Pet Blog > Identifying and Treating Canine Tumors

Identifying and Treating Canine Tumors

Tumors, such as mast cell tumor, are abnormal growths of cells. If you are a dog owner, it is important to understand the different kinds of cell growths you may notice. You should call your vet if you see any unusual growth or mass. The most common tumors in dogs are tumo rs that affect the skin or the tissue under the skin. Some of the things that may cause skin tumors on dogs are solar radiation, chemicals, and viruses.

Mast cell tumor is the main reason why careful and timely monitoring of any skin growth is vital for maintaining a healthy and happy canine. You will often find abnormal growths when you're grooming or petting your dog. As many times tumors might be virtually unnoticeable, you need to see your vet frequently and give your canine wellness exams

Common Types of Dog Tumors

Mast Cell Tumor

Mast cells in dogs are a kind of cell found throughout the body but especially in the skin, liver, subcutaneous tissue, lungs, and digestive tract. It is worth noting that mast cells are immune cells which relate to the allergic response. Also, the prognosis is less encouraging when the tumors develop in the dog's digestive and urinary tracts, whereas skin tumors offer a more positive outlook.

Histiocytomas

Canine histiocytomas are red bumps which can appear quite quickly on a dog's skin. They are most common in Boxer, Scottish Terrier, Boston Terrier, English Bulldog, Greyhound, and Chinese Shar-Pei. While they're benign tumors, histiocytomas can grow quickly and bother your furry friend. Your vet might recommend the removal of irritated or large canine histiocytomas.

Hemangiosarcoma

Hemangiosarcoma is a type of tumor that commonly affects the liver, spleen, and right atrium of the heart. Breeds that are more prone to canine hemangiosarcoma include Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and German shepherds. 

Symptoms of Tumors in Dogs

Abnormal cell growth can occur anywhere on your dog's body or in the mouth. Some of the more common dog tumor symptoms are:

• Enlarged lymph nodes

• Loss of appetite 

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting 

• Lethargy

• Nosebleeds

• Labored breathing

• Weight loss

• Pale mucous membranes

• Lumps in the abdomen

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will conduct a physical examination when you or she discover an unexpected lump on your dog. Typically, your vet will recommend some additional diagnostics for determining the type of cells that comprise the lump or mass. He will take a sample of cells for analysis. Depending on the situation, this can be just a few cells (via a needle) or the entire lump (by removing it).

Your vet will use a needle and syringe to suck up a few cells; this is noninvasive and does not require an anesthetic. Note that if your vet finds a tumor, he will recommend additional diagnostics, such as:

• Radiographs (X-rays) that will help reveal signs of metastasis and other internal abnormalities

• Lab tests, like complete blood count, blood chemistry, and urinalysis

• Ultrasound as it can provide a better view of internal organs, making it easier to look for metastasis

• MRI or CT scan, which will help your vet get a much closer look at the structure of your canine's tumor (if internal) as well as the internal organs.

Dog Tumors: Treatment

The treatment your vet selects will depend on the type of tumor and how far it has progressed. For example, during mast cell tumor dog treatment, the tumor is usually surgically removed.

Mast cell tumors invade into surrounding tissues. Your vet will remove wide surgical margins (areas of healthy tissue that surround the tumor) to ensure removal of all cancerous cells. Before surgery, your veterinarian may recommend medical management. Often, this includes anti-histamines, steroids, and histamine blockers to help lower the inflammation and any associated side effects of the tumors before surgery.

Similarly, once your vet determines that it is a histiocytoma, he may decide to begin treatment or take a wait-and-see approach. If your vet decides to initiate treatment, then the two most common treatments are cryosurgery (a type of laser surgery) or surgical removal of the tumor.

Post Treatment Care

After treatment, maintain a healthy, nutritious diet and an active lifestyle for the dog. It is also important to stick to a regular grooming schedule while taking note of any bumps or lumps that are new. After surgery, you will have to keep the incision site dry and clean and prevent your dog from licking, rubbing, biting, or scratching at it.

Please ask your vet if you need additional advice on post-treatment care as it will depend on the type of tumor. You should also report any significant swelling or bleeding or loss of sutures to your veterinarian.

Average Cost of Treatment

According to the National Canine Cancer Foundation in Arizona, a visit to confirm a tumor diagnosis can be $200 or more. Major surgery needed to remove a tumor deep inside your dog's body can start at $1,500. Depending on the type and severity of the disease, chemotherapy treatments may range from $200 to $2,000. And radiation therapy is more expensive, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 or higher.

Veterinary crowdfunding sites are a very popular option for many cash-strapped families seeking financial support for vet bills to treat their dog's tumors. Crowdfunding sites combine the human elements of compassion and care with the internet to amass donations from individuals willing to assist with money for the advancement of a particular cause.

Final Thoughts On Dog Tumors

There are different types of tumors in dogs, and some of them are more aggressive and scarier than others. So, if you notice a suspicious mass or lump on your dog, try to stay calm. Make an appointment with the vet right away. From there you could decide if further testing or a biopsy is in order and if any specialized treatment option your canine may need.

Tumors in dogs could be worrisome and irritating. However, in many cases, they turn out to be benign are no big deal.

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