Stages of Canine Cancer

Canine cancer is traumatic for your dog as well as the entire family. As the cancer spreads your dog may become sick and display symptoms of fatigue. Every dog handles the effects of cancer differently depending on their overall health and age. The stages of canine cancer depend on the type of cancer your dog is suffering from. However, many types of cancer have three to four stages just like in humans.

  1. Stage One

    • Stage One is the first stage of canine cancer. Stage One is diagnosed when the cancer is located in one area and has not spread to other parts of the body. Usually cancer starts out in an organ such as the liver or stomach. According to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, staging is determined by the extent of the tumor. Obtaining blood samples and performing other tests will show whether the cancer has spread or not. When cancer is caught in the early stages the chances of survival are much higher.

    Stage Two

    • Stage Two is diagnosed when the cancer has spread to other nearby surrounding tissues of the body. The tumor is larger and a lump may protrude from your dogs body, depending on where the cancer is located. A biopsy is needed to determine if your dog has cancer or not. If your dog is sick he will become weaker and you might notice some behavioral changes.

    Stage Three

    • Stage Three is diagnosed when the cancer has spread even further, to the lymph nodes. According to the Canine Cancer Website, Lymphoma is one of the most common types of cancers seen in dogs. Like many other cancers, this type of cancer has five stages. The first symptoms are swollen lymph glands.

    Stage Four

    • Stage Four is diagnosed when the cancer has spread to other areas of the body such as nearby organs and bone. Without treatment, Stage Four can rapidly progress to Stage Five.

    Stage Five

    • Stage Five is not included for all types canine cancer. This stage is diagnosed when the cancer has spread to the bone marrow. When cancer has spread to Stage Five the prognosis is not good. Your dog may be suffering a great deal and the only option may be to put her to sleep.