Dogs & Colon Cancer

Colon cancer can affect dogs as well as people. A veterinarian can confirm the presence of the cancer and recommend a course of treatment.

  1. Description

    • Gastrointestinal neoplasia, or cancer, can occur in any part of a dog's digestive system, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach or colon, and may spread to other parts of the body, according to PetPlace.com.

    Causes

    • While researchers do not know the exact cause of colon cancer in dogs, chronic inflammation, certain parasites, age and genetic disposition in certain breeds may all make a dog vulnerable to the disease.

    Diagnosis

    • A dog with bloody diarrhea or difficulty making a stool may need an examination for possible colon cancer. Veterinarians typically perform a wide range of diagnostic tests from blood work to X-rays, but only a tissue biopsy can confirm the presence of colon cancer.

    Treatment

    • While surgery may succeed in removing the cancer, inoperable cancers may require chemotherapy, radiation or dietary adjustments.

    Outlook

    • A completely successful surgery may cure the dog of its cancer. Other treatments may only extend the dog's life by a few months while improving its quality of life during that period.