When it comes to our dogs, the word “cancer” makes us all cringe. Our Greensboro veterinarians describe the signs of skin cancer in dogs, symptoms, and available treatments in this article.
No matter the breed, there is one word that all dog owners dread hearing: “Cancer.” This word instills fear in dog owners’ hearts. If your dog has a strange lump or bump on its skin that you think might be cancerous or if your pet’s doctor has already identified the condition in your furry friend, you are probably worried.
The best person to ask health-related questions is your veterinarian, but to better understand skin cancer in dogs, here are some fundamentals.
Causes of Skin Cancer in Dogs
Skin cancer can have a variety of causes. Similar to people, genetics greatly influence which dogs are more likely to develop skin cancer. In fact, it is thought that a dog’s risk of developing skin cancer is primarily influenced by genetics. Too much sun exposure, environmental toxins, hormonal issues, and specific viruses are some of the risk factors that can cause skin cancer in dogs.
Lumps & Bumps on Your Dog
You will undoubtedly worry about cancer if you find a lump or discolored patch of skin on your furry friend. Nevertheless, it’s crucial for pet owners to keep in mind that not all lumps and bumps are cancerous, and for those that are, many can be treated if discovered early.
If you notice anything suspicious on your dog, make an appointment for an inspection with your veterinarian. The very earliest detection is crucial for successful treatment outcomes!
Treatment Options for Skin Cancer in Dogs
The type and location of the tumor will determine your dog’s course of treatment for skin cancer. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other treatments and medications might be options, depending on how far along it is.
FAQ
How Long Can dogs live with skin cancer?
Prognosis. In general, dogs with malignant melanoma treated solely by surgery have survival times of 4-6 months after surgery. They eventually develop a terminal metastatic disease that spreads to the lungs or nearby lymph nodes.
Is skin cancer fatal in dogs?
It’s crucial to have your veterinarian examine any questionable growths because certain types of dog skin cancer, such as dog melanomas and mast cell tumors, can be fatal if left untreated.
What happens if my dog has skin cancer?
Indications that your dog is in pain, such as a limp, include firm, raised wart-like lesions (squamous cell carcinomas), rubber-like, inflamed sores (mast cell tumors), and strange-colored lumps or bumps on the lips, mouth, pads of the feet, and toenail beds (melanomas).
How much is skin cancer treatment for dogs?
Chemotherapy: The price of chemotherapy in these cases varies depending on the size of the patient, but $1,000 to $3,000 is generally thought to be the going rate.