Certain cancers are common in dogs as they grow older, especially in dogs that are not spayed or neutered. Owners who notice an unusual growth in or around the anal area should seek a veterinarian to determine if the tumor is malignant and to obtain proper treatment for their dog.
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Identification
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Veterinarian Race Foster of PetEducation.com notes that perianal tumors can occur in both female and male dogs, though they are more frequent in male dogs. These tumors occur later in life, around age 7 or older, and their growth is fueled by testosterone.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of canine perianal cancer may vary but can include an unusual growth around the anal area, infection or pain. The dog shows discomfort by whimpering, whining or excessively grooming around the anal area.
Diagnosis
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Because of their frequency in older, intact male dogs, it is not unusual for a veterinarian to correctly identify a perianal tumor by visual examination. However, to determine if it is malignant (cancerous), the veterinarian will perform a biopsy of the growth.
Treatment
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Veterinarians remove canine perianal tumors surgically. If the dog is not castrated, then castration may be recommended. In cases where spreading has occurred, the veterinarian may recommend chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Prevention
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Perianal tumors are extremely rare in dogs that are neutered prior to eight months of age, according to veterinarian Race Foster. Therefore, by neutering a male dog, the owner can greatly reduce their dog’s risk of developing perianal cancer.
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