Stomach Cancer in Dogs

Category: Cancer
Inheritance: Multifactorial
Breeds documented: 2
Published sources: 3

Overview

Cancer in the stomach can develop from different types of cells, with adenocarcinoma being the most common stomach tumor in dogs. This cancer can spread to lymph nodes and other organs. Early disease may go unnoticed, and vomiting, reduced appetite or weight loss may only become apparent when the cancer is advanced. The outlook varies with the tumor type and how far it has spread.

Signs to watch for

Repeated vomiting
Eating less than usual
Unexplained weight loss
Blood in vomit
Less energy than usual

In Belgian Tervuren and Sheepdogs, diagnosis is commonly at 8 to 10 years.

When to get help Book a vet visit soon for repeated vomiting with weight loss.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets use an examination, blood tests and abdominal imaging to investigate suspected stomach cancer. Ultrasound can show changes in the stomach wall, but a normal scan does not exclude a tumor. A biopsy, a tissue sample examined in a laboratory, identifies the cancer type. Samples may be collected through a flexible camera passed into the stomach or during surgery.

Breeds with documented risk

2 breeds

By breed size

2 Medium

Chow ChowMedium · Non-Sporting Group
EurasierMedium · Foundation Stock Service

Inheritance

Multifactorial
Belgian Tervuren, Belgian Sheepdog
Several genes and the environment together set the risk. Diet, growth rate, weight and exercise can all play a part. There is no single DNA test. Screening the parents (for example hip or elbow scores) and choosing from lines with good results lowers the risk, but does not remove it.
As stated by PubMed: Cook 2025

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.