What is a common paraneoplastic syndrome associated with certain cancers in dogs?

Hypercalcemia is a well-documented paraneoplastic syndrome commonly associated with various malignancies in dogs, particularly those arising from certain types of tissue, such as lymphoid tissue or solid tumors. In these cases, the cancerous cells may produce substances that mimic parathyroid hormone (PTH) or stimulate the release of PTH-related peptide (PTHrP), leading to increased calcium levels in the blood. This condition can result in a variety of clinical signs, including increased thirst, frequent urination, vomiting, lethargy, and potential complications such as kidney failure.

Recognizing hypercalcemia as a paraneoplastic syndrome is crucial for veterinarians, as it can provide insight into the underlying presence of malignancy, guiding further diagnostic imaging or histopathological evaluations. While other conditions such as hypoglycemia, hemolytic anemia, and autoimmune diseases can occur in association with cancers, they are less commonly recognized as direct paraneoplastic syndromes compared to hypercalcemia. For example, hypoglycemia can arise from insulinomas or advanced liver disease but is not a broad indicator of multiple malignancies.