Dog Skin Cancer

Skin cancer occurs when tissue grows uncontrollably in the hair follicles, fatty and connective tissues, and glands. Dogs are more likely to get cancer in their skin than any other place on their body, and they usually get skin cancer when they are 6 to 14 years old. However, dogs can have skin cancer when they are younger. In comparison to cats, dogs have six times more skin tumors, but they are usually benign.

Symptoms

Depending on how far along your dog's cancer is, your dog could be showing any of the following physical signs: loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, skin discoloration, fatigue, coughing, swelling of breast tissue, wounds or sores that cannot heal, and enlarged lymph nodes. The dog might have bumps underneath the skin. Sometimes dogs will bite and scratch these lumps.

Types

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of dog skin cancer. This type begins in the skin cells and eventually spreads and encompasses internal organs. This cancer is caused by sun damage, and the dog's skin will usually have less hair than other areas.

The following breeds are often affected by squamous cell carcinoma: shih tzus, standard poodles, mastiffs, basset hounds and bloodhounds.

Mast cell tumors are often fatal in dogs, because they look similar to benign skin lesions.

Hemangiosarcoma is when the dog has a soft tissue tumor usually in the liver or spleen, but this cancer can also occur in the skin. When hemangiosarcoma is on the skin it's considered dermal, and when it's under the skin, it's called subcutaneous. This type of cancer causes the skin to look red or black.

Another soft tissue tumor that your dog can have is called fibrosarcoma. These tumors occur under the skin, and they wrap around other tissues.

Identification

Skin cancer in dogs might show up as lumps or soft bumps under the skin. Sometimes the skin will be red, black or flaky. Sores and other lesions will appear the same with each passing day, because the cancer has prevented the skin from being able to heal itself. Giving your dog regular massages can help you identify tumors as well as any skin discoloration or changes in texture.

Prevention/Solution

Checking your dog's skin regularly for any abnormalities is the best prevention method, but you can also limit your dog's exposure to the sun. However, when the skin cancer is present, you need to treat your dog as soon as possible.

Surgical removal is the best method for tumors, but it might not be successful when you're dealing with fibrosarcoma.

The last resort is radiation and/or canine chemotherapy. These treatments are rough on dogs, and it can take them a while to be rehabilitated. Alternative healing methods include acupuncture and nutritional therapy.

Time Frame

Time is always of the essence when you're dealing with cancer in any creature. The sooner you catch the skin cancer, the more likely you will be able to remove it and prevent it from spreading. About 50 percent of dogs have survived skin cancer 3 months after the diagnosis.

Resources

• How to Detect Skin Cancer in Dogs
• Dog Skin Cancer Treatments