Cancer in Black Dogs

Dark coated dogs have a higher risk of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is common among dogs. There are many types of skin cancer, but approximately 20 to 30 percent of skin cancers in dogs are malignant, according to the Canine Cancer website. Dark-coated dogs such as the black Labrador retriever are at a higher risk.

Type

Subungual squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer that occurs on the dog's digits, or toes. According to the Canine Cancer website, it is the "most frequently diagnosed carcinomas arising in the skin in dogs." More than 50 percent of all tumors on the toes are squamous cell carcinoma, as stated by the Michigan Veterinary Specialists website.

Symptoms

Aside from a tumor on one of the dog's toes, you may notice swelling or loss of a toenail. Other symptoms may include weight loss, coughing, lack of appetite, lethargy or having trouble breathing.

Treatment

Amputation of the infected toe is necessary if the tumor is malignant. Chemotherapy and radiation are also administered to rid the dog of any remaining cancer. It is important to limit the dog's sun exposure to prevent a relapse.

References

• Canine Cancer: Skin Cancer
• Michigan Veterinary Specialists: Tumors of the Toes