Stomach cancer, though accounting for less than 1% of canine cancers, poses significant health risks to dogs, particularly older males and certain breeds like Chow Chows and Belgian Shepherds.  The disease often goes unnoticed until advanced stages due to its subtle early symptoms.​

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Stomach cancer in dogs

Stomach cancer in dogs, also known as gastric cancer, involves the uncontrolled growth of cells in the stomach lining or muscle layer. The most common type is adenocarcinoma, which originates from the glandular cells lining the stomach. Other types include leiomyosarcoma, lymphoma, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. ​

These tumors are often malignant and aggressive, with a high tendency to metastasize to other organs such as the liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. ​

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Causes and risk factors

The exact cause of stomach cancer in dogs remains unclear, but several risk factors have been identified:​

• Age: Dogs over the age of 7 are more susceptible.​
• Sex: Male dogs are at a higher risk.​
• Breed: Certain breeds like Chow Chows, Rough Collies, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and Belgian Shepherds show a higher incidence.
• Genetics: A hereditary component is suspected, as some breeds have a genetic predisposition to specific forms of cancer.​
• Diet: Diets high in nitrosamines, commonly found in processed meats, have been linked to an increased risk.

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Recognizing the signs

Early symptoms of stomach cancer in dogs can be easily mistaken for common gastrointestinal issues. These include persistent vomiting, weight loss, decreased appetite, and lethargy. As the disease progresses, more alarming signs such as vomiting blood, black stools, and abdominal pain may appear. ​

Behavioral changes, such as increased irritability, restlessness, or withdrawal, may also be observed. These signs often indicate discomfort or pain and should prompt immediate veterinary attention.​

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Diagnosis and staging

Diagnosing stomach cancer involves a combination of physical examinations, blood tests, imaging techniques like X-rays and ultrasounds, and endoscopic biopsies. Endoscopy allows for direct visualization of the stomach lining and collection of tissue samples for histopathological examination.

Staging the cancer is crucial to determine the extent of the disease and plan appropriate treatment. This may include additional imaging, such as CT scans or MRIs, to assess metastasis. ​

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Treatment options

Treatment strategies depend on the type and stage of the tumor, as well as the overall health of the dog.​

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Surgery

Surgical removal of the tumor is often the first line of treatment, especially if the cancer is localized. In some cases, up to 70% of the stomach may be removed. However, surgery carries risks, particularly in older dogs, and may not be feasible if the cancer has spread extensively.

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Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be used in conjunction with surgery or as a standalone treatment when surgery isn't an option. Various chemotherapy protocols exist, but their effectiveness varies, and side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite.

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Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is less commonly used due to the risk of damaging surrounding organs. However, it may be considered in certain cases to shrink tumors or alleviate symptoms.

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Palliative care

When curative treatment isn't possible, palliative care focuses on maintaining the dog's quality of life. This includes pain management, dietary adjustments, and medications to control symptoms like nausea and vomiting.​

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Prognosis

The prognosis for dogs with stomach cancer is generally poor, especially when diagnosed at an advanced stage. Median survival times range from 2 to 6 months, depending on the type of tumor and the extent of the disease.  Early detection and aggressive treatment can improve outcomes, but recurrence is common.

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Considering future options: pet cryopreservation

At Tomorrow.bio, we understand the deep bond between pets and their owners. Facing a terminal diagnosis like stomach cancer in your dog is heart-wrenching. While current treatments have limitations, we now offer pet cryopreservation services as a future-oriented option for those seeking alternatives beyond today's medical possibilities.​

Cryopreservation involves preserving your pet at low temperatures after legal death, with the hope that future advancements in veterinary medicine may allow for revival and treatment. It's essential to understand that cryopreservation is not a cure but a potential opportunity for the future.​

Curious about the cost? You can easily explore the pricing of pet cryopreservation through our Calculator.

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Related articles

• What is pet cryopreservation? Everything you need to know
• Pet after-care option
• What is liver cancer in dogs?

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About Tomorrow.bio

At Tomorrow.bio, we are dedicated to advancing the science of cryopreservation with the goal of giving people a second chance at life. As Europe’s leading human cryopreservation provider, we focus on rapid, high-quality standby, stabilization, and storage of terminal patients — preserving them until future medical technologies may allow revival and treatment.

Our mission is to make human cryopreservation a reliable and accessible option for everyone. We believe that no life should end because current medical capabilities fall short.

Our vision is a future where death is optional — where people have the freedom to choose long-term preservation in the face of terminal illness or fatal injury, and to awaken when medicine has caught up.

Interested in learning more or becoming a member?

📧 Contact us at: hello@tomorrow.bio

🌐 Visit our website: www.tomorrow.bio

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