How long can a dog live after being diagnosed with cancer?

When our Clemmons vets have the sad task of diagnosing cancer in a dog, the owner's first question is typically - how long can my dog live with cancer? Today our vets explain why that's such a difficult question to answer even with today's advanced diagnostics and treatments.

Cancer in Dogs

As with humans, there are a huge number of cancers that dogs can develop. 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. 

Factors such as your dog's age, breed, and overall health may also have a bearing on how long your dog survives after receiving a cancer diagnosis.

Types of Cancers Commonly Seen in 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 most common cancers seen in dogs are:

• Lymphoma/Lymphosarcoma
• Mast Cell Tumors
• Skin Cancer
• Bone Cancer - Hemangiosarcoma
• Fibrosarcoma
• Mammary cancer
• Adrenal cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Bladder Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Liver Cancer

Predicting Life Expectancy For Dogs 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 that 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 Your Vet Can Tell You

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 your dog is showing signs of cancer contact Animal Hospital of Clemmons right away to book an examination for your pup. Our veterinarians can provide you with an accurate diagnosis for your pet, and recommend the most effective cancer treatment options available for your furry friend.