Metastic Neoplasia (Cancer) in Dogs

If your dog has metastatic neoplasia, you have to see a veterinary professional to find the primary tumor. Usually, by the time the metastasized neoplasia is found, you will likely have noticed some signs of the original tumor depending on where it is located. For example, if the cancer originated in the lungs, you will probably have seen some breathing difficulty and maybe weight loss. Cancer cells travel through the blood and lymph nodes to different areas in the body, but those cells that have travelled there will not be from the organ they are in, but the organ that they came from. For example, lung cancer tumor cells that travel to the liver will show up as lung cells. This is one way the veterinarian can tell where the tumor originated. After taking a biopsy of the neoplasia that was found, the cells will tell where the original tumor is located.

Neoplasia is an abnormal tissue growth that can occur anywhere in the body and it can be benign or malignant. Benign neoplasia is not cancerous and malignant neoplasia is cancerous. Metastatic neoplasia, often called mets, is a cancer that has spread to other parts of the body from its original site. The neoplasia would have to be malignant for it to metastasize (travel) to other parts of the body. Most often, it moves through the lymph nodes and lungs, then travels to other organs. The neoplasms (cancer) invade and destroy all the tissue around them and grow faster than the other tissues, so the neoplasms break apart and move to other parts of the body.

Since the metastatic neoplasia are cancer cells that travelled from a tumor somewhere in your dog’s body, the symptoms will be mostly related to the primary tumor area. However, the areas where the neoplasia ends up will also send out signs of problems.

Skin

• Inflammation
• Redness or rash
• Discolored skin
• Hair loss
• Lumps or growths

Breast (Mammary Gland)

• Edema (fluid retention) in the chest and abdomen

Head & Neck

• Mass or lump in the mouth or gums
• Bleeding
• Foul breath
• Trouble eating
• Appetite loss

Testicles

• Painful testes
• Edema (fluid retention) in abdomen and genital area
• Abdomen

Bones

• Pain in the affected area
• Swelling of the joints
• Trouble walking
• Depression
• Lethargy

Lungs

• Coughing
• Labored breathing
• Gasping for breath
• Weight loss
• Wheezing
• Coughing up blood
• Weakness

Stomach

• Appetite loss
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Vomiting blood

Liver

• Edema (fluid retention) in abdominal area
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and mucous membranes)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Sleepiness

Kidneys

• Edema (fluid retention) in abdominal area
• Frequent urination gradually changing to lack of urination
• Abnormal thirst
• Vomiting
• Appetite loss
• Weight loss

The cause for cancer has not been definitively found but there are some factors thought to contribute to it's development.

• Old age
• Chemical exposure
• Genetics
• Environmental influence

The sooner you can get a diagnosis by a veterinary professional, the better your dog’s chances of recovery. First, the veterinarian will need to give your pet a thorough examination including height, weight, pulse, oxygen levels, breath sounds, abdominal palpation, pupil reaction time, blood pressure, temperature and respirations. Tell the veterinarian the symptoms you have noticed and if you have given your dog any medication. Necessary laboratory tests include blood counts and serum biochemistry panel to check for abnormal levels of protein, blood cell counts, kidney function, liver panel, glucose level, and a packed cell volume (PCV) to check for dehydration and electrolyte balance.

Radiographs (x-rays) of the affected area will be done next to look for the metastatic neoplasms and the primary tumor as well. An MRI, CT scan, and ultrasound are usually done next to get better views of the tumor. Once the neoplasia is found, a biopsy will be taken by fine needle aspiration. The cells found in the neoplasia will be from the primary tumor, so the veterinarian will know exactly where to look.

With any kind of cancer, it is important to attack it aggressively and quickly to be able to either minimize the tumor or get rid of it completely. However, once there is metastatic neoplasia in your pet’s system, the primary tumor would already have to be large and hard to get remove. There are several choices that the veterinarian can suggest, but the best idea is to get a recommendation for a veterinary oncologist because they specialize in metastatic neoplasia. Some of the treatments available are:

Surgery

Depending on the primary tumor site and size and how far the cancer has spread, removing the cancerous areas may be possible. However, once metastatic neoplasia is evident, the cancer will have already spread enough to be inoperable.

Chemotherapy

The veterinarian may choose to do chemotherapy by itself or after surgery. Chemotherapy may be good for slowing the progression of the disease, but it is usually fatal once this stage is reached.

Radiation

Radiation is usually a last resort and most oncologists do not recommend this treatment for metastatic neoplasia.

Supportive Care

Because this disease is usually fatal, most oncologists just suggest supportive care. This may include oxygen and fluid therapy, intravenous feeding, antibiotics for infections, and pain medication.

Unfortunately, the prognosis for metastatic neoplasia is grave due to the fact that the cancer has already spread. Once this happens, it is usually only a matter of time. Many owners choose to euthanize their pet to ease their suffering.