Melanoma And Your Pet

According to the National Canine Cancer Foundation, one in three dogs are affected by cancer, and one of the lesser-known but potentially deadly canine cancers is oral melanoma. So, besides keeping decay-causing plaque at bay, routine dental cleanings for your dog give his or her veterinarian a chance to perform a thorough examination of the mouth for unusual pigmentation and hard-to-spot tumors that can be indicative of oral cancer - including oral melanoma. Like most cancer's, identifying melanoma in its earliest stage is your pet"s best chance for survival.

Symptoms of canine oral cancer are similar to dental disease, including:

-Bad breath, drooling and bleeding from the mouth;
-Facial swelling;
-Change in food preference (from hard kibble to soft food;
-Noticeable difference in chewing habits;
-Decrease in eating;
-Chronic coughing;
-Dysphasia (difficulty swallowing);
-Weight loss;

Oral melanomas are most common in older dogs with darkly pigmentation on their mouths, tongues and gums. (Cats can also develop oral melanoma though other types of oral tumors are more common in felines.) Your veterinarian will conduct a full oral exam, followed by a biopsy of the questionable tissue, which will determine if the growth is benign, pre-cancerous or cancer.

Your dog will then go to the pathologist, who will define the type of cancer, followed by an oncologist, who will determine what stage the cancer has progressed. The next steps will include a chest X-ray, blood work and X-rays and/or CT scan of your dog's jaw to ascertain whether or not the cancer has invaded the jaw bone or metastasized to the lungs.

Fortunately, oral melanoma can be treated. However, complete removal of the cancer is difficult, and often times, requires a portion of the dog's jaw has to be removed. Radiation generally follows, targeting the affected area to reduce recurrence. Tumor recurrence and metastasis is common with malignant oral tumors. Because of this, chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy may also be recommended. (Behavioral changes in your pet may indicate that the cancer has spread to the brain, although it is more common for this type of cancer to spread to the lymph nodes and lungs.)

Besides the trauma to you and your beloved pet, these procedures and specialists can be expensive. If you have comprehensive veterinary pet insurance, most of these costs will be covered under your plan.

While there is no preventive care for malignant melanoma, routine dental checkups and a thorough oral examination are critical in early detection and diagnosis of oral cancers. Again, your pet's annual check-up and dental cleaning are covered under most veterinary pet insurance plans, so be as diligent about your pet's health as you are about your own! You could save your dog's life!