Canine Stomach Cancer and Death

Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells on or within the body, which can occur almost anywhere. It may be localized or it may spread throughout the body. Cancer causes almost 50% of deaths in dogs over the age of 10 years. Canine stomach cancer is rare in dogs, accounting for only 1% of all cancers. Studies show that male dogs are more susceptible to stomach cancer than female dogs. There are several different types of cancers associated with stomach cancer.

  1. Symptoms

    • Projectile vomiting is typically the first and most common sign of stomach cancer for dogs. Other symptoms include weight loss, chronic diarrhea, weakness, bloated abdomen and pale gums.

    Adenocarcinomas

    • Adenocarcinomas are the most common tumors associated with cancer of the stomach. They begin in the glandular tissue and typically spread to the liver, lungs and lymph nodes.

    Mast Cell Tumors

    • Mast cells are found in the linings of the skin, nose, digestive tract and lungs. They are part of the immune system. When they become abnormal, they form mast cell tumors. The tumors release excess amounts of heparin and histamine causing an overdose of natural chemicals, which damages the body.

    Leiomyosarcomas

    • Tumors that form in the walls of hollow organs such as the stomach, respiratory tract, uterus and bladder are called leiomyosarcomas. Most often affecting the gastrointestinal tract, they will metastasize to the liver and lymph nodes and possibly the kidneys and spleen.

    Lymphoma

    • Cancer that begins in the lymphocites, or white blood cells, is called lymphoma. A rare type of stomach cancer, it is found in the gastrointestinal tract. Younger dogs around the age of eight are most affected by lymphoma.

    Treatment

    • Chemotherapy and radiation are not treatment options for canine stomach cancer.

      Surgical removal of the tumor is the most successful option in treating stomach cancer, as long as the cancer has not metastasized. Bypass surgery may be helpful to the health of the dog when the tumor is blocking food from entering the stomach. This does not treat the cancer itself, however. Chemotherapy does not appear to be effective for this type of cancer and radiation is dangerous to the delicate organs near the stomach. Therefore, the prognosis for dogs diagnosed with malignant stomach concern is not optimistic. They typically have a life expectancy of six months.