How Long Can a Dog Live After Being Diagnosed With Cancer?

While we do everything we can to keep our canine companions safe and healthy, unexpected illnesses can happen. Cancer is a condition that can affect all dogs regardless of size, breed or age. Here our Springfield veterinary specialists discuss veterinary oncology and how long a dog typically lives after being diagnosed with cancer.

Veterinary Oncology: Cancer in Dogs

Cancer is a disease that can also affect dogs just as it affects us as people. Dog cancers vary greatly in the speed at which they spread and grow, how easy they are to treat, and the predicted life expectancy for dogs diagnosed with that particular cancer. 

While any dog can develop cancer, there are certain factors that can contribute to the occurrence and severity of cancer in dogs.

What are the different types of cancer that can affect dogs?

Dogs of any breed or size can develop cancer although some cancers appear to strike certain breeds more often - such as the high incidence rates of bladder cancer in Scottish Terriers.

Some of the types of cancer that we commonly see at our specialty clinic in Springfield include:

How long can a dog live with cancer?

Trying to predict the life expectancy for a dog with cancer is extremely difficult for vets, particularly considering that few pets with cancer will die naturally. When symptoms become severe many pet parents opt to euthanize their dog as a way to prevent suffering. meaning that, for many dogs with cancer it is the pet owner who ultimately decides how long their dog lives following a cancer diagnosis.

With that in mind, if we look at an example of two dogs diagnosed with the same cancer. One dog may receive the very best treatment available for that particular cancer and go on to live a good quality of life for a year or more, whereas the other may belong to a family unable to pay for such treatment and may need to be euthanized soon after diagnosis. 

It is also the case that some cancers are relatively easy to remove surgically if diagnosed early, whereas for other cancers surgery is not an option. For some chemotherapy may be effective, whereas other cancers may not respond to chemo at all.

What can your vet tell you about your dog living with or without treatment for cancer?

While your vet will be able to give you information regarding the average lifespan of dogs with a particular cancer this number may not be accurate in terms of how long your beloved pet might live. 

Nonetheless, your vet should be able to provide you with information regarding how your dog's disease is likely to progress and whether effective treatments are available.

Your vet understands that finding out that your dog has cancer is very upsetting and that you will be eager to get the most accurate information possible in order to decide the best way forward for your canine companion.

Trust that your vet has your dog's best interests at heart - and yours.

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 you are concerned that your dog has cancer or if your primary vet has made the diagnosis, please contact The Regional Veterinary Referral Center right away to book an examination for your pup and recommendations for the most effective cancer treatment options available for your furry friend.