When cancer strikes

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in dogs, especially as they age. But advances in veterinary medicine now make it possible to treat — and in some cases, cure — many types of canine cancer. What matters most is early detection, careful evaluation, and making the best decision for your dog’s wellbeing.

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Most common types of cancer in dogs

Some cancers are more aggressive than others, and treatment approaches may vary:

• Lymphoma: A cancer of the lymph nodes, treatable with chemotherapy.
• Mast cell tumors: A skin cancer that can often be removed surgically.
• Osteosarcoma: A bone cancer, especially in large breeds. Often requires amputation and/or chemotherapy.
• Hemangiosarcoma: An aggressive cancer of blood vessels, commonly in the spleen or heart.
• Mammary tumors: Common in unspayed females. Early surgery offers the best outcome.
• Melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma: Found in the mouth, skin, or nails — often requiring surgery and follow-up treatment.

Each type has its own prognosis and standard of care, so personalized veterinary guidance is essential.

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How dog cancer is diagnosed

Diagnosis typically includes:

• Physical exam and lump palpation
• Biopsy or fine needle aspiration to identify cell types
• Blood tests for organ function and overall health
• Imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan) to detect spread
• Staging to determine how far the cancer has progressed

Once confirmed, your vet or a veterinary oncologist will discuss treatment plans and what outcomes are realistic.

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Cancer treatment options for dogs

1. Surgery

Often the first step when tumors are localized. Removing the mass can be curative in some cases, or part of a combined approach in others.

2. Chemotherapy

Used primarily for systemic cancers like lymphoma. Dogs generally tolerate chemo much better than humans — most don’t lose their fur, and side effects are usually mild.

3. Radiation therapy

Useful for tumors that can’t be fully removed surgically, especially in areas like the brain or spine. Requires repeated sessions at specialty clinics.

4. Immunotherapy

An emerging field using vaccines or antibodies to stimulate the dog’s immune system to attack cancer cells. Still limited in availability, but growing.

5. Palliative care

When cure is not possible or treatment would cause suffering, palliative care focuses on pain relief, comfort, and quality of life. This may include medications, appetite stimulants, and mobility aids.

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Choosing the right path

Treatment decisions are never easy. Consider asking your vet:

• What is the goal of treatment — cure, remission, or comfort?
• What is the expected outcome with and without treatment?
• What are the side effects or lifestyle changes?
• What is the financial cost and emotional impact?

It’s okay to ask hard questions. And it’s okay to say no to aggressive treatment if it doesn’t align with your values or your dog’s wellbeing.

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Supporting your dog during treatment

• Keep routines consistent: Predictability reduces stress.
• Ensure comfort: Soft bedding, warm spaces, easy access to food and water.
• Monitor symptoms: Track appetite, energy, pain, and behavior.
• Offer emotional support: Your presence matters as much as any medication.
• Stay informed: Ask for written summaries of your dog’s diagnosis and treatment.

Many dogs live for months — or even years — after a cancer diagnosis, especially with early detection and care.

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When treatment isn't the answer

If your dog’s cancer is too advanced, or treatment causes more harm than good, hospice care may be the most humane choice.

Palliative support can:

• Manage pain and discomfort
• Maintain dignity
• Allow you to say goodbye with intention

Your vet can help you determine when it may be time to consider euthanasia.

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Preservation after loss

Some pet owners choose to memorialize their dog through cremation or burial. Others are turning to pet cryopreservation — a process that preserves the body at low temperatures in hopes that future science may offer revival.

To explore whether this is right for you, use our pet preservation calculator.

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You're not alone

A cancer diagnosis brings heartbreak, decisions, and uncertainty — but it also brings an opportunity to show your dog love in its most complete form: through care, comfort, and presence.

Whether you choose treatment, palliative care, or preservation, your devotion makes all the difference.

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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 and pets a second chance at life. As Europe’s leading 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 cryopreservation a reliable and accessible option for everyone. We believe that no life — human or animal — should end because current medical capabilities fall short.

📧 Contact us at: hello@tomorrow.bio
🌐 Visit our website: www.tomorrow.bio
🤝 Schedule a consultation: Book a call

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