SCIENCE

Unusual Cancer Cases in Dogs: When Tumors Spread to the Brain

Sun Nov 16 2025
In the world of veterinary medicine, some cases stand out due to their rarity. Two such cases involved dogs with a type of cancer called endometrial carcinoma, which is not very common in dogs. This cancer started in the uterus and then spread to other parts of the body, including the brain. The first dog was a 7-year-old mixed breed. It had bloody discharge from its private parts, felt very weak, and had trouble moving its limbs. The second dog was an 11-year-old Poodle. It had a similar discharge but also had trouble breathing, stiff limbs, and nosebleeds. Sadly, both dogs passed away while receiving emergency care. When the veterinarians looked inside the dogs' bodies, they found small lumps in many organs, including the brain. These lumps were signs that the cancer had spread. Under the microscope, the cancer cells looked different from normal cells. They were also tested with special markers to confirm they came from the lining of the uterus. This is important because it shows that even though endometrial carcinoma is rare, it can be serious and spread quickly. These cases teach us that when a dog suddenly has severe symptoms, like problems with movement or the brain, doctors should consider that it might be caused by a spreading cancer. It's a reminder that even rare diseases can happen and that vets need to be ready for anything. It's also a good idea for pet owners to know about these possibilities so they can act quickly if their dog shows unusual symptoms.

questions

    How does the age of the dogs in the study influence the interpretation of the findings?
    If a dog starts snorting like a bull, is it just being dramatic or could it be a symptom of something more sinister?
    What's the best way to explain to your dog that they need to stop licking their wounds because it might be a sign of something serious?

actions