Tumors-Growth-Cancer in Bulldogs
Tumors-Growth-Cancer in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs are more common in aging bulldogs, there are
- Benign
- Local
- Multifocal
- Slow Growing
- Locally aggressive
- Metastatic types
Each with a different outcome and therapy options
Tumors in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs PROGNOSIS
I see a wide range of bulldog tumors in my practice. Many pet owners erroneously assume that a tumor is synonymous with cancer, thus carrying a grave outcome.
Fortunately, many of those tumors, growths, and masses presented and found are benign, at times local, and/or slow to grow, thus they can often be safely monitored, or excised, with minimal long-term consequences.
It is important that you don’t make any assumptions nor ignore a lump, mass, growth you see or palpate.
It is best you consult your veterinarian and have it checked.
Tumors-Growth-Cancer in Bulldogs MYTH & FACT:
Bulldog and Fr. Bulldog PAINLESS TUMOR MYTH & FACT:
MYTHS: ” 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”.
FACT: Pain or lack of pain should not be your criteria or measure for the tumor diagnosis or prognosis.
Bulldog and Fr. Bulldog PAINLESS TUMOR MYTH & FACT:
MYTH: “My bulldog’s recently found tumor seems to inflict pain. Every time I touch it, she flinched, thus it must be cancerous”.
FACT: Painful growth/mass tumors might be benign or something else altogether like an abscess or an allergic reaction.
Bulldog and Fr. Bulldog TUMOR SIZE MYTH & FACT
MYTH: “Dr. Kraemer, My French bulldog skin tumor is only pea size, thus can be ignored”.
FACT: 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. 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 and Fr. Bulldog TUMOR DIAGNOSIS MYTH:
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?”
FACT: 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.
Tumors-Growth-Cancer in Bulldogs TIPS & WARNINGS:
Dr. Kraemer’s TUMORS TIPS:
Bulldog Tumors LAB DIAGNOSTICS:
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.
Some tumors can be diagnosed by blood tests such as tumors affecting the bone marrow and blood cell production.
Bulldog Cancer IMAGING DIAGNOSTICS
Screening for tumors and cancer with radiographs and at times other imaging such as ultrasound, CT and MRI are usually recommended for detection of metastatic disease (spreading of the tumor)
Bulldog Growth BULLY THERAPEUTIC SUPPLEMENTS:
Therapeutic treatments are customized to each tumor by taking to account the
- Pet’s age
- Cost
- Adverse effects
- 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:
- Proper Diet and Nutrients
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Palliative Pain Control
- Supplements & nutraceuticals
Bulldog Cancer Immune Support & Anti-Oxidants
Bulldog Turmors Stress Relief & Anti-Anxiety
Bulldog Cancer Gut Pre & Probiotics
Replenishing the good gut bacteria, helping gastrointestinal irritation, and liver toxicity, especially in dogs on immune suppressants and chemotherapy is critical
Bulldog Cancer Discomfort & Pain
Dr. Kraemer’s CANCER WARNINGS:
Bulldog Cancer DIAGNOSIS:
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.
Bulldogs Tumors-Growth-Cancer THE MOST COMMON:
Bulldog & French Bulldog MAST CELL TUMOR
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
When possible always remove a bulldog or French bulldog mast cell tumor with wide margins to prevent it to transform into a much more aggressive form
Bulldogs and Fr. Bulldogs MAMMERY GLAND BREAST TUMOR
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 or French bulldog was not spayed its recommended to do so at the same time
Bulldog & Fr. 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 bulldog and French bulldog lipoma removal is not necessary, but if they become too large impacting your pet’s comfort or when they are the infiltrative type they should be removed.
Bulldogs and Frenc 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.