Dogs can be good at hiding their discomfort, so if your dog has been diagnosed with cancer, it's especially important to detect and treat pain quickly. Here, we discuss signs of cancer pain to watch for in your dog, and how it can be treated.
Cancer in Dogs
Cancer can occur in any part of your dog's body and could be causing unnecessary discomfort without you realizing that there is an issue. For that reason, it's important for pet parents to be on alert for any signs of pain in their dog with cancer.
Types of Cancer Pain
Because dogs lack the ability to speak, detecting cancer pain in dogs can be challenging. Furthermore, understanding the nature of the pain (acute, chronic, or intermittent) and the level of the pain (dull or severe) can make understanding how your dog is feeling even more difficult!
These issues can be further compounded by the fact that the onset of pain in dogs with cancer can occur and escalate gradually over a long period of time. In some cases, discomfort or pain may be caused by cancer treatment rather than cancer itself.
Signs of Pain in Dogs with Cancer
Regardless of their diagnosis, changes in your dog's behavior could be an indication of pain. Some of the most common signs of pain in dogs include:
- Limping
- Loss of appetite
- Aggression or skittishness
- Heavy panting
- Trembling or shaking
- Excessive grooming
- Increased vocalization
Many dog cancers occur later in life, so it is likely that you are already well familiar with your dog's normal behavior. Keeping an eye on your dog's mood and demeanor can give you an early sign that it may be time to head to the vet.
Treating Cancer Pain in Dogs
Because there are so many variables regarding the type of pain your dog may be experiencing and why there are a host of pain relief medications and strategies that your vet may recommend to help improve your pet's quality of life. Below are a few common approaches to managing pain in dogs with cancer. It is also important to note that your vet may recommend a combination of drugs or treatments to address your dog's pain.
Hot & Cold Therapy
Hot and cold therapy involving the application of ice packs to painful areas can be particularly helpful in reducing inflammation. Speak to your vet about whether is an appropriate approach for your pup.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can offer relief to dogs with cancer that are suffering from mild to moderate pain. If you are interested in acupuncture as a way to relieve your pet's pain, be sure to consult a qualified veterinary acupuncturist.
Topical Medications
Topical ointments containing lidocaine, benzocaine, cortisone, or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) may help to relieve different types of localized pain. Be sure to speak to your vet before applying any topical medications to your dog. Many human medications (even topical medications) can be toxic to pets.
Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
There are a number of effective anti-inflammatory drugs which your vet may prescribe to help relieve your pup's mild to moderate cancer pain, including Metacam, Previcox, Deramaxx, and Rimadyl. These medications can impact the liver and kidneys so periodic blood tests will be required to monitor your pet's liver and kidney function while using these medications
Narcotics
Tramadol is a common narcotic prescribed to help manage mild to moderate cancer pain in dogs. This medication is well-tolerated by most dogs and can be used at high doses to treat more severe pain, or combined with NSAIDs.
Neurotransmitter Modifiers
When used alone, neurotransmitter modifiers can be useful in treating chronic low-grade cancer pain in dogs. When used in combination with other pain medications neurotransmitter modifiers can help to relax dogs suffering from cancer. Some of the most common drugs in this category include gabapentin, amantadine, and amitriptyline.
Veterinary Oncology
Veterinary oncologists use advanced diagnostics and treatments to provide the best possible oncological care to pets with cancer. If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, ask your primary care veterinarian for a referral to see a veterinary oncologist.
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.