Soft Tissue Cancer (Rhabdomyosarcoma) in Dogs
Key takeaways
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare, malignant tumor of the striated (skeletal) muscle in dogs.
- Rhabdomyosarcoma is a type of soft tissue cancer which can occur in many areas of the body, including the bladder, heart, throat, tongue and skin
- Rhabdomyosarcoma is very locally invasive and most commonly metastasizes (spreads) to the lungs; it is also known to spread to other organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and adrenal glands
- Symptoms vary depending on localization but generally include swelling, lameness, and a mass around the affected area
- Diagnostics include imaging, tumor biopsy, physical examination, blood work, and urinalysis
- Treatment primarily involves surgical removal of the mass and surrounding tissue, if this is not possible or complete excision can not be confirmed, chemotherapy and radiation can be used to reduce tumor size and metastasis
- Prognosis is guarded to poor depending on localization as these tumors often involve structures that cannot be surgically removed, such as the heart and bladder; metastasis is also common, even with surgical removal
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A closer look: Soft Tissue Cancer (Rhabdomyosarcoma) in Dogs
Cancer is defined as uncontrolled, abnormal cell growth which often results in masses called tumors. Striated muscle is a specific type of muscle tissue found in the body, particularly in the heart, limbs, face, neck, and upper digestive tract. Rhabdomyosarcomas are a specific cancer of the striated muscle.
If the tumor is localized to an area with life-threatening symptoms (heart, lungs), immediate veterinary intervention is needed. Tumors in the bladder can cause obstruction of the urinary bladder - it is an emergency if a dog cannot pass urine.
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Risk factors
Rhabdomyosarcomas are very rare. Symptoms may not appear until the mass is large enough to be physically detected. In this case, rapid intervention is best to increase the chance of treatment before metastasis occurs.
Rhabdomyosarcoma is noted to affect younger and larger dogs more frequently.
Possible causes
At this time the causes of rhabdomyosarcoma are unknown. As with all forms of cancer, genetic and environmental factors are suspected.
Main symptoms
Main symptoms
Testing and diagnosis
After a physical examination and medical history is taken, a number of tests can be done to determine diagnosis and metastatic status;
- Diagnostic imaging
- Tumor biopsy
- Blood work
- Urinalysis
Steps to Recovery
Treatment can depend on the localization of the tumor and whether surgery is feasible. If possible, surgery is the primary treatment method. If surgery is not possible or full removal is not likely, chemotherapy and radiation can be used to limit tumor size and spread.
Prognosis for rhabdomyosarcoma is guarded. As it is a rare cancer, the prognosis is not well understood. If the tumor is contained to an area that is conducive to full surgical removal (e.g. a limb which can be amputated) and it has not metastasized, prognosis can be better. However, humane euthanasia is an important consideration in cases with declining quality of life.
Prevention
There is no known cause of rhabdomyosarcoma at this time so prevention is not currently possible. Overall awareness of changes in pet health and behaviors can allow for earlier detection and more rapid intervention.
Rhabdomyosarcoma is not contagious.
Is Soft Tissue Cancer (Rhabdomyosarcoma) in Dogs common?
Rhabdomyosarcoma is rare in dogs.
Typical Treatment
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Surgery
- Palliative care
