Whilst canine TVT is relatively rare in house dogs, it is a common occurrence among un-neutered street dogs. Shelters often care for these dogs and the good news is that it is generally very treatable. If you’re looking to adopt or even volunteer at a shelter, you might want to know about this sexually transmitted disease. 

What is Canine TVT?

In Mexico, it’s estimated that about a quarter of street dogs have canine TVT, according to research. The disease is a type of malignant tumour that develops around dogs’ genitalia but it is different from other forms of cancer.

Unlike normal cancer, TVT tumours are spread between dogs, particularly sexually active ones, via skin-to-skin contact. Although canine TVT predominantly affects the genital area, research reports at least one case where the tumour grew on a dog’s eyelid.  

Essentially, like most issues with dogs, TVT cancer can also spread through licking and biting the tumour. 

This disease gives communities another argument as to why spaying and neutering are an important part of dog care for shelters who deal with street dogs. In short, by spaying and neutering dogs, their sexual activity drops which decreases the spread of the disease. 

Of course, spaying and neutering is only one possible solution and like all solutions, it also has its downsides. 

The spaying and neutering process removes critical parts of a dog’s endocrine, or hormone, system. This creates an imbalance and can cause long term health issues, according to research. 

Examples of issues include incontinence, hypothyroidism, diabetes, hip dysplasia, some forms of cancer and more. 

Thankfully, there is ongoing research for vaccinating canine TVT. Furthermore, it is generally very treatable. 

But first, we need to diagnose canine venereal tumour. 

What signs and diagnostics to look for:

• A lump in the genital area which might also include discharge and/or bleeding. The dog is likely to be licking more than usual which can further spread the tumour into the mouth. These canine TVT cancer tumours tend to take on a cauliflower-type appearance.

• A cytology is needed to confirm that the tumour is canine TVT. A sample or biopsy is sent to a pathology lab where a specialist analyses the cells to confirm the diagnosis. 

• Other symptoms such as loss in appetite, depression and pain when urinating can also accompany a canine transmissible venereal tumour.

How Do You Treat A Canine Venereal Tumour? 

Left untreated, a canine transmissible venereal tumour will keep growing and spreading and eventually, the dog will die a painful death. Instead, it can be cured by a combination of methods.

It’s worth first pointing out that generally, the location of  canine TVT on the genital area makes surgery complicated. It can be done but sometimes the risk is too great so other options are considered first.

In some rare cases, canine TVT can disappear on its own due to the dog’s immune system responding and attacking the malignant cells. Generally though, dogs need a form of chemotherapy or radiation to recover.  

Naturally, it’s also important to keep canine TVT dogs separate from others. The disease is highly spreadable and cage-free shelters need to have the proper quarantine procedures in place. 

At this point, you might be wondering if you’ll ever have to deal with canine TVT if it’s generally limited to street dogs. If you’re a dog lover, you never know what life will bring your way. 

And even if you’re not directly caring for a canine TVT dog, perhaps you can support those shelters that are. We need all the help we can get, no matter how small. 

Overview of the options for treating canine TVT: 

• Chemotherapy with vincristine injections is the first choice, especially if the tumour is inoperable. The weekly injections are easy to administer and the probability of total remission is high. 

• A combination of vincristine with prednisone has been studied as an alternative when vincristine alone doesn’t deliver any results. 

• Radiotherapy also effectively fights canine TVT but it isn’t always available to street dogs. Moreover, radiation can be painful, especially to the surrounding skin. 

Final Thoughts on Beating Canine TVT 

If you see a street dog with a cauliflower-shaped tumour around its genitals, it would be wonderful to let a local shelter know. These tumours are painful and easily spread. 

If your dog happens to develop canine TVT, don’t panic. It is treatable and, as always with these things, make sure you get your dog the proper treatment as soon as possible. Weekly injections are a nuisance but they will save your dog’s life and general well-being. 

We all have to face disease and sickness at some point in our lives, no matter what species we are. 

If we can help others recover from their pain and suffering, perhaps someone will do the same for us in the future. Let’s spread the care and compassion and do what we can for these dogs dealing with canine TVT.