Understanding Cancer Risks in Shih Tzus

Quick answer

Shih Tzus face a recognised tendency toward certain types of lymphoma, specifically T-cell tumors. While these conditions can be serious, early detection at home through regular physical exams and behavioral monitoring can significantly improve the quality of care your dog receives. Focus on identifying lumps, changes in energy, or shifts in appetite, and always document these changes with notes or video to assist your veterinary team.

Hepatic Lymphoma

This is a recognised tendency in the breed. Hepatic lymphoma involves the infiltration of cancerous white blood cells into the liver. Because the liver is responsible for filtering the blood and managing metabolism, the signs can be subtle at first. You might notice your dog becoming unusually lethargic or losing interest in food. In some cases, owners report a distended abdomen or jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin, gums, or the whites of the eyes.

When you visit the clinic, the veterinarian will perform a physical exam to check for abdominal pain or an enlarged liver. They will likely recommend blood tests to assess liver enzyme levels and an ultrasound to visualize the texture of the liver. A definitive diagnosis is usually reached by taking a biopsy or a fine-needle aspirate of the liver tissue to look at the cells under a microscope. This is a recognised tendency rather than a proven one, and how this passes down is not settled.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, and this is a recognised tendency in the breed. Shih Tzus are specifically noted for a predisposition to T-cell tumors. The lymphatic system runs throughout the entire body, so symptoms can vary widely depending on where the cancer is most active. Often, the first sign an owner notices is a firm, painless swelling under the jaw, in front of the shoulders, or behind the knees. These are the locations of the peripheral lymph nodes.

Other symptoms can include unexplained weight loss, increased thirst, or persistent coughing. At the clinic, your vet will perform a thorough palpation of all lymph nodes. If they suspect lymphoma, they will perform a fine-needle aspirate, which involves collecting cells from a node with a small needle to confirm the presence of cancer. This is a recognised tendency in the breed, and how this passes down is not settled.