Transmissible venereal tumor, which is also called TVT, Sticker tumor or infectious sarcoma, is a neoplasm little known to pet parents. This health problem is usually more common in abandoned animals, but nothing prevents dogs living in an apartment from being infected with venereal disease. TVT in dogs is serious and easily transmitted - most often involving the skin.This malignant and highly contagious tumor can generate many questions about how to identify it, common symptoms, treatments and even how to avoid it. If you still have doubts about what is TVT in dogs, we have listed some important information about the disease. Just take a look!

1) DVT in dogs is sexually transmitted but can also be spread in other ways

This type of dog cancer is one of the main sexually transmitted diseases that can affect canines. However, even though venereal transmission is more common, direct contact with infected dogs, either by sniffing or licking the genitals of the pet with the disease, is also a way of transmitting TVT in dogs. Therefore, prevent your dog from interacting with unknown pets orwho appear to be ill.

2) TVT: dog with the disease has lesions in the genital region

Lesions on the genitals are the first signs of the transmissible venereal tumour in dogs. The appearance is often that of ulcerated warts. They usually appear at the base of the penis or on the vulva of the female dog. These lesions start out small but end up enlarging over time, especially if they do not receive proper treatment at the earliest signs. The dog tumour can have the appearance of a cauliflower andalso presents in other areas of the animal's body besides the genitals, such as oral and nasal mucosa, eye region and anus.

3) DVT: dogs with the disease have bleeding and difficulty urinating

In addition to the characteristic lesions, the transmissible venereal tumor can also cause difficulty urinating and bleeding in the affected area. This type of symptom should be seen attentively by the guardians, especially when it occurs in bitches. This is because bleeding is also common in the heat of females - which can lead to a delay in diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment.

4) Transmissible venereal tumor in dogs: early diagnosis helps recovery

Going to the veterinarian when identifying symptoms of canine TVT is paramount for the recovery of the dog. Like other types of cancer in dogs, TVT has a simpler treatment when identified at the beginning. The diagnosis of the disease can be made from cytology or histopathological examination. In both cases, the professional will take a sample of the lesion for analysislaboratory.

5) TVT in dogs: chemotherapy is the most suitable treatment for the type of cancer in dogs

Treatment of canine TVT should be started as soon as the disease is confirmed. Canine chemotherapy is considered the best way to treat the disease. In some cases, electrochemotherapy may be useful to complement the treatment. Castration of the dog is something that contributes to positive treatment response in all cases of transmissible venereal tumor.