Tongue Cancer in Dogs

Squamous cell carcinoma is one of several types of oral cancers occurring in dogs, and is the second most common. This tongue cancer is more commonly found in dogs between six and ten years old. Several breeds are found to have a higher occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma: Keeshonds, Standard Schnauzers, Basset Hounds, and Collies. Boxers are found to develop this cancer at a lower rate than average. If you notice symptoms, it's important to schedule a physical sooner rather than later, as delaying can only lead to more pain.

Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant tongue cancer originating from the epithelium, or lining cells, of the mouth. Tongue cancer is locally invasive, has a high rate of recurrence, and often metastasizes to the lymph nodes.

• Increased or excessive drooling
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Facial swelling
• Difficulty chewing/eating
• Bad breath, or halitosis
• Loose teeth, or teeth falling out
• Small white growth(s) on the tongue, resembling warts

The precise cause of squamous cell carcinoma or tongue cancer is unknown. Genetic factors and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation may play a role, but not enough is known about these factors to identify a cause. Similarly, there may be a correlation between tongue cancer and papilloma virus, or benign oral tumors, but further studies are needed.

In order to ensure proper diagnosis, give a detailed account of your dog’s health and the onset of symptoms. Many of the symptoms of tongue cancer could be caused by ingestion of a toxic household substance or mouth injury, so be sure to report any incidents that may provide an alternate explanation. The veterinarian will perform a detailed physical, including an oral inspection of your dog’s mouth and tongue. If a tumor is found, a biopsy will be conduct in order to determine if it is benign or malignant. As a part of the physical, the veterinarian will palpate your dog’s lymph nodes to check for swelling, and will take a sample of lymph fluid in order to detect the presence of cancerous cells.

The veterinarian will also take x-rays of your dog’s head and upper body to detect if the cancer has spread, or metastasized. This will be followed by a complete blood count, a biochemistry profile and a urinalysis. The results of these tests will be used solely to discover if you dog has any other health issues that may be causing the symptoms or need to be considered during treatment; if your dog has tongue cancer and no other health problems, all results will be within the normal range.

Treatment options are widely variable, depending upon how far the cancer has advanced and the locations of the tumors. If tumors are located on the front of the tongue, or limited to one side of the tongue, there is a chance they can be removed. This surgery will likely involve removing the affected portion of the tongue itself.

In more invasive cases, surgery is possible but could involve remove of portions of your dog’s jawbone in order to reach the tumors. Prognosis depends upon the metastatic rate and location of tumors. Completely curing tongue cancer is only possible when identified at the onset and all tumors can be completely removed. If all tumors cannot be removed due to size and location, radiation therapy can help inhibit tumor growth. Chemotherapy is considered a less-effective option than radiation, but may be considered in consultation with the veterinarian. In dogs whose cancer has progressed, after receiving treatment, the mean survival time is 15.8 months.

Anti-inflammatories, pain medication, and sleeping pills may be prescribed to help ease pain, and euthanasia may be considered in cases with poor prognosis and debilitating pain.

Recovery and management will differ depending upon treatment options. Surprisingly, most dogs adapt well to losing part of their tongue or jaw; however, the veterinarian may require you to learn how to use a feeding tube to ensure your dog gets proper nutrition during recovery. When the veterinarian determines your dog is healthy enough to eat without the feeding tube, you will transition to easily digestible, soft foods.

In many cases, there is a high likelihood of recurrence, so be sure you are closely monitoring your dog’s recovery and keeping in close contact with the veterinarian. The veterinarian will prescribe anti-inflammatories and/or painkillers to help your pet recover from surgery or to cope with the pain otherwise. Never give your dog a higher dose of painkillers than prescribed. It’s important to keep track of each time you give your dog a dose of a painkiller in order to avoid overdose.