What is Tumor of the Throat?
A tumor in the throat in dogs is an uncommon occurrence. However, it does happen and can have serious consequences for the health of your pet. A growth in the throat area can be benign, but may also be malignant. In some instances, a tumor in the throat will arise because of a malignancy elsewhere in the body. Surgery is usually the standard method of removal, along with treatment for the underlying cause if needed.
The throat can be the location of many types of tumors in canines, with two examples being tonsillar and tracheal. Often masses of aggressive nature, malignancy is common, and detection at an early stage will offer the best prognosis.
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Symptoms of Tumor of the Throat in Dogs
Signs can be different from one tumor to another, and can vary in severity due to the location and size of the mass. If you see your furry family member showing any of the signs listed below, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
- Weakness
- Regurgitation of undigested food or blood
- Vomiting after eating
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Pain when swallowing
- Irritation of the throat
- Change in bark tone
- Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
- Respiratory distress or noisy breathing
- Bluish colored mucus membranes (cyanosis)
- Coughing
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Weight loss
- Excessive salivation and drooling (ptyalism)
- Odorous breath (halitosis)
- Swelling in neck or throat area
- Difficulty participating in exercise, or lack of interest in usual activities
- Possible changes in drinking and urinary habits
Types
The list for types of tumors of the throat in dogs is very extensive. Some of the growths that can be diagnosed are found below.
- Laryngeal tumor
- These are found on the wall of the larynx and can cause a respiratory obstruction
- Laryngeal oncocytomas occur most often with young dogs, but are fortunately minimally invasive
- Chondrosarcomas of the larynx are mostly of the malignant sort and develop in connective tissue of the larynx
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx can form in the upper, middle or lower area
- Tracheal tumor
- Chondrosarcomas of the trachea often spread to regional lymph nodes
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the trachea will invade other regions of the body like the esophagus, thymus and lymph nodes of the chest
- Tonsillar tumor
- These tumors are highly metastatic and will metastasize early in their development to organs and regional lymph nodes
- Squamous cell carcinoma tumors can invade the bone and are highly aggressive
- Esophageal tumor
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus is often found in German Shepherds, Basset Hounds, collies, Keeshonds, and Schnauzers
- Studies show an infestation of parasitic worms called spirocerca lupi can cause osteosarcoma of the esophagus
- Thyroid tumor
- This type of mass can appear in the esophageal area
- They are usually large and invasive
- Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Boxers and Beagles are breed predisposed
- Mast cell tumor
- The average age for dogs with this growth are nine years of age
- Boxers, Boston Terriers, Beagles, Bulldogs, and Schnauzers are presented often in studies
- The location is found all over the body, but in the throat, it is usually on the larynx
It should be noted that the closer a tumor is to the lymph nodes of the throat, the more chance there is that it will metastasize.
Causes of Tumor of the Throat in Dogs
The definitive cause for tumors of the benign or malignant type is an ongoing study for scientists and researchers; a cure is hopefully within reach. Reasons that your canine companion may have developed a mass in the throat are listed below.
- Genetics
- Infection
- Invasion of cancerous cells from elsewhere in the body
- Cell malformation
- Damaged cells being replaced by cancerous cells
- Age
- Environmental pollutants
- Chronic inflammation
Diagnosis of Tumor of the Throat in Dogs
The variety of tumors that can present themselves in the throat of our beloved canines is extensive. Because of this fact, the diagnosis procedure could be of an extensive nature as well.
Learning that your pet has a tumor can be a distressing time. Remember to allow your veterinarian to use her expertise in the diagnostic process; her goal is to provide the utmost care to your canine family member. Methods that will be considered as part of the evaluation and investigation could include the following.
- A complete blood count, chemical profile, and urinalysis are usual starting points
- Radiographs of the trachea or esophagus could be done if the tumor is suspected to be located there
- A chest and neck radiograph may be done
- Fine needle aspirate cytology could be needed to check the lymph nodes for cancer cells
- An endoscopy or bronchoscopy may be done, depending on where the tumor is, and whether the procedure would be risky
- A biopsy might determine if cell death or inflammation are present
- A thyroid function test (blood test T4) will measure the level of thyroid hormones in the blood
- Nuclear scintigraphy may be suggested (radioactive material is injected to locate cancer, and it’s spread)
- Computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can evaluate the invasion of cancer into bone, lymph nodes, and lungs, or the nasal, oral and ocular areas
Many of these diagnostic tests will require your dog to be sedated or put under general anesthesia. He will be carefully monitored throughout.
Treatment of Tumor of the Throat in Dogs
Your veterinarian will discuss which method of treatment will offer the best prognosis for your family pet. The options will always depend on the health condition of your pet when the tumor is discovered, his age, how comfortable he is in regards to airway restriction, and his general sense of well-being. It should be noted here that treatment is not always an option. If a tumor is malignant and cancer has spread aggressively, the best solution for the sake of your dog may be palliative care or euthanasia.
In the case of a tumor that is benign, or that may be malignant but can be completely excised (for example if it is easily reached by a surgeon), surgery will be the choice of action. There are many types of surgical intervention that your veterinary team will discuss with you. For example, a tumor in the larynx may involve a laryngectomy, and a tracheal tumor could require a removal and resectioning of part of the trachea. In most surgical cases, chemotherapy and radiation will follow.
Thyroid tumors can present a different scenario because medical control of the thyroidism (whether hypo or hyper) needs to be also managed. Typically, most thyroid tumors are found to be malignant. External beam radiation is one method used to destroy thyroid tumors.
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Recovery of Tumor of the Throat in Dogs
As the owner of a dog who has had a throat tumor, you should be aware that recurrence is possible, even after surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. More than that, the knowledge that the longevity of your much-loved dog’s life may not be extended that much further even with treatment, should be a consideration. Do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian for an honest, heart to heart recommendation of what is best for your pet.
If you are in the fortunate circumstance that a full recovery is expected, you should be prepared to spend the time needed after the surgery to nurse your pet back to health. He will benefit greatly from a quiet area in which to rest and sleep. Your veterinary team will provide information for the home care such as special dietary requirements necessary after throat surgery, and instruction on the administration of pain relief and antibiotics as prescribed. Follow-up radiographs may be scheduled at 2 to 4-month intervals for quite some time as complete excision of the tumor is often impossible, and the chance of recurrence is always present.
Tumor of the Throat Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $15,000
Average Cost
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Tumor of the Throat Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
morkie
Twelve Years
19 found this helpful
19 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lump On Throat
She was not feeling well Thursday night. Very agitated and could not settle down and rest. Friday, Took to our veterinarian and fecal and urine okay. She was running a fever. Was given a shot for fever and a shot of antibiotic. Saturday, Today feeling better. We just noticed a lump on the right side of her neck. Vet’s office closed for the weekend. Should we talk with the vet office on call or wait until Monday to take her in to our vet’s office. She is a 12 yr old morkie. About 9 to 10 lbs.
Jan. 30, 2021
Answered by Dr. Maureen M. DVM
19 Recommendations
Hi, Sorry about that.
That could be an injection site reaction that occurs at times.
Alternatively, it could be an abscess, hematoma, lipoma among other common body swellings.
I would prefer a vet to have a look at it for a more conclusive diagnosis.
Good luck
Jan. 30, 2021
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Yorkshire Terrier
Seven Years
13 found this helpful
13 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
My dogs throat is swollen and spots of blood are dripping from his mouth. What is wrong with him?
Jan. 12, 2021
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
13 Recommendations
I'm sorry your dog is so unwell.
There are a few possibilities here.
If the swelling has come up over time it could be e.g. a tumour or swollen lymph node. A lump which has come up quicker could be e.g. an abscess (infection), insect bite, snake bite etc.
The bleeding from the mouth is a concern and unusual. We would consider e.g. a clotting disorder, dental disease, intra oral abscess etc.
I would absolutely have your dog examined by a vet as soon as you can as this sounds serious and there are several possibilities. Treatment will depend on what exactly is going on.
Jan. 12, 2021
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lad/pit mix
Four Months
9 found this helpful
9 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
2 Lumps In Throat, Alot Of Eye Boogers, Dandruff
1. My puppy has a lot of eye boogers when waking up is that normal?
2. Last night I noticed she had 2 lumps near the throat area is that normal for her breed?
She has really dry and dandruff skin how often should I bathe her?
Nov. 6, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
9 Recommendations
Thank you for your questions. Some dogs do have a lot of eye discharge, but it can also mean that she may have some kind of problem with her eyelids or her eyes. Dogs do have lymph nodes and salivary glands near their throat, but I would worry if she is not eating. Her dry coat may be due to nutrition, if she has not been on a good food, and that is the first thing that I would do. From the things that you are describing, it sounds like a good Veterinary examination would be a great idea for her. They will be able to look at her, see if she is healthy and what she might need, and let you know if any treatments would help her at this point. I hope that all goes well and she is healthy and happy.
Nov. 6, 2020
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Great Dane
Five Months
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing, Large Mass In Throat
My puppy has just developed a large mass in his throat. We thought he might have gotten something stuck so we induced vomiting. He throw up and we though for a min it was gone but once he finished it was still there. He is having labored breathing,it’s very Mucousy sounding like he’s got a cold.
Sept. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
6 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. If your puppy is having labored breathing and you think something may be stuck in his throat, he needs to be seen at the ER. Inducing vomiting may not dislodge something that is stuck if there is something there, and he may need x-rays or further treatment. I hope that he is okay.
Oct. 1, 2020
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Shih Tzu
Six Months
11 found this helpful
11 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
N/A
I found a very small, ball floating in my dogs neck on the inside on the right side. I can grab it between my fingers and she hasn’t shown any signs of pain. She isn’t acting any different.
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
11 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
It may be a lipoma, or a reaction to a bug bite, or another type of lump. If you are concerned, It would be best to have them seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine your pet and see what might be causing this, and let you know what treatment might help.
Oct. 11, 2020
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German Shepherd
Sheeba
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Loss Of Appetite, Breathing Problem
My Sheeba recently had a surgery as she had a large cyst in her salivary gland. She's had the same twice before, and her Vet used needle aspiration. but after a few months, the cyst was back. On the 19th May 2020, Sheeba had her Salivary gland removed... today is the 2nd of June 2020, and I see the same large lump under her jaw... It's so painful to see her this way. She's a great dog, obedient and loving. I really don't know what we should do. Her stitches from the surgery aren't even removed yet, but the cyst has grown back. please please give me advice...
chihuahua mix
Max
6 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Coughing
My 6 month old chihuahua mix started with a foul breath odor that would not go away with proper oral care. I took him to the vet and was told that it was due to teething (4 months at the time). The next month he was passing mucus with his stool and some blood. I changed his food twice. This month i noticed that his stool was black and sticky. I took him to the vet and we did some blood work, stomach xrays, and has been on two antibiotics so far. I am cooking his meals (chicken, broccoli, carrots, peas, spinach, and blueberries) and feeding him Half a cup twice a day (he is 7.1lbs) I am also brushing his teeth before bed but the foul smell is persistent. I have another chihuahua and she seems to be doing just fine (3yo). I also notice that he sounds like he is choking (assuming he is just coughing a lot) the bloody stool has stopped but it worries me that there might be something going on. Should I be worried?
Tumor of the Throat Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $15,000
Average Cost
$8,500
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