The mastocytoma in dogs, which we will talk about in this article on our site, is a type of skin tumor very common, which can be benign or malignant. Although it affects older dogs of any breed, brachycephalic dogs, such as the boxer or the bulldog, have a higher incidence. Both the prognosis and the treatment will depend on the size of the tumor, the appearance or not of metastases, the location, etc. Surgery is part of the usual treatment and drugs, radio or chemotherapy are not ruled out.
Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about mastocytoma in dogs, the action protocol, life expectancy, symptoms, etc.
What is canine mastocytoma?
Cutaneous mast cell tumors in dogs are tumors of mast cells, which are cells with immune function. They intervene, among others, in allergic processes and in wound healing, for which they contain histamine and heparin. In fact, mast cells release histamine, which is related to the appearance of gastrointestinal ulcers, which is going to be one of the symptoms that affected dogs may suffer from. Less frequently they cause coagulation problems due to the release of heparin.
As for the causes that explain its appearance, there may be a hereditary component, genetic factors, viruses or trauma but the truth is that the cause remains unknown. These tumors affect males and females equally, generally from the age of nine.
Symptoms of mastocytoma in dogs
Mast cell tumors are lumps that we will be able to locate in different parts of the bodyof our dog, especially in the trunk, perineal area and extremities. Its appearance, like its consistency, is highly variable and independent of whether it is a malignant or benign tumor. Thus, there are one or multiple nodules, slow or fast growth, with or without metastasis, etc. This fact means that whenever we find any lesion of this type on the dog's skin, we must rule out that it is a mast cell tumor.
The tumor may ulcerate, become red, swollen, irritated, bleed, and lose hair, as well as the surrounding area, which makes the tumor appear to be growing or shrinking. We can see the dog scratching and, as we have said, suffering from gastrointestinal ulcers that cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, blood in the stool or anemia.
The vet can confirm the diagnosis by cytology, taking a sample of the tumor with a fine needle. You will also have to assess whether there is metastasis, for which the closest lymph node is examined, blood and urine tests are done and ultrasound of the spleen and liver, which is where the canine mast cell tumor usually spreads. In these cases, both organs will be enlarged and, in addition, there may be pleural effusion and ascites Mastocytoma can also affect the bone marrow, but is less common.
The biopsy provides information on the nature of the mastocytoma, which allows establishing a prognosis and an intervention protocol.
How long does a dog with mastocytoma last?
In mastocytoma in dogs, life expectancy will depend on the pathological classification of the tumor, since there are different degrees of malignancy, from I to III, which are related to the greater or lesser differentiation of the tumor. That the dog belongs to one of the predisposed breeds, in addition to the brachycephalic, golden, Labrador or cocker, contributes to worsening the prognosis. The exception is Boxers because they have very well differentiated mast cell tumors.
The most aggressive tumors are the least differentiated. Surgery alone fails to remove them because they are highly infiltrated. The average survival of these dogs, without further treatment, is just a few weeks Few dogs with this type of mast cell survive beyond a year. In these cases, the treatment will only be palliative. In addition, mast cell tumors that originate in organs also have a worse prognosis[1]
There is another classification that divides mastocytomas into high and low grade, with 2 years and 4 months of survival. The location of the canine mast cell tumor and the existence or not of metastasis are also factors to take into account.
Finally, we must know that mastocytoma is unpredictable, which makes it difficult to establish a prognosis.
Protocol and treatment of mastocytoma in dogs
The protocol to follow depends on the characteristics of the mast cell. If we are faced with a solitary, well-defined tumor without metastasis, surgery will be the treatment of choice. It must be taken into account that the substances released by the tumor can delay the healing of surgical wounds. It is very important that the extraction also includes a margin of he althy tissue. These types of cases have a more favorable prognosis, although recurrences are possible. In addition, if tumor cells have remained in the he althy margin, it is necessary to intervene again.
Sometimes it won't be possible to leave this margin or the tumor is too big, so in addition to surgery, drugs are prescribed such as prednisone and/or chemo and radiotherapy Chemotherapy is also used in Multiple or disseminated mast cell tumors.
