Every dog owner dreads hearing the word “cancer”; however, not every development is malignant. It is common to feel afraid and worried if your vet has diagnosed skin cancer in your pet or if you think your pet has a skin tumor or bump that could be malignant.
Consult your veterinarian if you have concerns regarding your dog’s health or skin. To better comprehend the possible problem of your pet, here is some information about dog skin cancer that you need to know.
Types of Skin Cancer in Dogs
Dogs, like people, have more than one layer of skin and, hence, more than one type of skin cancer. Tumors can form in any part of the skin, at any layer, and some tumors may be malignant. Below are some of the most typical types of dog skin cancer:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The most common type of skin cancer in dogs is squamous cell carcinoma. Skin cancer is more typical in elderly dogs, particularly Dalmatians, Beagles, Whippets, and white Bull Terriers. Most commonly discovered on the dog’s head, lower legs, rear, and abdomen, these tumors have a raised, wart-like look and are firm to the touch. One possible cause of squamous cell carcinoma is sun exposure, though papillomavirus may also play a role.
Mast Cell Tumors
Mast cell tumors are prevalent in the dog’s immune system. These tumors can develop anywhere on the dog’s skin and internal organs. Mast cell tumors commonly form in the limbs, lower abdomen, and chest. Any dog type is at risk; however, 8- to 10-year-old Boxers, Pugs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and Boston Terriers are especially at risk for growing this form of skin cancer.
Malignant Melanoma
Melanomas are lumpy, dark-pigmented developments that often appear on the dog’s lips, mouth, and nail bed. Melanomas are often benign; however, they can be malignant. Malignant melanomas are a serious health concern. These tumors progress faster and are highly likely to spread to other organs. Schnauzers and Scottish Terriers, especially male dogs, appear at a higher threat of melanoma than female dogs.
Lumps & Bumps on Your Pet
You’re probably worried about cancer if you’ve discovered a lump or stained skin patch on your pet. However, dog parents should remember that not all lumps and bumps are malignant, and many are treatable if diagnosed early.
Contact your vet to book a checkup or dog ct scan in Tigard if you find anything unusual on your dog. Early detection is crucial to improving treatment outcomes.
Diagnosing Dog Skin Cancer
Your vet might perform a fine needle aspiration to get a small sample of tumor cells for examination or a biopsy to get a portion of tumor tissue to detect skin cancer in your pet. Your vet will give you a precise diagnosis of your pup’s condition after these samples are checked out in a laboratory.
Additional diagnostic tests might be recommended to determine the extent of your pet’s cancer. In this way, you and your vet can give your dog the best possible treatment and a more accurate diagnosis. You can also visit their website to find out more information.
Treatment for Dogs Skin Cancer
Thankfully, many cases of dog skin cancer are curable if diagnosed and treated in their early stages, allowing dogs to enjoy a quality of life for months and even years. A variety of methods, such as soft tissue surgery veterinary, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, or palliative care, might be utilized to treat your dog’s skin cancer.
The diagnosis and treatment options for dog skin cancer depend on many factors, including the specific type of tumor, its location, and the stage of cancer at which it was diagnosed.
