The large and small intestines are part of the canine digestive system. The small intestine connects the stomach to the large intestine, where waste is expelled from the dog's body. Canine intestinal cancer most often occurs between 6 and 9 years of age but accounts for less than 10 percent of tumors found in dogs.
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Types
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Types of cancer which affect the canine intestines include leiomyosarcoma, mast cell tumors, adenocarcinomas and lymphoma. Cancer of the intestines can also be benign, such as with adenomas.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of canine intestinal cancer include vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia and weight loss. Additional signs may include dark, tarry colored stool, anemia and lesions within the intestinal tract.
Diagnosis
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Canine intestinal cancer is diagnosed through various blood tests, including a chemistry test, as well as an endoscopy, X-rays or an ultrasound, exploratory surgery and a biopsy of the affected tissue.
Treatment
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Most dogs with intestinal tumors will undergo surgical removal. Chemotherapy may be used following surgery if recommended by the veterinarian. Chemotherapy may be beneficial in controlling and killing off the remaining cancer cells.
Prognosis
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The prognosis for canine intestinal cancer varies based on how advanced the cancer is and how well the dog responds to treatments. Following treatment, dogs suffering from intestinal cancer can survive anywhere from a few weeks to several years.
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