Canine Cancer Life Expectancy

Having a canine companion diagnosed with cancer can be difficult for any dog owner, but cancer is not always a death sentence. However, the dog owner should understand that several factors can affect their dog's life expectancy.

  1. Types

    • The type of cancer can greatly affect the life expectancy of the dog. Types include stomach or bladder cancer, oral cancer and lymphoma.

    Location

    • Cancers or tumors that are easily accessible (and thus easily treated or removed) can often lead to a longer life expectancy, just as inaccessible (or inoperable) cancers can decrease the life expectancy.

    Treatment

    • For some dogs, cancer treatments such as surgical removal, chemotherapy or cryosurgery can increase the canine's life expectancy anywhere from a few weeks up to a few years.

    Metastasis

    • Cancers that have a high rate of spreading (metastasis) can greatly reduce the overall life expectancy of a dog. Cancers that metastasize often spread into the lungs, bones or the liver, but any cancer has the potential to spread anywhere in the body.

    Theories

    • Holistic care, such as switching to a diet free of chemicals, pesticides and preservatives, may help prolong the life expectancy of the dog. However, this choice is solely up to the dog owner.