While pancreatic cancer is relatively rare in dogs, it's important for owners to understand the symptoms so that your vet can start treatment early to try and prevent or limit the spread of this disease. Today, our Ventura vets explain the types of pancreatic cancer seen in dogs.
The Two Roles of Your Dog's Pancreas
Located near the start of your dog's small intestine, your pooch's pancreas performs two essential functions.
Pancreatic Exocrine Cells
- The exocrine cells in your dog's pancreas work to produce enzymes that help to digest food.
Pancreatic Endocrine Cells
- Healthy endocrine cells produce insulin and other hormones that can either directly or indirectly impact the functioning of almost every organ in your dog's body.
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer in Dogs
If your dog has a pancreatic tumor, it means that cells in a specific part of his pancreas are overproducing (reproducing excessively). Your dog's pancreatic tumor, like most tumors in animals and humans, can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Unfortunately, malignant pancreatic tumors are more common in dogs than benign pancreatic tumors. Both, however, are uncommon. Insulinoma is the most common type of pancreatic cancer in dogs, followed by adenocarcinoma.
Signs may vary depending on the type of pancreatic cancer a dog has. If your dog is showing any symptoms listed below, it's imperative to get your pup to the vet for an examination as soon as possible.
Insulinomas
Insulinoma tumors cause excessive insulin production when the stomach lacks food to trigger the normal release of insulin into the bloodstream. As a result of this unnecessary insulin, your pet's blood sugar levels will drop, and your pet will experience symptoms such as:
- Lack of coordination
- Lack of enthusiasm for exercise
- Reduced energy
- Fainting after prolonged periods without food
- Confusion
- Muscle twitching
- Seizures
Adenocarcinomas
Because the early signs of adenocarcinomas in dogs are vague this form of pancreatic cancer is rarely diagnosed until the disease has progressed.
Symptoms of adenocarcinomas in dogs are much the same as the symptoms of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and include:
- Reduced appetite
- Vomiting
- Lack of energy
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Jaundice
If the cancer has spread to other areas of your dog's body (which is common with this form of cancer) you may notice symptoms such as breathing difficulties or lameness.
Diagnosis & Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer in Dogs
Pancreatic tumors can be challenging to diagnose. Besides being a relatively rare condition, the symptoms associated with these tumors often come and go. To further complicate the matter these symptoms are also indicative of other more common conditions in dogs.
When you take your dog in for an examination your vet will take the time to ask you questions about your pup's medical history and do a thorough physical examination.
In the case of insulinomas, surgery to remove the affected portion of the pancreas is usually followed by chemotherapy. If surgery is not an option, your veterinarian may try to manage your dog's low blood sugar symptoms with a modified diet and feeding plan combined with insulin-secretion suppressing medications.
Surgery is also thought to be the most effective treatment for adenocarcinomas, despite the fact that it carries a significant risk of life-threatening complications. Your dog's surgeon or veterinary oncologist may remove all or a portion of the pancreas. A section of the small intestine may also be removed in some cases. Chemotherapy is generally ineffective in the treatment of canine adenocarcinomas.
If your vet suspects that your dog may have pancreatic cancer they may refer you to a Veterinary Oncologist for further testing and treatment or recommend one or more of the following diagnostic tests:
- Blood tests
- Glucose level exams
- Test for hypoglycemia
- X-rays (radiographs)
- CT Scan
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Biopsy
Staging
Before the condition is recognized and treated in dogs, pancreatic tumors frequently metastasize (spread to other parts of the body). Because of this, your veterinarian might decide to perform additional tests after diagnosing pancreatic cancer to ascertain the severity of the condition, whether the cancer has spread, and where.
It is typical for canine pancreatic cancer to spread to the nearby liver or lymph nodes, but it can also affect the dog's lungs, bone, or brain. In some cases, fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen can be seen, leading to breathing difficulties or an enlarged abdomen.
Tests that your vet may recommend to determine the 'stage' of your dog's cancer could include:
- Blood tests
- Urinalysis
- Lung X-rays
- CT Scan
- Abdominal ultrasound
Progression of Pancreatic Cancer in Dogs
As well as the very real concern about the cancer spreading to other parts of your pup's body, there is the issue of damage to the pancreas caused by the growing tumor.
These tumors frequently result in exocrine pancreatic insufficiency EPI or pancreatitis, a chronic inflammation of the pancreas that causes symptoms like a hunched back, frequent vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, dehydration, weakness, and fever.
The Life Expectancy for Dogs with Pancreatic Cancer
The prognosis for dogs with pancreatic cancer is poor because pancreatic tumors frequently have malignant characteristics, making it likely that the cancer has already spread before the diagnosis.
Your vet or veterinary oncologist will be able to provide you with a prognosis for your dog based on the type of tumor and results from staging tests.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
If your dog is showing symptoms of pancreatic cancer contact our Ventura vets right away to book an examination for your pup. Our skilled veterinarians have experience diagnosing and treating cancer in pets.
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