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
$8,500
Top
Tumor of the Throat Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Doberman Pinscher
Zeus
11 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Difficulty Swallowing
Difficulty Breathing
Lump
Cough
My dog started off what we were told was kennel cough. It’s been a month and the cough is worse, even after two rounds of antibiotics, he has a sudden large mass or lump on the side of his neck growing into his face. His breathing has become very labored and has a persistent cough. He has become weak at getting up to walk, etc. please help!
July 24, 2018
1 Recommendations
Without examining Zeus I cannot determine the specific origin of the mass (which structure it originated from) or recommend any management or treatment; if the mass has grown this quickly and Zeus is having difficulty breathing you should visit your Veterinarian or an Emergency Veterinarian immediately for an examination to determine the cause of the mass/swelling. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 24, 2018
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Mixed
Piper
8 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
My dog recently had an ultrasound of her neck which showed a 3 cm tumor on her right thyroid gland and a 1 cm on her left. A week ago she was diagnosed with B cell leukemia. The vet advise the tumors look slow growing. Can she live normally for several years until these tumors become large. At what size do symptoms normally appear? Currently she is a perfectly normal dog.Yearly blood work lead us to find this.I hate to say I won’t pay for the removal but that still won’t make the leukemia go away. So even if I do the surgery she only has a possible 2-3 years before the leukemia becomes fatal. So can I let her be obviously for those and not put her through surgery ? I feel horrible but a $6,000-$8,000 surgery that isn,t going to “save” her seems impractical.
July 20, 2018
0 Recommendations
There is no real set size that tumours start to cause symptoms, some may cause trouble whilst still small and other will cause problems when they’re much bigger; it is really a wait and see approach which is needed here. Dog with B-cell leukaemia have a longer life expectancy and respond better than dogs with T-cell leukaemia. You should really take guidance from your Veterinarian here and check in regularly to keep an eye on the tumour size and overall condition. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 20, 2018
hello dr. callum my dog having a small problem after she drinking water shes coughing started when she born 3 months for now 4 years old
July 25, 2018
Aya C.
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Papillion
Oreo
8 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomitting
Lethargic
Not Eating
Lump
Choking
My 8 year old papillon poodle has been coughing like a smoker since I got him 3 months ago. Lately he's been uninterested in treats and barely eats. Today I found a lump the size of a golf ball on his neck! He also throws up albeit not regularly. He's also eating a lot of grass lately. Help!!!!
July 8, 2018
0 Recommendations
Any mass found around the neck should be checked by your Veterinarian to determine the origin and the type of mass; this isn’t something that I can recommend that you can treat at home with over the counter medications. A visit to your Veterinarian is needed as soon as possible. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 8, 2018
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Labrador Retriever
Zorro
9 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Weight Loss
Loss Of Appetite
Tired
Lack Of Energy
About a month & a half ago, my Lab had a buildup in his ear that was a popped blood vessel due to previous ear infections, he had it drained by the vet & everything was fine. About 2 weeks later, we noticed a similar lump, we took him in & the vet drained the same blood vessel. Zorro was also prescribed 40 mg of prednisone for 5 days. After a few days, my dog ate some grass from our cabin and threw up later that day, as for this reason, I took him off prednisone without finishing the entire 5 day dose. During this time frame, the day before he threw up grass & stuff, half of my family left for a 12 day trip to Europe (possible depression?). After he threw up, his appetitte had gone downhill. He ate off & on after trying to incorporate chicken & new food. After half the family returned home, he began to start eating fairly normal again. But, 4 days later, 3 out of 4 of us left for Florida for about 1 week. I left home about halfway into the trip and he was eating well when I left. The dog sitter later told us that his appetitte had lessened. We got home 4 days ago and he is barely eating. He will drink a little but even chicken is unappealing to him. He has been to the vet 2 times & has blood work. Blood work has not shown anything out of the blue and the vet has conducted a full physical check, no strange lumps or anything concerning. He has lost about 10 pounds within the last 2 weeks. He is also a lot less energetic (doesn't run to the kitchen when he knows there is food, doesn't want his dummy thrown, doesn't hang out with the family like always, his favorite foods like peanut butter and chicken don't even draw his attention anymore. His ear is fine & although the prednisone could have caused a shortage in a particular steroid in his body, it was nothing to be too concerned about according to the vet. He has not thrown up since the 1st incidint described and has no sign of pain. We are just scared especially because his energy level has decreased tremeandously, which obviously makes sense if he hasn't eaten a full meal for a while. Today, the vet put Zorro on a medicine that is supposed to increase his appetite. He is also on a strict food diet for only his regular kibble. Any ideas? He has another appointment scheduled for Thursday if no progress is made.
June 26, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
It wouldn't seem that Zorro's problem would be related to the Prednisone, or the ear problems, since his lab work is all normal. I think the next step for him may be an x-ray and/or an ultrasound to see if he has a mass or intestinal problem. I hope that all goes well for him.
June 26, 2018
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Tumor of the Throat Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $15,000
Average Cost
$8,500
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