Tumors-Growth-Cancer In Bulldogs And French Bulldogs
Tumors-Growth-Cancer in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs
Tumors-Growth-Cancer in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs
Tumors-Growth-Cancer in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs can be external or internal, small or large, hard or soft, single or multipule. I see a wide range of bulldog tumors in my practice, many pet owners erroneously assume that a tumor is synonymous with cancer, thus assuming a grave outcome.
Fortunately, many of those tumors, growths, and masses are benign and do not spread (metastases), others are very slow to grow, thus they can often be safely monitored, or excised, with minimal long-term consequences.
On the other hand, some might appear small, benign, and inconsequential yet left alone can quickly becom aggressive and deadly
It is alawys best to consult with your veterinarian and have it checked.
Bulldog Tumors-Growth-Cancer in MYTH and MYTH BUSTER:
BULLDOG TUMORS AND PAIN MYTH:
Bulldogs Tumors-Growth-Cancer PAINLESS MYTH:
” My bulldog’s recently found tumor does not seem to inflict any pain, it is not bothering her one bit, thus it can be ignored”.
Tumors-Growth-Cancer in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs PAINLESS MYTH BUSTER:
Pain or lack of it should not be your criteria, bad tumors can be painless when you first find them.
Tumors-Growth-Cancer in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs PAINFUL MYTH:
“My bulldog’s recently found tumor seems to inflict pain. Every time I touch it, she flinched, thus it must be cancerous”.
Bulldog Tumors-Growth-Cancer PAINFUL MYTH BUSTER:
painful growth/mass tumors might be benign or something else altogether like an abscess or an allergic reaction.
BULLDOG TUMORS SIZE MYTH:
Tumors-Growth-Cancer in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs SIZE MYTH:
“Dr. Kraemer, My French bulldog skin tumor is only pea size, thus can be ignored”.
Bulldog Tumors-Growth-Cancer SIZE MYTH BUSTER:
It is critical that you don’t make any assumptions, nor ignore a small lump, mass, or growth you see or palpate.
Tumor size should not be your call for action criteria. Regardless of size, it is best you consult your veterinarian and have it checked.
Small mass cell tumors can transform into an aggressive type if not removed and a large lipoma (fatty tumor) is often harmless.
BULLDOG CANCER DIAGNOSIS MYTH
Tumors-Growth-Cancer in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs DIAGNOSIS MYTH:
“Dr. Kraemer, you have seen all kinds of tumors, and we heard that you are a bulldog expert. If I send you a photo of my English bulldog’s new skin tumor would you be able to tell me if Rambo will be ok?”
Bulldog Tumors-Growth-Cancer in DIAGNOSIS MYTH BUSTER:
Your veterinarian can make an initial evaluation based on the location, size, color, consistency, and mobility of your bulldog’s suspected tumor, but he or she does not possess a high-power microscopic vision. Thus, it is usually recommended that either cytology or a biopsy (histopathology) is done for further evaluation, treatment options, and prognosis.
Diagnostic tests such as cytology and biopsies are required for tumor diagnosis
Tumors-Growth-Cancer in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs TIPS & WARNINGS:
BULLDOG CANCER AND TUMORS TIPS:
Tumors-Growth-Cancer in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs tip 1 LAB TESTS:
Even though most tumors diagnosis is not made by blood testing, it is always recommended to add general health blood and urine panel to assess the pet’s general condition.
Even though most tumor’s defensive diagnoses are done by cytology and biopsies, some tumors can be diagnosed by blood tests such as tumors affecting the bone marrow and blood cell production.
Tumors-Growth-Cancer in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs tip 2 IMAGINING:
Screening for tumors and cancer with radiographs and at times other imaging such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI are usually recommended for the detection of metastatic disease (spreading of the tumor). Also, they can be helpful when other testing is not affordable or hard to get.
An example would be bone cancer (osteosarcoma) of the bone, a large mass in the abdomen, brain cancer, metastatic disease to the lungs, etc.
Tumors-Growth-Cancer in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs Tip 3 THERAPY:
Therapeutic treatments are customized to each tumor by taking to account the pet’s age, cost, adverse effects, and owners’ preferences each and all are part of the best outcome decision-making. Nevertheless, there are several common sense, across-the-board considerations that should always be discussed such as:
- DIET: Proper balanced diet and nutrients
- STRESS: Reduced stress and anxiety
- PAIN: Palliative Pain Control
- THERAPEUTIC SUPPLEMENTS: Anti-cancer supplements and nutraceuticals such as:
Bulldog Tumors Immune Support & Anti-Oxidants
Bulldog Cancer Stress Relief & Anti-Anxiety
Bulldog and French Bulldog Cancer Gut Microbiome
Replenishing Good GI Bacteria, soothing gastrointestinal irritation, and reducing liver toxicity, are critical, especially in dogs on immune suppressants like steroids and chemotherapy:
Bulldog Tumors discomfort and pain:
BULLDOG CANCER AND TUMORS WARNINGS
Tumors-Growth-Cancer in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs WARNING 1:
Not all tumors can be seen or felt some are situated inside your pet’s skeletal, deep tissue, abdominal or chest cavity, brain, internal organs, etc.
Those types of tumors are usually identified by imaging techniques such as radiographs, ultrasound, MRI, and CT. Nevertheless, for a definitive diagnosis, a biopsy or cytology would still be required.
Common Tumors-Growth-Cancer in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs :
BULLDOG and FRENCH BULLDOG MAST CELL TUMOR (MCT) :
Bulldogs mast cell tumors (MCTs) are neoplastic accumulations of mast cells that can produce deleterious effects. They might present as itchy lesions and can remain small and “innocent” looking for months or longer.
MCTs often remain unchanged in size for months to years before presentation. Occasionally, bulldogs are presented for GI irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and bloody stool secondary to histamine-induced gastric acid secretion.
Mast cell tumors in bulldogs have a highly variable appearance and may be mistaken for lipomas, skin tags, or insect bites. thus they should always be biopsied or/and cytological exam performed
Regardless of size and appernace, when possible always remove mast cell tumor with wide margins to prevent it becoming a much more aggressive form
BULLDOG and FRENCH BULLDOG MAMMARY GLAND BREAST TUMOR (MGT):
Bulldogs mammary gland tumors (MGT) are the type of tumors that arise from breast tissues. Approximately 50 percent of these tumors are malignant but spaying your bulldog or French bulldog prior to their first estrus cycle (heat cycle) reduces the chances by over 95% chance.
The suspect tumor should be biopsied and removed with associated breast tissue. Chest radiographs are often taken pre-surgically to r/o spreading to the lungs.
If your bulldog was not spayed its recommended to do so at the same time
BULLDOG and FRENCH BULLDOG LIPOMA
Bulldog Lipoma (bulldog fatty tumors) are most common in older bulldogs and French Bulldogs, they are typically slow to grow and they are usually soft and found under the skin layer. Infiltrative lipomas are less defined, less common, and usually embedded deeper.
Due to the benign nature of the common lipoma removal is not necessary. They should by removed when they become too large and by so impacting your bulldog comfort, or when they are the infiltrative type.
BULLDOG and FRENCH BULLDOGS HEART BASE TUMOR
Bulldog Heart Base Tumors (aortic body tumors, e.g. chemodectoma) are seen more commonly in brachycephalic breeds like English bulldogs and French bulldogs. They are typically nonresectable but slow growing and unlikely to metastasize.
If marked pericardial effusion arises with these tumors, pericardiectomy can be palliative.
An Ounce Of PREVENTION Is Worth A Pound Of CURE
*This guide was compiled courtesy of Dr. Kraemer, a “must-read” manual for any current or future bully owner