{"id":3862,"date":"2024-02-05T13:10:12","date_gmt":"2024-02-05T13:10:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/?p=3862"},"modified":"2025-11-01T12:57:31","modified_gmt":"2025-11-01T12:57:31","slug":"tvt-signs-causes-treatment-and-prevention-of-transmissible-venereal-cancer-in-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/tvt-signs-causes-treatment-and-prevention-of-transmissible-venereal-cancer-in-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"TVT: Signs, Causes, Treatment and Prevention of Transmissible Venereal Cancer in Dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is vaginal cancer in dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaginal cancer in dogs is the most common type of cancer among all female dogs across the world. It is most commonly called TVT or Transmissible Venereal Cancer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why is my dog bleeding from his penis?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs commonly bleed from their penis due to TVT or Transmissible Venereal Cancer. It is the most common genital cancer among male dogs and in most cases TVT is curable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, there can be other reasons including <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/haematuria-in-dogs-why-does-your-dog-have-blood-in-their-urine\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hematuria<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Either way, you must consult your veterinarian immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is TVT or Transmissible Venereal Cancer in Dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TVT or Transmissible Venereal Cancer in dogs is a type of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2711443\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sexually-transmissible cancer <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">that can affect both male and female dogs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TVT is also known by several other names, such as &#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumour (CTVT)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canine Transmissible Venereal Sarcoma<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sticker\u2019s sarcoma<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sticker tumour<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contagious venereal tumor<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transmissible lymphosarcoma<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Venereal granuloma<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Infectious granuloma<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canine condyloma<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Infectious sarcoma\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contagious lymphosarcoma<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you can probably understand from the different names, TVT is transmitted cancer\/tumor that is malignant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The TVT growths can range between 5 mm to larger than 10 cm. They are typically firm, swollen, and bleed easily. TVTs are almost always located on the penis or vulva of a dog, and there can be a single or multiple growth in the same area.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Causes TVT in dogs?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3864\" src=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/8.jpg\" alt=\"Infographic by Vetic on How Does TVT Spread? The most common cause of TVT in dogs is sexual intercourse. TVT can spread from the source through - Biting Licking Sniffing\" width=\"1890\" height=\"1063\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common cause of TVT in dogs is sexual intercourse. Nonetheless, other means of transmission include biting, licking, and sniffing the TVT-affected area of another dog.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nasal Cancer in Dogs: Nasal Tumour, Bleeding and Discharge\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TVT spreads quite easily since the tumours are firm but easily broken. The cells from the source tumour can pass on to another dog\u2019s genitalia, nose, or mouth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a female with TVT is in heat and a male licks or sniffs her genitalia, the male\u2019s nose is exposed to TVT. The cells can easily stick to the nasal passage and later grow into visible tumors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The same process can happen if an affected male or female licks and sniffs their genitalia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/11599677\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the nasal tumor keeps growing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it creates immense pressure around the muzzle area &#8211; which can cause rupture of blood vessels and skin breakage leading to discharge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is Canine TVT Metastatic? Can TVT Occur Anywhere Else?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TVT is a malignant form of tumour. However, it typically doesn\u2019t metastasise in adult dogs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metastasis is seen in immunocompromised dogs, pups and dogs who have not been affected by TVT for years!<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only 5% of the entire diagnosed dog population experience <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3866858\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metastasis of TVT<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, metastasis is possible without the presence of a primary genital growth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the event of Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumour metastasis, the cancer typically spreads to the lymph nodes. Rarely, TVT may also spread to the skin, eye, kidney, spleen, brain and pituitary gland of the dog without the presence of any genital TVT symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can puppies get TVT?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is quite common for puppies born to mothers with TVT to get TVT as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the mother licks her infected genitalia and then licks the puppies clean, the litter will become infected.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike adult dogs, pups have a weaker immune system, so the TVT can metastasise and affect the overall life expectancy of the puppies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are The Common Signs of TVT?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3866\" src=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Blog-Info-Graphic-1080-\u00d7-1080px.jpg\" alt=\"A comprehensive infographic on the common signs of TVT by vetic. The signs include - Cauliflower-like tumour on the penis of the male dog Cauliflower-like growth on the vulva of a female dog Bleeding from the penis or vagina Easy bruising of the affected area Presence of internal growth in the nasal area Bleeding and discharge from the nose The signs of TVT can vary depending on where the tumour is located\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common signs of TVT include &#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cauliflower-like tumour(s) or growth(s) on the penis of the male dog<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cauliflower-like tumour(s) or growth(s) on the vulva of a female dog<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bleeding from the penis or vulva\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Easy bruising of the affected area<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Presence of internal growth (visible as swelling, externally) in the nasal area of male or female dogs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bleeding and discharge from the nose<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The signs of TVT can vary depending on where the tumour is located. <\/span><\/i><b><i>We have mentioned the common signs associated with transmissible cancerous growths on the penis, vagina, and nose of dogs.<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How is TVT Diagnosed?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TVT is apparent from the cauliflower-like growths in the genital regions of male and female dogs. Nonetheless, differential diagnosis is necessary since the presentation may be similar to other round-cell tumours that occur in the genital locations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TVT cells can be easily recognized under the microscope following a biopsy (FNAC) and impression smears.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is TVT Curable?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3865\" src=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/10.jpg\" alt=\"Infographic by vetic on how TVT is treated in dogs. The conventional treatment procedures of TVT include TVT is easily treated using chemotherapy in dogs. Surgery may be required to remove the external tumours post-chemotherapy.\" width=\"1890\" height=\"1063\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Almost 95% of cases of TVT in adult dogs are curable as long as they have been detected in the early stages and proper treatment has already begun.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TVT is easily treated using chemotherapy in dogs. It is a cost-effective and highly efficient treatment of transmissible venereal tumours in both male and female dogs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, doctors may suggest surgery to remove the external growths post-chemotherapy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In other cases, especially in the case of streetie babies, veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering to prevent further relapse of TVT from sexual intercourse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The dose and duration of chemotherapy for TVT should be determined by a veterinary oncologist.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any dog can continue to live a healthy and cancer-free life following the complete course of chemotherapy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Prevent TVT?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TVT in dogs is easily preventable. You can follow these points strictly to ensure that your dog remains free from genital cancer and nasal tumours &#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: left;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not let them sniff other infected dogs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: left;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not let them mate with other dogs unless the said dog is certified as \u201cfit\u201d by a veterinarian<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: left;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not let your dog mingle with other dogs freely\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: left;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/spaying-and-neutering-dogs-the-importance-and-benefits-of-sterilisation\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neuter or spay your dog<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if you do not want puppies<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you notice any\u00a0 (pet or street) dog showing signs of TVT take them to the nearest veterinary clinic. The treatment of TVT is not costly and almost all dogs recover fully and live a long happy life. At the same time, try to get your dog as well as your community dogs neutered\/spayed on time to prevent the spread of TVT!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is vaginal cancer in dogs? Vaginal cancer in dogs is the most common type of cancer among all female dogs across the world. It is most commonly called TVT&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":3867,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[64],"tags":[8,155,99,97,156],"class_list":["post-3862","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pet-health","tag-dog","tag-dog-cancer","tag-dog-health","tag-dog-treatment","tag-preventive-healthcare"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3862","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3862"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3862\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6874,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3862\/revisions\/6874"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3867"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3862"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3862"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3862"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}