Common tumor diseases in pets: causes, symptoms and treatment options

Introduction

Tumors in domestic animals (dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.) are a widespread problem that causes great concern among both pet owners and veterinarians. The Arndt Small Animal Center is therefore intensively dedicated to oncology in order to provide animals with cancer with the best possible care and treatment. This article introduces some of the most common tumor diseases in pets, explains their causes and symptoms, and discusses the various therapeutic approaches.

(C) https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/10/11/404

Mast cell tumors

Mast cell tumors are a common cancer in dogs, particularly in older animals and certain breeds such as boxers and golden retrievers. They arise from mast cells, which play an important role in the immune system. The symptoms of these tumors can vary, but they often appear as nodular skin lesions. Diagnosis is made by fine needle aspiration and histopathological examinations. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the tumor, possibly in combination with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Lymphomas

Lymphomas are one of the most common tumor diseases in dogs and cats. They affect the lymphatic system and can occur in various organs, such as lymph nodes, spleen or liver. Symptoms depend on the location of the tumor and may be non-specific, such as swollen lymph nodes, fever, loss of appetite or weight loss. Diagnosis is made using fine needle aspiration, blood tests and imaging tests. A combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy is the standard treatment for lymphoma in pets.

Osteosarcomas

Osteosarcomas are aggressive bone cancers that occur primarily in large dog breeds such as Great Danes and Rottweilers. Symptoms are often painful and can include lameness, swelling and fractures. Diagnosis is made through x-rays, computed tomography and bone biopsies. A combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy is often used to treat osteosarcomas.

Breast cancer in female dogs

Breast cancer is a common tumor disease in dogs, and its development can be hormone-dependent. Symptoms include lumps or swellings in the mammary gland that are often painful. Diagnosis is made by fine needle aspiration and histopathological examinations. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the tumor, possibly in combination with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or hormone therapy, depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the tumor. Early neutering can significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in dogs.

Skin cancer in cats

Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are common skin cancers in cats. They occur primarily in older animals and those with light-colored fur, especially those exposed to strong UV radiation. Symptoms can vary, but often appear as scaly or ulcerated skin lesions. Diagnosis is made through skin biopsies and histopathological examinations. Treatment may include surgical removal of the tumor, cryosurgery, radiation therapy, or topical medications.

Soft tissue sarcomas

Soft tissue sarcomas are a common tumor in dogs and cats that can arise from connective tissue, fatty tissue or muscle tissue. Symptoms vary depending on the location and size of the tumor, but may include swelling, pain, or loss of function. Diagnosis is made by fine needle aspiration, computed tomography and histopathological examinations. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the tumor, possibly in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Treatment

Process of surgical therapy for tumor diseases in pets

Surgical therapy for cancer in pets is a common form of treatment for cancer in pets and involves removal of the tumor and sometimes surrounding tissue. The exact process can vary depending on the type and location of the tumor, but generally follows these steps:

1. Diagnosis and assessment : If a tumor is suspected, a series of tests will first be performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the exact location, size and stage of the tumor. These tests may include imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as biopsies to determine the type of tumor.
2. Planning the operation : Based on the results of the diagnosis, a surgical plan is drawn up. This plan includes details such as the type of operation, the equipment and personnel required, and the expected duration of the operation. This planning also takes into account possible risks and complications, as well as the best method for controlling pain after surgery.
3. Performing the operation : The animal is usually placed under general anesthesia to avoid pain and stress during the operation. The veterinarian then removes the tumor and, if necessary, the surrounding tissue. In some cases it may be necessary to remove an entire body part (e.g. a leg for bone tumors). The exact technique and extent of the operation depend on the type and stage of the tumor.
4. Post-treatment and monitoring : After surgery, the animal will be closely monitored to ensure that it recovers well and that no complications arise. Painkillers are given to relieve discomfort. In some cases, physical therapy treatment may be necessary to aid recovery and promote mobility.
5. Follow-up care and check-ups : After discharge from the clinic, the animal will be examined by the veterinarian at regular intervals to monitor the healing process and ensure that the tumor has not returned. These examinations may include further imaging procedures and tests.

It is important to note that surgical removal of a tumor does not always result in a complete cure. In some cases, the tumor may return or metastasize. The prognosis depends on many factors, including the type of tumor, its stage at the time of surgery, and the animal's overall health.

Process of chemotherapy for tumor diseases in pets

Chemotherapy for cancer in pets is a commonly used treatment modality for cancer in pets and can be used curatively or palliatively. The course of such therapy can vary depending on the type and stage of the tumor, the general health of the animal and the individual treatment goals. The basic steps of chemotherapy are outlined below.

1. Diagnosis and staging: An accurate diagnosis must be made before chemotherapy begins. This is usually done through a combination of clinical examination, blood tests, imaging and tissue biopsies. Staging, i.e. determining the extent of the disease, is also important because it influences the prognosis and the choice of therapy.
2. Planning therapy: As soon as a diagnosis and stage have been determined, an individual treatment plan is created. This is based on the available clinical data, including the type of tumor, stage, general health of the animal and treatment goals. Chemotherapy can be used alone or in combination with other therapies such as surgery or radiation therapy.
3. Administration of chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs are usually administered intravenously, but some may be administered orally or injected directly into the tumor. The treatment takes place in cycles, with rest periods in between to give the body time to recover. The exact duration and number of cycles varies depending on the treatment plan.
4. Monitoring and adjustment of therapy: During chemotherapy, the animal is examined regularly to check the effectiveness of the treatment and manage possible side effects. Blood tests and imaging may be used to monitor the progress of therapy. Treatment can be adjusted depending on the animal's reaction.
5. Follow-up care: After completing chemotherapy, regular follow-up examinations are required in order to detect and treat possible relapses at an early stage.

It should be emphasized that chemotherapy in animals is generally less intensive than in humans and therefore has fewer side effects. The focus in veterinary medicine is on maintaining and improving quality of life. It is important that pet owners work closely with their veterinarian and communicate any concerns or questions openly.

Process of radiation therapy for tumor diseases in pets

Radiation therapy for cancer in pets is a significant treatment option for various cancer diseases in pets and aims to destroy cancer cells using high-energy radiation. The exact course of radiation therapy may vary depending on the type of tumor, its location, the animal's overall health, and the individual treatment goals. The following are the basic steps of radiation therapy:

1. Diagnosis and staging: An accurate diagnosis of the tumor is essential before initiating radiotherapy. This diagnosis is usually based on a combination of clinical examination, blood tests, imaging and histopathological examination of tissue samples. Staging, the determination of the extent of the tumor disease, is also essential as it influences the prognosis and the choice of treatment.
2. Planning radiotherapy: Once the diagnosis and stage of the tumor have been determined, radiotherapy can be planned. To do this, a computed tomography (CT) of the affected area is usually carried out to determine the exact location and size of the tumor. This data is used to create an individual treatment plan that determines from which direction and at what dose the radiation will be delivered in order to optimally treat the tumor while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.
3. Conducting radiotherapy: The treatment itself is usually carried out under anesthesia to ensure that the animal remains still during therapy. The radiation is directed at the tumor using a special device called a linear accelerator. The treatment is usually carried out in several sessions (fractions) spread over a few weeks. The exact number of treatments varies depending on the type and size of the tumor and the health of the animal.
4. Monitoring and adjustment of therapy: During radiation therapy, the animal is closely monitored to assess response to therapy and manage possible side effects. Regular clinical examinations and imaging can be used to assess the progress of therapy. Treatment can be adjusted according to the animal's reactions.
5. Follow-up care: After completing radiation therapy, regular follow-up examinations are necessary to monitor long-term results and to detect and treat possible relapses early.

It is important to emphasize that radiation therapy is a specialized form of treatment that is only available in certain veterinary facilities. The decision to undergo radiation therapy should be made in close consultation between the pet owner and veterinarian, taking into account the animal's individual needs and circumstances.

Process of immunotherapy for tumor diseases in pets

Immunotherapy for cancer in pets is an emerging and promising treatment option for various cancer diseases in pets. It aims to activate or modulate the animal's own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. The course of immunotherapy can vary depending on the type of tumor, the stage of the disease, the general health of the animal and the individual treatment goals. The basic steps of immunotherapy are explained below:

1. Diagnosis and staging: Before starting immunotherapy for tumor diseases in pets, an accurate diagnosis of the tumor disease is required. This is usually based on a combination of clinical examination, blood tests, imaging and histopathological examination of tissue samples. Staging, i.e. determining the extent of the disease, is also important because it influences the prognosis and the choice of treatment.
2. Planning immunotherapy: Once the diagnosis and stage of the tumor have been determined, immunotherapy can be planned. This can take various forms, including the use of monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines or adoptive T cell therapies. The choice of specific form of therapy depends on various factors, including the type of tumor, the stage of the disease and the general health of the animal.
3. Administration of immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is usually administered intravenously or subcutaneously, but can also be injected directly into the tumor. Therapy is usually done in cycles, with rest periods between treatments to give the immune system time to recover and respond.
4. Monitoring and adjustment of therapy: During immunotherapy, the animal is closely monitored to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and manage possible side effects. Blood tests and imaging may be used to monitor the progress of therapy. Treatment may be adjusted depending on the animal's response to therapy.
5. Follow-up care: After completion of immunotherapy, regular follow-up examinations are necessary to monitor long-term results and to detect and treat possible relapses early.

It should be emphasized that immunotherapy in animals is still a relatively young field and many of the currently available therapies are still in the research and development phase. Therefore, it is particularly important that pet owners carefully discuss the potential risks and benefits of such therapy with their veterinarian or oncologist.

Process of hormone therapy for tumor diseases in pets

Hormone therapy for cancer in pets is a medical treatment that aims to control or inhibit the growth of tumors by modulating the body's natural hormonal systems. In pets, it is often used for certain types of tumors such as mammary tumors, prostate tumors or pituitary tumors. The exact process of hormone therapy can vary depending on the type of tumor, the animal's health, and individual circumstances, but generally follows the following steps:

1. Diagnosis : First, the veterinarian must ensure that the tumor disease in pets is hormone-dependent, meaning that its growth and spread are influenced by certain hormones in the animal's body. This is usually done through a biopsy of the tumor and possibly additional tests to check for the presence of certain hormone receptors.
2. Decision on therapy : If the tumor is confirmed to be hormone-dependent and other treatment options, such as surgery or chemotherapy, are considered less suitable or insufficient, hormone therapy may be considered. When deciding on hormone therapy, several factors must be taken into account, such as the age and general health of the animal, possible side effects of the therapy and the pet owner's preferences.
3. Treatment planning : The exact type of hormone therapy depends on the specific tumor and its response to certain hormones. Different types of medications may be used, including hormone blockers, which inhibit the production or action of certain hormones, and hormone replacement therapies, which deliver hormones that slow or stop tumor growth. The veterinarian creates an individual treatment plan that determines the type of medication, dosage and schedule of administration.
4. Implementation of therapy : Hormone therapy is usually administered in the form of tablets or injections that the animal receives regularly. The exact duration of treatment may vary, but in many cases long-term therapy is required to effectively control tumor growth.
5. Monitoring and adjustment of therapy : During hormone therapy, regular monitoring of the animal is necessary to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and monitor possible side effects. Based on these observations, the veterinarian can adjust therapy if necessary, such as changing the dosage or trying a different medication.
6. Follow-up care : After hormone therapy is completed, the animal will continue to be examined regularly to ensure that the tumor remains under control and that no new health problems arise.

It is important to note that hormone therapy cannot treat all types of tumors in pets and it does not always result in a complete cure. However, in many cases it can help slow or stop tumor growth and improve the animal's quality of life.

Frequently asked questions about tumor diseases in pets:

Summary

The diagnosis of cancer in pets can be emotionally stressful for pet owners. However, through early detection and adequate treatment, many tumor diseases can be successfully treated. The Arndt Small Animal Center attaches great importance to comprehensive diagnostics and individual therapeutic approaches in order to best maintain the well-being and quality of life of the affected animals. If a tumor is suspected, pet owners should not hesitate to consult their veterinarian or the Arndt Small Animal Center to ensure professional and timely treatment.

For further questions or advice, please contact vet Ms. Sheila Martins , vet Anna Daum or GPCert Oncol. Catherine Grötz-Stergiou.

Literature on tumor diseases in pets

1. "Withrow and MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology" by Stephen J. Withrow, David M. Vail and Rodney Page. This book is considered a standard reference for veterinary oncology and covers a wide range of tumor diseases in pets.
2. "Veterinary Cancer Medicine" by Mark H. Thrall. This book provides comprehensive information about the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in pets.
3. "Small Animal Oncology: An Introduction" by Susan M. North and Tilly Watson. This beginner's book provides an overview of the different types of cancer that can affect pets.
4. "Canine and Feline Cytology: A Color Atlas and Interpretation Guide" by Rose E. Raskin and Denny Meyer. Although not specifically focused on cancer, this book provides valuable information on interpreting cytology samples, an important part of cancer diagnosis.
5. “Cancer in Dogs and Cats: Medical and Surgical Management” by Wallace B. Morrison. This book provides detailed guidance on the medical and surgical treatment of cancer in dogs and cats.

Please note that you can purchase these pet cancer books at your local bookseller or online. Some may also be available in public or university libraries. In addition, it is important to note that this literature is written in English.