Dog Skin Cancer; A Silent Killer

Sure, we know all about the risks of skin cancer when it comes to ourselves but you may not realize that dog skin cancer is also very common. Because dogs have fur covering their bodies you may have mistakenly thought there isn't much concern over dog skin cancer. Surprisingly, the tumors that are found most often in dogs are skin tumors. Of course dogs with light colored or thin fur seem to be at a higher risk for this type of cancer and the sun it is defiantly thought to be a contributing factor. Now that we know dog skin cancer is common let's talk about the types.

Mast Cell Tumors

Mast cell tumors in dogs are the most common skin tumors and occur in what is called the mast cells of the immune system. The mast cell tumor may be slow growing and rubber like or the aggressive ones may grow faster and turn into an open sore. This tumor is usually found on the trunk but 25 percent of the time is found on the legs. This type of tumor is found in Boxers, Boston Terriers, Labs, Beagles and Schnauzers.

Malignant Melanoma

Malignant melanomas in dogs are found on the mouth, mucous membrane,lips, toe nail beds or pads of feet. Remember, 10 percent of the time you may find this type of dog skin cancer on the body, covered with fur. This type of cancer will grow and spread fast to other organs like the lungs and liver. The melanoma found in the toe nail bed is most common in black dogs. It is also important to know this tumor may be what is making your pet limp. It is possible to find these tumors on the feet pads where they become infected and are often misdiagnosed as an infection.

Benign Melanoma

This type of benign melanoma is common in Vislas, Miniature Schnauzers, Bay Retrievers, Airedale Terriers, and Dobermans. You may notice this melanoma in your pet between the ages of five and eleven years. You can find these benign melanomas appearing anywhere from very small to 2.5 inches in diameter. They appear on the skin, are covered in fur and may be red, brown, grey or black in color.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma occurs in the epidermis and is a direct result of exposure to the sun. You will find this type of cancer in dogs between six and ten years of age. It is found in Keeshonds, Standard Schnauzers, Beagles, Bull Terriers, Collies, Basset Hounds and Dalmatians. This type of dog skin cancer may look like a wart. It is firm and raised, usually occurring on the abdomen or around the genitals.

If you are like me you may be wondering how can sun exposure cause these cancers in our pets. Although sun exposure is suspect in all three of these types of cancers there are other causes thought to be related to skin cancer in dogs. Trauma is another possible cause. The growth of mast cell tumors in dogs may be related to certain hormones. It is also believed that there is a connection between the papilloma virus and development of some of these tumors. Unfortunately, we do not know everything there is to know about these diseases but what we do know if left untreated they are fatal.

Something as simple as knowing your dog could save their life. Looking your pet over once a week will go a long way in helping you find any physical changes. It is important to remember that dog skin cancer including mast cell tumors in dogs when caught early can be treated successfully.