A Look At Pancreatic Cancer In Dogs

July 1st, 2009

Hormones and digestive enzymes are produced by the pancreas. This type of cancer is quite serious. It is usually fatal. This disease is usually well-advanced before symptoms appear. Keep reading to learn all about pancreatic cancer in dogs.

Signs

While suffering from this disease, dogs usually develop tumors in their pancreas. This usually causes the dog’s stool to have blood in it. Diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite are also common signs. Seizures, loss of coordination, and other neurological signs are also common.

Diagnosis

If your dog displays these symptoms, you should take him to a veterinarian as soon as possible. As mentioned, the disease is usually in an advanced stage before you notice anything and seek treatment. Blood and enzyme tests to check for pancreas damage is needed to diagnose this disease.

Treatment

Treatment for this disease is very difficult. Surgery is one of the primary methods of treatment. Surgery is ineffective is the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. The bowel can also become obstructed as the tumor grows. This will require gastrointestinal bypass surgery.

Some dogs are given radiation therapy and medication in addition to surgery. Most dogs are not given food so that the pancreas can rest and not have to secrete digestive enzymes. Your dog will receive essential vitamins and nutrients via IV instead.

All owners should know a little something about common illnesses in canines. Fortunately for you, you can learn about a wide range of these conditions at dog-illnesses.com. So, stop by today to learn about a wide range of these conditions.

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