suffering. It would be best to have him see your veterinarian, as they can assess his health, evaluate him, and let you know if they think he is suffering. I hope that he stays comfortable a while longer.
Jan. 18, 2018
Good day.
is it possible that also puppies can have this kind of cancer? I have a pit bull puppy that a Dr diagnosed it without running the tests at all and he even wants to put it down, this makes me sad because my boy is not even 6 moths old and now THIS.
WHAT CAN ONE DO NOW?
Jan. 23, 2018
Nanku
Was this question and answer helpful?
Intestinal Cancer (Adenocarcinoma) Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $2,000 - $12,000
Average Cost
$7,500
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
