Skin Cancer in Dogs: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment

Dog Skin Cancer

You may not think much of dog skin cancer, because your loyal companion is roofed in hair and guarded against sunlight. But you should know that skin tumors, which may be cancerous, are the most common tumors in dogs. Fortunately, when it is detected early, many cases of dog skin cancer can be successfully treated.

Not all types of dog skin cancer are caused by exposure to the sun, but sun damage to the skin can be a factor. All dogs have certain areas, such as the nose and ears, where there is little or no hair to protect sensitive skin from the sun. In addition, light or thin-layered dogs are more likely to damage the sun on their entire bodies.

Since some types of dog skin cancer, including dog cancer and mast cell tumors, are fatal if not treated, it is important that you check with your veterinarian to check for any suspicious growth.

Dog Skin Cancer

• Types of skin cancer in dogs
• which breeds are at risk?
• Signs and symptoms: the way to spot carcinoma in dogs
• Dog skin cancer treatment options

Types of skin cancer in dogs

There are different types of dog skin cancers. Three of the most common include:

• Malignant skin cancer
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Mast cell tumors

Malignant skin cancer. As in humans, malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer in dogs that affects pigmented cells known as melanocytes. Dogs often have benign tumors in the pigmented cells that do not travel to the metastasis, which are called melanomas. These tumors are located in the areas of the dog's body with hair.

Most malignant melanomas occur in the mouth or mucous membranes, although there is about 10% of the time in parts of the body covered with hair. It tends to grow very quickly and is likely to spread to other organs, including the lungs and liver.

No one knows exactly why melanomas develop, although genetic factors play a role. In addition, shock or compulsive licking in a specific place on the skin may increase the possibility of cell proliferation, which increases the chances of cells mutating during the division process and becoming cancerous.

Squamous cell carcinoma. This type of dog skin cancer often occurs due to sun exposure. Scientists believe that there may also be a relationship between the papilloma virus and the development of squamous cell tumors in some dogs.

Although squamous cell carcinomas do not spread to the surrounding lymph nodes, they are aggressive and may destroy many tissues around the tumor.

Mast cell tumors. These dog skin cancers, which occur in the mast cells of the immune system, are the most common skin tumors of the canines. Veterinarians do not know the reasons for the appearance of mast cell tumors, although there have been cases where they have been associated with inflammation or irritants on the skin. Evidence suggests that genetic factors are often important, and estrogen and progesterone may also affect cancer growth.

Dog skin cancer: which breeds are at risk?

All dogs can develop skin cancer, but certain types of cancer are more common in certain breeds.

Benign melanomas are most often seen in Vizslas, Miniature Schnauzers, Doberman Pinschers, Airedale Terrier and Bay Retrievers, usually in animals between 5 and 11 years old. Malignant melanomas appear on the toe or in the toenail bed frequently in black dogs. Schnauzers and Scottish Tiers are in great danger.

Squamous cell carcinomas tend to appear in dogs 6 to 10 years old. The strains most likely to develop this type of skin cancer include Keeshonds, Standard Schnauzers, Basset Hounds, Collies, Dalmatians, Bull Terrier and Beagles. In general, dogs with short coats (especially those with fair skin) are more prone to squamous cell carcinoma.

Mast cell tumors are common in boxers and dogs, and there are some frequencies found in Boston Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Beagle and Schnauzers.

Signs and symptoms: the way to spot carcinoma in dogs

Dog skin cancer symptoms depend on the type of cancer and the location of the tumor on the dog's body.

Melanomas. Benign tumors may range in size from very small to more than 2.5 inches in diameter. They appear on hair-covered areas of the skin and maybe black, brown, gray or red. Malignant melanomas tend to occur in the mouth, on the lips, in the toenails and footpads. When dogs' melanomas occur in the feet, they often become infected, resulting in poor prognosis as a minor infection.

Squamous cell carcinoma. These tumors are hard and raised with a wart-like appearance. Most often it occurs in the abdomen and around the genitals. When it occurs on the feet, it can be painful and cause the dog to limp.

Mast cell tumors. These dog skin cancers are usually slow-growing and resemble rubber. More aggressive mast cell tumors grow faster and may ulcer, leading to the development of painful, inflamed areas of the dog's body. Mast cell tumors often occur on the body’s trunk, although they are present on the legs about 25% of the time.

Dog skin cancer treatment options

Treatment depends on the type and location of the tumor.

Often surgery is the first step for malignant tumors. If the melanoma cannot be completely removed or if it has spread to the neighboring lymph nodes, radiation is commonly used. In these cases, cancer may turn into remission approximately 70% of the time, despite its recurrence. Chemotherapy is often used with surgery and/or radiotherapy. There is also a vaccine that causes the dog's immune system to attack tumor cells, which often successfully extends the lifespan of dogs with melanoma.

Squamous cell carcinomas can often be removed surgically, without the need for radiation or chemotherapy. If the tumors occur in places that are not working, then photodynamic therapy and the use of a drug called piroxicam may be helpful.

Dog mast cell tumors are best treated with surgical removal with or without radiotherapy, depending on the size and location of skin cancer. Depending on the degree and spread of cancer, chemotherapy and/or steroids can also be used.