That your dog suffers from skin cancer or you think he may suffer from it is a very difficult situation, so we encourage you to treat it in the most positive way possible, offering your best friend a lot of rest and affection.
In this article on our site we will show you the most common skin tumors in dogs, their symptoms and main treatments The Cancer is a pathology that is associated with elderly dogs (although this is not always the case) and with certain breeds. It is not really known what causes it, so it is not possible to do a specific preventive treatment. It is only possible to recommend being attentive to any mass or inflammation that appears on the skin. Keep reading about skin cancer in dogs along with the symptoms and treatments you should know about.
What is cancer?
Cancer, tumor or neoplasia is a pathology at the cellular level Although they are words used as synonyms, they do not mean exactly the same thing. The cells of any living being have a life time, they are damaged and when they die they are replaced by new cells. In cancer this process is disrupted and damaged and aged cells divide uncontrollably
It can be defined as an uncontrolled process of cell division, which may have the ability to invade other tissues. If cancer cells clump together, they can form masses of tissue known as tumors or neoplasmsAny cell of any tissue can undergo this process.
Cancers are divided into 2 large groups: benign and malignant The former are those that can have rapid and localized growth, not having the ability to invade and develop at a distance (metastasis). The latter are those that have the ability to infiltrate other tissues and metastasize.
Is skin cancer common in dogs?
Because dogs are living longer, cancer cases are more frequent. In dogs (both sexes) the most common is skin cancer, followed by breast cancer in female dogs, which begins with mastitis.
Among the skin tumors in dogs, the most frequent among the malignant ones by far is the mastocytoma. It affects cells known as mast cells In the case of benign tumors, lipomas are found, which are tumors of fatty tissue
Mast cell tumor can occur in dogs of any age, although it is more common in middle-aged to older dogs. Lipomas are more common in older dogs. Both types will be explained in more detail in the next section.
With regard to breeds, the most susceptible are the boxer, the Labrador, the pug, the bulldog and the Weimaraner, although it can appear in any breed or in mixed-breed dogs.
Types of skin cancer in dogs
Skin cancer in dogs can be classified according to various criteria. Based on their severity, tumors are classified as grade I, II, and III. A grade I tumor is well demarcated and the tumor cells have not spread throughout the body. However, in grades II and III the tumor has spread to other parts of the body. Only then do we say that there is metastasis and, therefore, cancer.
The most common classification of tumors is based on the tissue that originates them, that is, the type of cells that are dividing abnormally. Following this criterion, we find the following types of skin tumors in dogs:
- Carcinoma: is the formation of a tumor by the multiplication of epithelial cells, that is, the cells that cover and protect the skin. It can affect the more superficial squamous cells or the basal cells.
- Melanoma: Melanocytes are the cells that make melanin, the pigment that colors the skin. Its proliferation can also form a tumor.
- Mastocytoma: is caused by an uncontrolled division of mast cells, immune cells related to inflammation and allergy.
In addition to the above, there may be tumors in structures present in the skin or associated with it. For this reason, the following types are often considered skin tumors:
- Adenoma: is an abnormal multiplication of glandular cells. Normally, it is produced in the sebaceous glands, which make the oil that lubricates the skin. In females, in addition, tumors of the mammary glands or breasts are common.
- Sarcoma: is the uncontrolled proliferation of connective or support tissues, including fat and blood vessels present in the skin.
- Lymphoma: This is a tumor made up of lymphocytes, very important immune cells. Normally, this type of tumor appears in the lymph nodes.
Symptoms of skin cancer in dogs
Skin cancer in dogs can appear anywhere on the body, although it is more common in areas that are more exposed to the sun, such as the nose or ears. Breast tumors are also one of the main skin diseases in female dogs. But how does skin cancer manifest in dogs? Although it depends on the type of tumor, the most noticeable manifestation is a lump that is due to cell proliferation.
In more superficial tumors, such as carcinoma or melanoma, we will observe a hardened and reddened wound. Over time, it can transform into a lump that stands out from the skin. Sometimes it can look like a kind of mole or wart.
On the other hand, glandular tumors cannot be seen with the naked eye, although we can notice it when we caress the animal. In this case, we will feel a kind of rounded lump that is under the superficial layers of the skin.
Diagnosis of skin cancer in dogs
When detecting possible symptoms of skin cancer in dogs, it is very important to go to a veterinary clinic. In it, a professional will analyze the texture, shape and location of the lump or wound. Then, to make a more reliable diagnosis, it is necessary to remove the tumor and analyze it in a laboratory For this reason, it is common for preventive surgery to be performed before knowing for sure it is a tumor.
There is also a presumptive diagnosis, which can be made in the same clinic from the cytology and with which we can obtain an approximation of the type of tumor.
How to cure skin cancer in dogs? - Treatment
Treatment for skin cancer in dogs consists of removing the tumor through a surgical procedure It involves an incision in the skin, followed by removal of the tumor and some of the surrounding tissue. In this way, tumor cells are avoided and the necessary samples for diagnosis are obtained.
After removing the tumor, a biopsy is performed, in which the grade or malignancy of the tumor is determined. If it is a malignant tumor or cancer (grade II or III) some type of chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be necessary, depending on the opinion of the specialist.
Care for a dog with skin cancer
After surgery, the care of a dog with skin cancer is essential. The animal must remain at rest and leave the house alone to relieve itself. In addition, we must put an Elizabethan collar that prevents the dog from licking the wound. Both cares have the purpose of avoiding possible infections. With the same objective, several cures should be performed a day, as indicated by the veterinarian.
When the wound is closed, the vet removes the stitches and the animal can lead a normal life. However, it is very important that we keep an eye on your skin. The tumor may recur, so we must frequently palpate the dog's skin. Thus, we will be able to detect the appearance of another lump in time.
If you are interested in learning more about caring for animals, we recommend that you take the VETFORMACIÓN ATV course. It is a professional training created and directed by professionals in the sector. In it, you will be able to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to reinforce the work of a veterinarian and work in a veterinary clinic or hospital.
