Symptoms of a Canine Thoracic Tumor

Thoracic tumors are growths that occur in between the neck and abdomen, and they may be cancerous or non-cancerous. You may be able to identify symptoms of a thoracic tumor, though such tumors sometimes grow on inner organs, making it difficult for an owner to detect. If you suspect your dog has a thoracic tumor, consult a veterinarian, who will diagnose the condition through testing.

  1. Lumps

    • Small masses may be found on your dog's skin in the abdomen area, which could be skin cancers such basal cell tumors, melanomas or lipomas, or they may be benign. Lumps found in the breast area may also result from mammary gland cancer. Always have a veterinarian examine your dog since the tumor must undergo a cellular diagnosis to determine cause and the proper treatment.

    Physical Illness

    • Dogs may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and a yellowish tint in their skin and gums. This may be indicative of lymphoma, cancerous tumors that affect the liver and also possibly the chest, which would lead to coughing and breathing issues. Also, watch out for sores that refuse to heal and changes in your dog's body odor and bowel movements, which might also be symptoms of thoracic tumors.

    Weight Loss

    • Often, cancerous thoracic tumors will cause a change in your dog's eating habits. Abdominal tumors may result in clear effects on the digestive system. Loss of appetite and weight loss are common, as well as a weakened state.