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UW Veterinary Care

Common types of cancer in pets and what to watch for

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by Simran Khanuja

Building on a long history of leadership and innovation in the field, UW Veterinary Care’s (UWVC) comprehensive, integrated oncology service continues to transform how cancer care is delivered for pets.

“With at least one specialist in medical, radiation, and surgical oncology available to consult on each patient that visits our oncology team, UWVC provides compassionate, comprehensive cancer care that is unmatched in Wisconsin and the upper Midwest,” says UW School of Veterinary Medicine Dean Jon Levine.

The oncology service and related teams are leveraging expanded state-of-the-art spaces to continue to build on their strong foundation. Advanced diagnostic and treatment tools help UWVC’s clinicians push the boundaries of what’s possible through leading-edge clinical research and treatment protocols aimed at improving cancer treatments for both pets — and, in turn, the people who love them.

Read on to learn more about common types of cancer in pets, warning signs to watch out for, and possible treatment options.

Additional information about UW Veterinary Care clinical trials in oncology can be found here.

Quick links

Common types of cancer in dogs

Common types of cancer in cats

Common warning signs of cancer in pets

Treatment options for pets with cancer

Schedule an appointment

Common types of cancer in dogs

  • Lymphoma
    • UWVC’s renovated oncology suite quadruples the space available to our clinicians to see cancer patients and doubles the hospital’s space for chemotherapy treatment. It’s also home to PET-CT, an advanced diagnostic tool that is redefining how diseases are diagnosed and treated in animals.

      Where it occurs: Most commonly causes enlargement of multiple lymph nodes and can occur in almost any part of the body.

    • Signs: Swollen lymph nodes and/or organ enlargement
    • Treatment: While rarely cured, lymphoma can be effectively managed. A chemotherapy regimen is the most effective treatment. UWVC offers chemotherapy options to match the needs of each dog and family.
  • Bone Tumors (Osteosarcoma)
    • Where it occurs: Often in a limb, especially in large or giant breed dogs.
    • Signs: Lameness (limping) and possibly swelling at the site.
    • Treatment: Often involves amputation plus chemotherapy, though limb-sparing surgery or radiation can be options for some patients. The UWVC team focuses on controlling the cancer and pain while maintaining quality of life.
  • Mast Cell Tumors
    • Where it occurs: Usually on or under the skin; sometimes in the abdomen.
    • Signs: Persistent swelling or mass on or under the skin, usually not painful.
    • Treatment: Surgery is usually the mainstay of treatment. Depending on tumor features, radiation, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy may be recommended. Many dogs live long, happy lives after treatment.
  • Soft Tissue Sarcomas
    • Where it occurs: Slowly growing masses under the skin anywhere in the body.
    • Signs: Often nonpainful, these tumors can grow to become quite large, eventually interfering with mobility and comfort.
    • Treatment: Usually treated with surgery. Radiation or chemotherapy may be added depending on tumor type and characteristics.
  • Tumors of the Oral Cavity
    • Where it occurs: Mouth, gums, or jaw; common cancer types include melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and fibrosarcoma.
    • Signs: Bad breath, drooling, trouble eating, bleeding, facial swelling.
    • Treatment: When diagnosed early, surgery is used to remove the tumor and affected bone. Radiation or immunotherapy may be used in addition to or instead of surgery.
  • Nasal Tumors
    • Where it occurs: Nasal cavity and sinuses.
    • Signs: Blood from one or both sides of the nose, sneezing, facial swelling, or protruding eye.
    • Treatment: Radiation is the most effective treatment. It improves symptoms and shrinks the tumor.

Common types of cancer in cats

  • Small Cell Gastrointestinal Lymphoma
    • Where it occurs: Primarily in the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines).
    • Signs: Decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea or soft stools, weight loss.
    • Treatment: Usually managed with prednisolone (a steroid) and oral chemotherapy every two weeks. Treatment improves quality of life and usually controls the disease for several years.
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity
    • Where it occurs: Mouth, gums, or jaw.
    • Signs: Swelling or deformity of the jaw, difficulty eating or grooming, drooling, bad breath.
    • Treatment: When diagnosed early, surgery to remove the tumor and affected bone is the main approach. Another option is radiation therapy to relieve pain and temporarily shrink the tumor.

Common warning signs of cancer in pets

Earlier cancer diagnosis in pets provides a better chance for effective treatment and long-term control. UWVC’s world-class oncology service can provide prompt answers and get treatment started quickly. Here are some warning signs of cancer to watch out for:

  • Masses, especially those that grow, feel firm, or change in appearance (becoming bruised or ulcerated)
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Persistent diarrhea
  • Dramatic weight change
  • Persistent limping or swelling of the leg
  • Blood or discharge coming from the mouth or nose
  • Bad breath that gets worse
  • Swelling of the abdomen, especially if accompanied by decreased energy or pale gums
  • Decrease in appetite and energy beyond normal age-related changes

Treatment options for pets with cancer

Many cancers, such as soft tissue sarcomas and some mast cell tumors, can be cured or controlled long-term with treatment. However, other forms of cancer may not be curable, and in those scenarios, UWVC clinicians work to prolong survival while maintaining or improving quality of life.

In general, cancer treatment aims to keep pets comfortable and happy. Treatment tends to be well tolerated with manageable side effects. When cancers in dogs and cats are not curable, treatment can relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and extend life.

“Before deciding what the appropriate therapy is, we need to answer two critical questions: What type of cancer does a patient have, and has it spread to other parts of the body?” says UWVC medical oncologist MacKenzie Pellin (’06 DVM’11; Department of Medical Sciences). “Once we have these answers, our oncology team will guide clients through recommended treatment options and collaborate with them to develop the best course of action for their pet.”

  • Chemotherapy
    • What it is: Uses medications to treat cancers affecting multiple areas of the body.
    • How it works: Administered orally or by injection. Drugs are like those used in humans but are associated with fewer side effects.
    • Common uses: Lymphoma, mast cell tumors, bladder tumors, osteosarcoma, and hemangiosarcoma.
  • Surgery
    • What it is: Removal of abnormal growths.
    • When used: To prevent tumors from growing and spreading.  Especially useful when tumors are painful, bleeding or interfering with normal function.  
  • PET-CT, which has been used for years in human medicine, is a non-invasive, whole-body scan that can detect disease earlier than traditional imaging.

    Radiation Therapy

    • What it is: Targets tumors with high-energy X-rays to eliminate cancer cells.
    • Methods: Uses a radiation delivery device called a linear accelerator. UWVC has a TomoTherapy-based system called Radixact which is a linear accelerator built into a CT scanner for precise targeting. Radiation treatment is delivered over a number of daily or weekly treatments depending on the needs of the patient and their family.  For even more precise and focused radiation, a specialized technique called stereotactic radiation is used.
    • Goals: Can be definitive (aimed at controlling the cancer longer term) or palliative (relieving pain and symptoms for a shorter period of time).
    • Care: General anesthesia is used to ensure immobilization for radiation delivery. Patients are monitored by a team of radiation oncologists, medical physicists and anesthesiologists to ensure accurate and safe treatment.

Even when cancer treatment is not the right choice, the oncology service is here to help.  By providing clear information, guidance, and support, the oncology team helps families understand their pet’s diagnosis and to navigate the decision-making process at every stage of the illness.

Schedule an appointment

If your primary veterinarian has diagnosed a pet with cancer (or suspects a condition could be cancer), schedule an appointment with UWVC’s oncology team to learn more about diagnostic and treatment options.

If your veterinarian has referred you to our hospital for a consultation, diagnostic services, or treatment, our expert staff will work closely with them to review your animal’s history, condition, and next steps for care. UWVC scheduling staff will assist you in finding a time that works for you to meet with a specialist.

You can reach our comprehensive oncology service at 608-263-7600 (800-386-8684).

Emergency services for all species are available 24/7 if your animal has a serious problem that requires immediate medical attention.

Learn more about UWVC’s oncology service, its clinicians, and what to expect during an oncology appointment by visiting here.

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