Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs & Bloody Stools
Mast cell tumors (MCTs) are cancerous growths that usually form underneath the dog's skin and spread to other parts of its body. According to Natural Dog Health Remedies, one out of two MCTs are malignant and as many as half of those removed come back. Since the tumors can impact the digestive and urinary tracts, the dog may vomit and/or blood may appear in its stool.
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What Are Mast Cell Tumors?
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Mast cells are a key component of a dog's immune system. They're located in the dog's muscle tissue. Mast cells fight off unwanted invaders like parasites from wreaking havoc on the dog's body. It's the toxic chemicals released by the mast cells that kills invaders. However, these same toxins can also damage a dog's system when they're released from numerous abnormal mast cells in high quantities. The damage caused by the toxins can lead to bloody stools, among other problems. Abnormal cell formations create a mass (tumor) below the skin's surface.
Occurrence
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MCTs appear frequently in dogs. Natural Dog Health Remedies found that canine MCTs represent as much as 20 percent of all canine skin tumors. MCTs affect male and female dogs equally. Short-nosed breeds of dogs, such as pugs, boxers and bulldogs, are at greater risk of a MCT than other breeds, although they can occur in all breeds. While it's possible for a dog of any age to get an MCT, older dogs over the age of 8 years are more susceptible.
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About Mast Cell Tumors
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MCTs generally grow under a dog's skin on his trunk, legs and genital area, although they can spread to other areas of the dog's body. The tumor or group of tumors may feel like a raised bump. Tumors can be flat, raised or ulcerated.
Symptoms
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Aside from the actual growth, dogs with MCTs may also experience nausea and vomiting. Skin can become irritated and the dog may itch. Ulcers can sometimes form in the digestive and urinary tract, which can cause bleeding. As a result, blood may be present in the dog's stool.
Diagnosis and Treatment
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Consult a veterinarian when your dog is exhibiting bloody stools, but since they're a symptom of MCTs, it's even more critical to have the dog examined even if a growth can't be immediately found on his body. A veterinarian may be better able to locate a tumor, so a biopsy can be done. The biopsy determines whether the tumor is malignant or benign and the degree in which the cancer has spread to other parts of the dog's body like his lymph nodes. Based on the diagnosis, a treatment plan is developed, which may consist of surgery to remove the tumor followed by radiation and/or chemotherapy. In some cases, radiation is used to shrink a tumor located on part of the body that makes surgery difficult or risks the life of the dog.
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References
- Photo Credit dogs look image by muro from Fotolia.com
