FidoCure^® Veterinary Team Blog

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer in dogs. It can present as a single mass, multiple nodules, or diffuse spread throughout the liver, which increases the risk of metastasis. The main treatment options are surgical removal, metronomic chemotherapy, and/or Palladia. The prognosis is generally good for the single, massive form after surgery, but consulting a veterinary oncologist is recommended for all cases.

When our beloved pets are diagnosed with cancer, it can be an emotionally and financially challenging time. As veterinary oncology advances, new and innovative cancer treatments are becoming available for our furry family members. However, these cutting-edge therapies can come with a significant price tag.

Nasal adenocarcinomas are relatively uncommon but represent nearly two-thirds of nasal tumors in dogs, which are locally invasive and have a higher risk of metastasis in later stages. Radiation therapy is the primary treatment to slow tumor growth, with patients living around one year on average. Newer approaches like metronomic chemotherapy and precision medicines targeting mutations show promise in delaying progression and metastasis. 

Pulmonary adenocarcinoma is a common and aggressive form of lung cancer in dogs, accounting for nearly 80% of canine lung neoplasia cases. The primary treatment is surgical tumor removal, sometimes combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy for inoperable cases. Prognosis depends on tumor size and grade, ranging from over 16 months for small, low-grade tumors to only 3 months for high-grade, metastatic cancers despite treatment. 

Mast cell tumors are the most common skin tumors in dogs, developing from abnormal growth of mast cells, which are normally involved in allergic and immune responses. Treatment depends on tumor grade, size, and spread, ranging from surgery to radiation therapy to systemic therapies like chemotherapy and/or targeted therapy. Low-grade tumors that are completely removed with surgery carry the best prognosis while high-grade or metastatic tumors often require therapy beyond surgery and carry a more guarded prognosis. As always, consulting a veterinarian or veterinary oncologist is recommended for staging and personalized treatment planning.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common oral tumor in dogs, arising from the lining of the gums and mouth. Treatment typically involves a multimodal approach, combining local therapies like surgery and radiation with systemic chemotherapy. However, traditional chemotherapy has limited efficacy, especially for tumors with higher metastatic potential like those in the tonsils or back of the mouth. As a result, targeted oral therapies like Palladia, are increasingly being used to improve outcomes.

FidoCure is pioneering a revolutionary approach to treating canine cancer - bringing the power of precision medicine from human oncology to veterinary care. As the first and only service of its kind, FidoCure provides genomic testing to identify the unique genetic markers driving each dog's cancer. This information can guide individualized treatment plans and leverage cutting-edge targeted therapies and innovative medicines precisely matched to a patient's disease profile. Genomic sequencing can also provide valuable insights into diagnosis and prognosis, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition.

Mammary tumors are common in intact female dogs, especially middle-aged and older dogs of smaller breeds like Poodles, Chihuahuas, and Dachshunds, though some larger breeds are also at higher risk. Hormonal exposure plays a key role, with dogs spayed before their first heat cycle having only a 0.5% risk. Treatment typically involves surgical removal, which is potentially curative if the tumor is completely removed. For more invasive, advanced or metastatic cases,. Overall prognosis is quite variable depending upon key clinical features such as histopathologic subtype, tumor size, and metastasis.

Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is an aggressive cancer originating from white blood cells called histiocytes that are involved in the immune system. There are three main forms, (1) localized, which presents, at least initially, at a single site such as the bones, joints, or lungs, (2) disseminated, which involves multiple organ systems at diagnosis, and (3) hemophagocytic, characterized by cancerous histiocytes destroying blood cells. HS can affect almost any organ, with certain breeds being more susceptible. The localized form is typically treated with surgical removal and chemotherapy drugs like lomustine, doxorubicin, and others, while the disseminated form is typically not surgical and most often primarily treated with chemotherapy. The prognosis varies, with disseminated HS being very poor, localized cases averaging 3-4 months, but a subset achieving longer-term survival with aggressive treatment.

Melanoma is an aggressive cancer arising from pigment-producing cells, accounting for 7% of canine tumors with certain breeds at higher risk. The most common form is oral melanoma, which affects the mouth and gums, and has the potential to metastasize. Cutaneous melanomas can also occur but are less common than oral melanomas and are often benign. Treatment typically involves surgical removal followed by radiation therapy for local disease control as well as systemic therapy given the metastatic potential. Prognosis varies based on location and stage, with median survival around 17-18 months for stage I oral melanoma post-surgery down to 3 months for stage III, but dermal and ocular forms can have better outcomes with early intervention.