Neck Tumors in Dogs

Pets are an integral part of many families. Taking care of them is relatively easy, but when they get sick, it's time to take them to a professional. Dogs are prone to many of the same types of diseases that humans are. Neck tumors in dogs are caused by thyroid cancer. Signs, causes and treatments for this medical problem are similar to those for people.

  1. Signs

    • Swelling of a dog's throat is a common sign of problems.

      The most common sign of a thyroid problem is the swelling of the thyroid, which is a lobe-like structure that surrounds the windpipe. The thyroid produces hormones which are needed for regular body metabolism and survival. Symptoms vary depending on which area the tumor is affecting. If the tumor is compressing the windpipe, dogs may have difficulty breathing. If the tumor is affecting the esophagus, the dog may gag or cough.

    Causes

    • Examination of the dog is important.

      Thyroid growths in dogs can be benign or malignant. Unfortunately, most neck tumors are malignant. There is no singular cause of thyroid cancer, but researchers suspect that certain factors cause the thyroid cells to change. Once the cells start changing, small areas of growth may develop and these over-growths may develop into benign cells. If there are enough of these benign cells, they may turn into malignant cancer.

    Diagnosis

    • Surgery is sometimes necessary.

      Once a swelling in the neck is discovered, take your dog to the vet immediately. The vet will examine him. Tests for thyroid cancer include a complete blood test, which will check for white blood cells, red blood cells and whether the thyroid is functioning properly. A neck X-ray can determine whether the thyroid is pressing the windpipe or another body part. An ultrasound or CAT scan may be needed to see the size of the tumor.

    Treatment

    • Removal of the tumor is paramount to survival. Whether the tumor is attached or unattached will affect survival rates. If the tumor is unattached and the cancer has not spread, surgery is the first option. Dogs with these types of tumors can expect to live up to three years after surgery. Dogs with tumors that have spread or were attached to other tissues can expect to live only six to 12 months. Radiation and chemotherapy have also been used on canines where the total tumor cannot be removed. Radioactive iodine treatments have been used effectively, but because of the high radioactive dose involved, it is not used often.

    Complications

    • As with any surgery, complications may arise. There are risks associated with anesthesia and how it affects dogs. Removal of the tumor may cause bleeding or damage to nerves in the neck. Dogs may also have problems with low hormone levels if both sides of the thyroid are removed. Swelling at the incision site is also common.