Sarcoma in dogs is a malignant neoplasm that develops from mutated connective tissue cells. It is difficult to name the exact reason that caused the development of a tumor in an animal. Sometimes even a banal vaccination contributes to the onset of the pathological process.
The difficulty in diagnosing the disease lies in the secretive nature of the pet. And often tumors are detected at later stages. Sarcoma of the leg in a dog is the easiest to detect, since it is difficult not to notice lameness and decreased activity of the pet.

Types of sarcoma disease:

Connective tissue is present in all organs of the animal. The classification is based on the principle of tumor localization and the system affected by the pathological process.

The following types of carcinomas are distinguished:

• Sarcoma of the mammary gland in a dog develops in the absence of proper treatment for mastitis.
• Transmissible or venereal sarcoma in dogs is sexually transmitted, accompanied by an inflammatory process and contains atypical cells.
• Bone – affects the organs of the musculoskeletal system. Frequent diagnoses are sarcoma of the dog's jaw, bone structures, and joints.
• Lymphatic – the lymphatic system is affected. An aggressive type of tumor, since metastasis occurs through the lymphogenous route.
• Soft tissue sarcoma in dogs is the least studied type. It is believed that the cause of tumor development is metastasis from other organs and systems.

Causes and pathogenesis in dogs:

Sarcoma in dogs develops from actively dividing, immature tissue. It is present in all organs and systems of the animal. A tumor can develop from bone or cartilage cells, adipose or lymphoid tissue, or epidermis. It is not associated with a specific organ, but is characterized by an aggressive course and early metastasis.
Veterinarians cannot answer why sarcoma occurs in dogs. But there are a number of factors that provoke the development of the tumor process.
The onset of the disease is facilitated by:

• viral infections – papillomatosis, herpes;
• exposure to adverse environmental conditions;
• promiscuity with homeless animals – transmissible sarcoma in dogs;
• intoxication with carcinogenic substances;
• mutation processes;
• hormonal imbalances - for example, sarcoma of the uterus in a dog.

Classification of sarcoma:

Sarcoma in dogs when cut looks like fish meat. The color is white-pink. When classifying tumors, the size of the tumor and its effect on other tissues are taken into account.
Sarcoma in dogs at the first stage does not exceed 3 cm. Carcinoma is located on the surface of the organ. On the second– the size of the tumor increases, mutated cells begin to invade the organ.

On third– carcinoma has affected the organ completely and extends beyond its boundaries. The disease at this stage affects the nearest lymphatic collectors. Secondary tumors appear.

At the fourth stage mutated cells are found in all organs and systems of the animal.

Symptoms and signs of the disease in dogs:

The symptoms of sarcoma in dogs are similar to cancer in humans. All signs of pathology are conventionally divided into general and characteristic of a specific system.
General symptoms include weight loss without changes in diet or physical activity, defecation problems, repeated episodes of vomiting or diarrhea with blood, shortness of breath, increased abdominal volume, cough, cramps, lameness, problems with movement in joints and bone structures.
Particular signs of the disease depend on the affected organ. Transmissible sarcoma in dogs is accompanied by suppuration and bleeding from the genitals. New growths are soft and easily injured.

Skin sarcoma in dogs begins when nevi are damaged and may look like a long-term non-healing ulcer on the surface of the epidermis.
Damage to bone structures is accompanied by limited motor activity and decreased range of motion in the joint. Osteogenic sarcoma in dogs is characterized by pain, lameness, and the presence of lumps on the pet’s limbs.

Treatment of sarcoma in dogs:

After making a diagnosis of “sarcoma in dogs,” the doctor will develop tactics for managing the animal, taking into account its age, stage and type of disease, and the presence of secondary tumors.
The treatment is complex. Removing sarcoma from a dog is not a method that guarantees recovery and absence of relapses. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are indicated. The use of aggressive drugs reduces the risk of secondary tumors.

Treatment of bone sarcoma is carried out using platinum drugs. This increases the pet's lifespan. Without chemotherapy after surgery, the average life expectancy of an animal is 3 months. Radiation therapy relieves pain, but is indicated in cases where the integrity of the bone is not compromised.
Canine transmissible venereal sarcoma requires the formation of a urethra in the abdominal wall. Conservative therapy for this form of the disease is used for inoperable carcinomas.

If the disease has spread to other organs and there is active metastasis, then in this case symptomatic and palliative therapy is indicated. If treatment is ineffective, the doctor will recommend euthanizing the pet.
Oncological diseases are not the prerogative of humans. Animals also suffer from them. The owner’s task is to monitor the animal’s health and eliminate provoking factors. And if suspicious symptoms appear, examine your pet and follow all doctor’s orders.

I have long wanted to write about one very delicate disease of dogs for which, oddly enough, the owners themselves are most often to blame. When they come to the clinic with an already sick animal, they usually shrug their hands in bewilderment, and when I ask: “Why?” - Confident in their rightness, they object: “We wanted the best...”. Many of them have never heard of canine venereal or transmissible sarcoma.

One very typical case happened quite recently. A 3-year-old Rottweiler named Goodwin was brought to the clinic. Owners have been noticing bloody discharge when their pet urinates for a month now. The dog left droplets of blood on the sofa, floor and bedding. The further, the more. The owner was alarmed.

A short examination of the four-legged patient and then she, my old friend, appeared again. In the most intimate place, a tumor appeared in the form of a bizarre crimson mushroom, the size of a walnut, and several small fragments were palpable in the depths of the preputial sac.

According to its microscopic structure, venereal sarcoma has all the signs of a malignant tumor and at the same time, as an infectious disease, it is extremely contagious and is transmitted from animal to animal by contact, but the sexual route of infection is more often recorded. Cells of venereal sarcoma of a sick dog seem to stick to the mucous membranes of a healthy animal and begin to develop slowly. Like any infectious disease, transmissible sarcoma has its own incubation period, which varies from 2 to 8 months and the animal, although healthy in appearance, infects other partners. The fact is that small tumors that appear on the mucous membrane of the external genitalia or in the oral cavity do not cause anxiety to animals and, as a rule, do not bleed yet, so they go unnoticed for some time. Bleeding is a sign of an advanced process of ulceration of the mucous surface of the neoplasm.

Venereal sarcoma is especially dangerous for breeding breeders. Their health must be impeccable, because in a short period of time a sick animal can infect dozens of its fellow tribesmen. Sarcoma is often accompanied by a whole “bouquet” of diseases. A carrier of sarcoma “blesses” their partners with chlamydia, mycoplasma, infectious hemolytic streptococcus, which causes the so-called early death syndrome of puppies, and in the summer leptospirosis is also sexually transmitted!

In our clinic, venereal sarcoma is registered quite often. Only during the period from September to November, 13 sick animals of varying degrees of severity and localization of lesions were identified. A 7-month-old husky mix puppy was bought at the market; perhaps he “caught” sarcoma from his mother, but the most respectable owner of the “contagious” tumor, a 12-year-old collie, according to the owner, got the disease from a neighbor’s dog when she lived in the village in the summer. The most offensive thing is that the owners of male dogs, very often, themselves contribute to the infection of their pets! The owner of a Rottweiler named Goodwin, as well as the owners of most other sick male dogs, encourage unscheduled matings of their pets both with the house “master’s” brides and with random, neglected “girlfriends.” Some owners of male dogs mistakenly believe that mating will make the watchdog more vicious, others believe that an untied male dog will become stronger and more impressive in appearance, and still others simply follow the lead of their overly sexually preoccupied Bobik, perhaps because of male solidarity.

Venereal sarcoma is scary because for many animal owners who dearly love their pets, it is not scary, because unfortunately, it is still unknown to few people! A significant part of both club and unorganized dog breeders are sincerely surprised to learn that dogs have sexually transmitted diseases!

And now about the treatment of transmissible sarcoma.

In the early stages, the disease responds well not only to surgical treatment, but also to drug therapy, although, of course, it is no secret that high-quality diagnosis is sometimes worth no less than the treatment itself. An animal that has been in contact with unknown dogs must be subjected to a comprehensive diagnosis. In addition, it must be remembered that the drugs used to treat transmissible sarcoma are very aggressive to the canine immune system. they have quite a lot of contraindications and side effects, they categorically cannot be used during pregnancy, and animals that have undergone treatment should not be allowed to be bred for 8 months and during this time they should be under the supervision of a doctor. Fortunately, venereal sarcoma does not pose a danger to humans. It is distributed throughout the world and to combat it, in some US states, for example, nurseries where sick animals are registered are quarantined.

It is important to always remember that prevention is the best treatment. If you decide to breed your dog, consult a specialist for both animals. In case of unwanted mating, carry out hygienic treatment of the animal’s genitals with a disinfectant (solution of potassium permanganate, furacillin, chlorhexidine, myromistin, etc.)

Venereal sarcoma (transmissible sarcoma) is a malignant neoplasm that affects the mucous membranes of the genital organs in dogs.

Venereal sarcoma is transmitted from a sick dog to another when coitus (mating). Unlike other types of malignant neoplasms, venereal sarcoma does not have the ability to metastasize. But a dog with venereal sarcoma, when licking the tumor mechanically, can transfer it to the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and eyes. To date viral etiology transmission of venereal sarcoma by scientists not proven.

Venereal sarcoma– is a unique pathology today, because it typical only for dogs. Due to the fact that it has a certain contagiousness, i.e. is not a tumor in its pure form, at the same time, when conducting a histological examination, it is characterized by all the signs of a malignant tumor and, due to its structure, it is necessary belong to the group of alveolar type sarcomas.

Today, transmissible sarcoma is a widespread disease in dogs.

A. Sticker was the first to study a disease called contagious lymphoma in 1906, after which scientists began to name this tumor in his honor Sticker's venereal sarcoma.

Venereal sarcoma of dogs (Stieker's sarcoma) - tumor in appearance looks like cauliflower and is mainly localized in the mucous membrane of the genital organs, in rare cases due to mechanical transfer on the mucous membrane of the nasal, oral cavities and conjunctiva.

Pathogen this disease is living tumor cell, which differs from a normal dog cell in a reduced set of chromosomes. Broadcast such a living tumor cell occurs by contact. This disease everyone gets sick representatives canine family, regardless of breed, huskies and hounds are more susceptible as they lead a relatively free lifestyle.

All over the world, including here, the classification of tumors in animals has been adopted. The stage of the tumor is determined by its size, by the degree of damage to the organ, by the degree of transition of the tumor to neighboring organs or surrounding tissues, by the presence or absence of metastases.

First stage- tumor growth in the superficial tissues of the organ, its small size - up to 3 cm, absence of metastases.

Second stage- the tumor reaches a size of 5-6 cm and grows into the tissue of an organ located deeper. On palpation it is mobile, but we already find a small metastasis in one of the lymph nodes.

Third stage- the tumor becomes larger in size. On palpation it is motionless because has grown into the surrounding tissues and gone beyond the organ. We palpate large metastases in the lymph nodes.

Fourth stage- the tumor spreads beyond the organ in which it formed, metastases are found in the liver, kidneys, lungs, i.e. the whole body is affected.

Hence the conclusion: The sooner a diagnosis is made and treatment is started, the greater the animal’s chances of being saved from premature death.

Venereal sarcoma occurs in both males and females aged 2-4 years, more often in stray dogs that lead a “free” lifestyle. Stray dogs are a natural reservoir of this disease, infecting the “owner’s” dogs, which sometimes run away from the owner in search of love, and subsequently constitute a risk group for this disease.

Venereal sarcoma, like any infectious disease, has incubation period – from 2 to 8 months, when a dog, although seemingly healthy, infects its partners.

Practical veterinarians distinguish between genital, extragenital and combined forms of venereal sarcoma.

Clinical signs. The first and main sign that allows a dog owner to suspect that his dog has venereal sarcomas is: discharge of drops of blood from the external genitalia, which owners often mistake for an ongoing or ongoing estrus. When examining the external genitalia we find loose bleeding formation broad based and in appearance cauliflower-like.

In male dogs, it is necessary to differentiate bloody discharge due to venereal sarcoma from symptoms of prostatitis. In females we exclude pyometra. With venereal sarcoma, bleeding is mostly permanent. Upon careful examination, the dog owner can see the sarcoma itself - bright red in color with a bumpy surface.

In males, venereal sarcoma develops in areas of the bulb of the penis, on its glans and prepuce, in females- on the threshold of the vagina. Upon visual examination, we identify tumor nodes and vegetations that are multiple and extensive in nature and their size reaches 3-5 cm, these growths similar in appearance to cauliflower or cockscomb. On palpation they have soft consistency, are easily injured and are bleeding, with the separation of pieces of tumor tissue from the surface of the tumor. Large tumor vegetations cause discomfort to dogs, causing licking of the external genitalia, making it difficult to even block the removal of the penis from the prepuce, and can cause difficult childbirth and severe postpartum bleeding.

Extragenital venereal sarcoma is localized mainly on the skin of the head and neck, as well as on the mucous membranes of the oral and nasal cavities. It occurs as a result of licking, sniffing, etc. a dog from someone else's tumor, as well as after a bite by a dog that has venereal sarcoma in the oral cavity.

Dog owners should be aware that venereal sarcoma does not pose a danger to the life of dogs and humans, but only creates discomfort for them.

Treatment. Considering that surgical treatment methods have a low effectiveness of 30 to 78%, and also that surgical intervention on the genital organs has many risks due to possible surgical and postoperative complications (damage to the urethra, metastases, the formation of adhesions in the genital organs, etc.) d.) it is rarely used.

It has been established that tumor vegetations of venereal sarcoma are very sensitive to radiation. One x-ray therapy session at a dose of 10 Gy may be sufficient. The session is carried out under anesthesia, the dogs tolerate it well. To carry out this procedure, special equipment and protective equipment and trained personnel are required. Therefore, this procedure is possible only in large veterinary clinics in our megapoles.

To date main method of treatment venereal sarcoma is conservative treatment - use of chemotherapy.

Used for the treatment of venereal sarcoma vincristine alone or in combination with cyclophosphate and methotrexate. Efficacy of treatment dogs venereal sarcoma vincristine ranges from 95 to 100%.

Vincristine is an alkaloid of plant origin that reversibly blocks mitostatic cell division in the M phase of the cell cycle, inhibiting the formation of mitotic spindles.

In the treatment of venereal sarcoma females require 3-5 injections of vincristine, males require 4 to 6 injections. We stop the course of treatment when the tumor completely disappears, since if the tumor does not completely disappear, a relapse of the disease is possible.

Vincristine is administered intravenously to dogs once a week. Mix 1 ml of vincristine with 9 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride and administer intravenously through catheter! (we use it to prevent thrombophlebitis) after administering vincristine (to prevent thrombophlebitis), we rinse it with 20 ml of saline solution into a vein. When working with vincristine, it is necessary to keep in mind that if the solution gets under the skin, the animal will have severe necrosis, therefore veterinary specialists should wear two pairs of rubber gloves when working with this drug; pregnant women are prohibited from working with this drug. If, however, the solution gets under the skin, it is necessary to urgently inject the place of contact with a solution of novocaine.

If after the course of treatment the improvements are insignificant, then it is necessary to add cyclophosphamide.

It is a good idea for sick dogs to use antioxidants during treatment: Aevit 1 capsule once a day for 1 month and Farmavit-SK with seaweed at a dose of 1 tablet per 2.5 kg of animal weight.

Prevention. Prevention of venereal sarcoma in dogs should include the following requirements:

1. Timely identification of patients with canine venereal sarcoma and their treatment.
2. Limiting the number of stray dogs in populated areas and sterilizing them.
3. Careful veterinary control over the import and export of dogs from populated areas.
4. Dog owners should conduct a thorough examination of their dogs before and after mating.
5. Do not allow accidental matings and do not observe dogs that have had coitus with random partners.
6. In case of unwanted mating, dog owners must carry out hygienic treatment of the dog’s oral cavity and genitals with disinfectant solutions (solutions of furacillin, potassium permanganate, iodinol).

We all know that proper care of a hunting dog, a balanced diet (find out what to feed a hunting dog), as well as the necessary physical activity - all this guarantees the health of your pet. However, sometimes, despite such good care, dogs still get sick. In particular, they may develop a neoplasm. About sarcoma in dogs, the symptoms of this disease, as well as how to treat sarcoma in a hunting dog– we will talk about all this on the pages of our publication...

What is sarcoma

Sarcoma is a tumor of connective tissues; the cells of such a tumor continuously multiply, so the tumor itself is constantly growing and increasing in size as long as its carrier, the dog, lives.

At the same time, in veterinary medicine, sarcoma of the external genitalia in dogs is described by different names - it is called contagious sarcoma, venereal granuloma, venereal tumor... However, in all these cases we are talking about the same disease.

As for which dogs are most at risk of contracting sarcoma, experts note that in dogs in some areas this disease occurs quite often, while in others no cases of sarcoma have been reported at all. However, even in the same area in individual years, cases of sarcoma may occur unequally frequently.

Symptoms of sarcoma in dogs

At the same time, sarcoma most often affects the vagina in females, and their penis in males.

At the site of tumor formation, a slight compaction is initially observed, then a pea-sized growth appears, which constantly grows and the tumor can reach the size of a fist. The shape of the tumor itself can be different, but most often it has an uneven, bumpy surface, it can be white, however, blood vessels are clearly visible on its surface, which are susceptible to destruction and bleeding.

The nature of sarcoma and features of the course of the disease in dogs

At the same time, sarcoma, despite the fact that it is one of the types of tumors, rarely metastasizes to the internal organs, and the lesions are limited to the external genitalia. And, this means that the waste products of this tumor do not lead the body of a hunting dog (find out here about) to exhaustion, as is the case with cancer or sarcoma of internal organs. Therefore, it would be more correct to classify it as an intermediate category between benign and malignant tumors. However, this tumor still harms the dog’s health, in particular, it can complicate the process of urination and lead to dysfunction of the genitourinary organs.

Dogs are considered very loving animals, so they often develop sexually transmitted diseases. One of them is venereal sarcoma in dogs - a malignant neoplasm localized on the genitals of a four-legged pet.

However, owners do not need to panic, although the name of the disease contains the word “sarcoma,” it is practically incapable of causing death to the dog. But keep in mind that such a sarcoma can disfigure the animal and deprive it of reproductive capabilities, so it must be treated. The article will discuss this venereal disease, its main signs and symptoms, and will also discuss effective methods of treatment and prevention of this disease.

Each cancer disease has its own classification, which includes data on the rate of spread of the tumor, as well as its size and shape. In this regard, veterinarians distinguish the following stages of sarcoma development:

1. First stage: the beginning of the manifestation of a mature tumor on the surface of the reproductive organ (tumor size does not exceed 2.5 cm).
2. Second stage: the tumor continues to grow and gradually penetrates the tissues of the affected part of the body.
3. Third stage: the tumor doubles in size, gradually spreading from the lesion to healthy tissue. Your pet's lymph nodes are swollen, this is due to the fact that the tumor is metastasizing.
4. Stage four: sarcoma affects all internal organs of the pet.

Features of the disease

Among veterinarians there is another name for this disease, namely transmissible sarcoma. In appearance it is similar to cauliflower. It is located on the mucous membrane of the dog’s genital organs. The peculiarity of the tumor is that it can spread to the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth, as well as to the conjunctiva of the eye. This happens with the help of the tongue, which the dog uses to lick its genitals.

The pathogen is transmitted from animal to animal during mating. A study of tumor cells showed that it has only a reduced set of chromosomes. The development of pathology takes a long period, spanning from a couple of months to six months. The danger is that vensarcoma does not manifest itself in any way at this time, but the pet is already capable of infecting other animals.

Causes

Experts are convinced that individuals of any sex and all breeds are susceptible to transmissible sarcoma. According to statistics, infection most often occurs in a pet at the age of 3-4 years. The main factors that can lead to vensarcoma include:

1. Promiscuity of the animal's sexual intercourse.
2. Insufficient attention of the owner in checking the health of the sexual partner chosen for mating with the pet.
3. Weakened immunity and vitamin deficiency.
4. Late detection of the tumor.
5. Therapeutic intervention carried out untimely.

Symptoms of the disease

It is important for owners to know that bright signs are not typical for the initial stages of the disease. However, an attentive owner may notice that his pet has become more restless, and his urination has become more frequent. Females may lick the vulva and the area around it more often.

The main symptoms of vensarcoma are as follows:

• clearly visible blood clots are released from the penis and genital slit;
• small (from 2-3 mm to 5-6 cm) round tumors of gray or red color appear, they can be single or collected in a cluster;
• the animal’s genitals become red and swollen;
• the prepuce is characteristically thickened;
• the penis and prepuce are diffusely affected;
• in bitches, the vestibule of the vulva is affected, especially on the walls, clitoris and urethra;
• the perineum lengthens, pus protrudes from the genital slit.

It is possible that neoplasms may appear in the pet’s mouth or nose. Vensarcoma creates a lot of inconvenience for the animal, disfiguring the appearance of the pet and not allowing its penis to stand out freely from the prepuce. If this type of sarcoma is diagnosed on time, then it will be quite simple to treat.

Experts note that sometimes there are cases when the tumor resolves on its own. This is typical for young animals, whose bodies are able to produce antibodies that prevent the tumor from progressing.

Diagnostic methods

The primary task of the veterinarian is to accurately differentiate venereal sarcoma from prostatitis, which is characteristic of male dogs, and pyometra, which often affects females. A specialist will be helped with this by:

1. Confirming observations: constant discharge of blood from the genital slit and the red color of the lumpy neoplasm.
2. Tumor location: in males on the head of the penis and prepuce, in females - immediately in front of the vagina.
3. The tumor nodes are numerous and soft to the touch, they bleed profusely and are easily damaged.

For further diagnosis, you will need to take a medical history, test the dog's blood and x-ray. The most effective method for making a diagnosis is a puncture biopsy, which is carried out by taking tissue from the affected area of ​​the animal’s genitals.

Treatment of the disease

Treatment of venereal sarcoma in dogs includes two options: conservative therapy and surgery. The first option is suitable for those pets whose tumors are inoperable. They are required to undergo intensive chemotherapy. However, it must be said right away that this procedure is extremely toxic and has a very negative effect on the dog. Very young and elderly individuals are especially vulnerable to it.

The second option includes the complete elimination of the tumor within the boundaries of healthy tissue. The well-being of surgery depends on whether the animal will bleed during the process. If the tumor is advanced, then the affected vagina will need to be removed and the urethra brought to the abdominal wall. Immediately after the operation, the surgeon will have to apply a three-layer suture to the perineal wound.

Owners should understand that the effectiveness of surgical removal directly depends on how early treatment is started. The features of this method are as follows:

1. The doctor must remove the tumor completely, along with the gland and lymph nodes.
2. The specialist must take care to strengthen the protective reactions of the animal’s body. This will allow the dog to undergo surgery more successfully.
3. During surgery, you should never damage the tumor tissue, as this will cause the tumor cells to spread.
4. The veterinarian is required to repeatedly sterilize surgical instruments during surgery.
5. Bleeding must be carefully controlled and all chances of it occurring eliminated.

During the operation, the animal must be under local or general anesthesia. The dissolved anesthetic cannot be injected into the tumor itself, only into the healthy tissue that surrounds it. If the operation is performed according to all the rules, then relapse is almost impossible.

Post-operative care includes washing your dog regularly, especially the operated areas. They must be kept clean. Do not allow your dog to lick the stitches, as this could introduce an infection there. A special collar placed around the dog’s neck can prevent this from happening. Also watch your pet’s diet; it should include an abundance of vitamins and microelements that can support his weakened immune system.

Preventive measures

There are no special preventive measures to completely prevent this disease. The most important thing is the attentiveness and caution of the owner towards the person with whom his dog mates. Therefore, you should not be embarrassed to ask the owner of even a purebred and beautiful dog that was chosen for mating whether he has certificates confirming a medical examination. Or about whether she had sexual intercourse with casual sexual partners. If there is no certificate or the individual really “walked” with someone unknown, then it is better to refrain from mating.

If a potentially dangerous contact does occur, the pet owner must thoroughly treat the pet’s mouth and genitals with disinfectants. This can be done using solutions of furatsilin or potassium permanganate. Even after treatment, carefully monitor your pet's genitals. If redness appears on them or blood clots begin to appear, then immediately take the dog to an appointment with a veterinarian.

More radical preventive measures include complete sterilization or castration of the animal. Such a procedure will forever relieve the owner of the worry that his dog may inadvertently contract transmissible sarcoma. And remember, preventing this disease is important not only for your dog, but also for his closest compatriots from the same street or city.

Finally, I would like to say that venereal sarcoma is not so much a terrible disease as an unpleasant disease that can be easily avoided. Show attention and care to your dog, and he will never encounter such pathologies.