10 Early Signs That Your Vizsla May Have Cancer

In most cases, dogs, regardless of breed, are our pets and eventually become part of our family. That is why we must always be vigilant and provide them with the best possible care. If you have a Vizsla, you must surely know very well about this. 

Most animals, not just dogs, have an organism similar to humans. Consequently, they also tend to suffer certain diseases that people experience at some point in their lives. However, we must bear in mind that the resistance and life span of a human being usually is higher than that of a dog. 

A Vizsla dog, like many other breeds, tends to suffer diseases if they do not receive proper care. However, in most cases, any of them can be treated on time. Now, one of the conditions that most canines suffer is cancer. 

What is Cancer? 

Cancer in dogs is an alteration of the organism due to the excessive multiplication and division of cells, causing tumors. Some common types of canine cancer are Hemangiosarcoma, Lymphoma, Melanoma, Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, etc. This disease can be treated in Vizsla dogs if the symptoms are known well in advance. 

This breed of dog has a life expectancy of between 12 to 15 years, depending on the lifestyle and food that its owner has provided them. Due to this information, we must be aware that most dogs over 10 years old develop cancer. It is one of the main causes of death in 47% of dogs. A Vizsla is no exception. 

Some of the early signs to check if your Vizsla has cancer are: 

Abnormal Swelling, Lumps, or Bumps 

This symptom is the most common of all and the easiest to locate because it can be detected through a physical examination. As we have previously explained, cell alterations generate tumors that have a large volume. Therefore, these tumors cause swellings or wounds on the canine’s skin and can have different dimensions and aspects. 

These swellings can appear in different areas of the body such as the testicles, mammary glands, lymph nodes, mouth and in any other part of the body. You should check your pet regularly during their bath hours or when you are petting them. However, taking your Vizsla to the vet a few times a year is a good idea to check your pet’s health. In this way, you will be able to verify more accurately if your dog has cancer or not. 

Wounds That Don’t Heal 

Biologically, most wounds heal on their own. However, if you start to notice that your dog has an injury and it has not healed, then you should immediately take it to the vet. 

A non-healing wound can not only mean that your Vizsla dog has cancer. That can means that it has other types of problems, such as an infection. 

Sudden Changes in Its Weight 

It is another of the symptoms that may indicate the possibility that your pet has cancer. When a dog suffers this terrible disease, likely, it will suddenly start to lose weight. This situation can originate from the presence of a malignant tumor in the intestines. 

You must take into account certain aspects. If your dog is on a diet, it is normal for it to lose weight. Therefore, you will need to check other symptoms to confirm if your Vizsla has a cancer tumor or not. Now, if your pet is not on a diet and you notice that it has been losing weight, then you have to act immediately and take it to the vet. 

Loss of Appetite 

This symptom is mostly linked to the previous one. The tumor can negatively affect the intestines causing your dog to stop eating. The fact that your dog eats little is very different from that it completely loses interest in food. If the latter is the case of your dog, then possibly it is an oral disease or in the worst case, cancer. 

Difficulty Breathing 

This symptom can be any disease related to the lungs, but it is common to find it when a dog has lung cancer. This type of cancer is one of the most difficult to detect at first. 

It directly affects the lungs, making our pets have difficulty breathing, chronic cough, behavioral disturbances, and even difficulties with their needs. 

Bleeding From Different Parts of the Body 

When a dog begins to bleed without reason from any hole (nose, mouth, anus, etc.), it likely is one of the most common tumors in this type of animal. That is the case of melanoma. If your Vizsla expels blood from any part of its body, it is possibly due to this tumor. 

Bad Body Odor 

Drastic odor changes in your Vizsla’s body can be some form of cancer. Generally, the odor can come from tumors in the mouth, nose, or anus due to the presence of pus. 

Loss of Energy 

Vizsla dogs are quite active and energetic. Their high level of physical activity is something common that characterizes them. So if your Vizsla is showing apathy and little resistance, then something is wrong. 

Possibly due to its age or it is simply suffering from a disease such as cancer. It is very strange to see a Vizsla in this state. Take it to the vet to rule out possible illness. 

Persistent Limp 

Perhaps this symptom appears because your Vizsla received a blow to its leg. Similarly, you cannot rule out the presence of malignant cells. Bone cancer is another of the diseases that dogs suffer and can cause severe pain and lameness due to the presence of a tumor in the leg. 

Regular Diarrhea and Vomiting 

These symptoms can be due to anything whether your pet has eaten something that was not in good condition or has a not so serious illness. However, if diarrhea and vomiting persist, then you should take it to the vet for tests. There is a possible chance that it is some type of cancer.