Skin tumors are among the most common skin diseases in dogs. Cutaneous tumors are those that appear in the skin itself (in the epidermis or dermis) and those that appear immediately under the skin are called subcutaneous tumors. Strictly speaking, a tumor is a prominent, solid, well-defined lesion. Instead, a neoplasm is the exaggerated growth of tissue, which does not coincide with the growth of the rest of the body's tissues. However, in practice both terms are used interchangeably.
In this article on our site we will explain the different types of skin tumors in dogs, their symptoms and causes, in addition to the most common treatments that exist to cure them.
Types of skin tumors in dogs
Before we start talking about the types of skin tumors in dogs, we have to know how to distinguish or classify them into two categories. Therefore, we can say that they exist:
- Malignant skin tumors: grow quickly and can migrate to other parts of the body (a process known as metastasis), damaging other organs and even causing the death of the dog. Within this group we can find melanomas, among others.
- Benign skin tumors in dogs: They can cause some discomfort but usually do not cause serious damage. Here we would find papillomas, for example.
There are many forms of skin tumors and neoplasms in dogs, but some of the most common are:
- Perianal adenoma, also known as perianal tumor.
- Hemangioma.
- Hemangiosarcoma.
- Lymphoma.
- Lipoma.
- Melanoma.
- Papilloma
- Basal cell tumor.
- Anal sac apocrine gland tumor.
- Transmissible venereal tumor.
Causes of skin tumors in dogs
The causes of skin tumors in dogs can be varied. Skin tumors can be caused by infections, cancer or simply by accumulation and compaction of masses of fat under the skin. It should be noted that environmental factors can play an important role in the development of tumors, but genetic factors also play a fundamental role.
Therefore, many breeds of dogs are prone to developing skin tumors and skin neoplasms. These breeds include:
- Basset hound
- Boxer
- Bullmastiff
- Norwegian Elkhound
- Golden retriever
- Kerry blue terrier
- Scottish terrier
- Weimaraner
Symptoms of skin tumors in dogs
Symptoms vary depending on the type of tumor, but usually there are prominent masses of tissue, like lumps that stand out when touched. dog or visible to the naked eye. Common symptoms of skin tumors are:
- Presence of nodules: either rounded or cauliflower-shaped.
- Pedunculated masses: that project on the skin, as if with a stem.
- Protrusions covered with scaly skin or on bare skin.
- Bleeding or ulcerated nodules or lumps.
- Loss of appetite.
- Apathy.
- Vomiting.
- Weight decreased.
Diagnosis of skin tumors in dogs
Diagnosis of skin tumors in dogs is made by cytology and histopathologyof a tumor sample. The sample can be taken:
- By fine needle aspiration: using a syringe.
- By pressure with a slide: only in some tumors.
- Through a biopsy.
Even if the veterinarian is very experienced, it is necessary to perform laboratory studies to confirm or rule out the presence of a tumor or neoplasm, as well as to know with certainty if it is a malignant or benign formation. Only the veterinarian is qualified to correctly diagnose a tumor.
Treatment for skin tumors in dogs
The treatment will depend on each individual case and will be done according to the specific type of tumor and the conditions of the sick dog. In this way, we can see that:
- benign tumors usually do not need to be treated: already They don't cause much of a problem. They are only removed with surgery if there are risks or discomfort for the dog.
- malignant tumors are often removed by surgery: but radiotherapy, cryotherapy and chemotherapy can be used in some cases as alternatives to surgery and in others as complements. If you want to know more about Chemotherapy in dogs: side effects and medications, don't hesitate to read this post that we recommend.
The prognosis is variable, but most skin tumors in dogs are curable if treated early. Logically, malignant tumors in advanced stages have a less encouraging prognosis, but when they are discovered early they can be treated effectively.
Prevention of skin tumors in dogs
There is no way to prevent skin tumors in dogs. However, it is advisable that dogs with mainly white fur and hairless dogs are not exposed to solar radiation for a long time, especially around noon.
A good diet and proper exercise will undoubtedly help to have a he althier body, a very important factor but not infallible. Going regularly to the vet will help us detect the appearance of a tumor as soon as possible. Thanks to a quick detection we will be able to obtain a better diagnosis and a better treatment.
