Skin Cancer in Dogs

Despite the fact that dogs are typically covered in fur, they can still develop skin cancer. While it can be a factor, sun exposure isn't the only cause of skin cancer in dogs. A few different forms of skin cancer can unfortunately affect dogs, and it's important for dog owners to recognize the potential signs of the disease in order to treat it as quickly as possible.

What is Skin Cancer in Dogs?

Cancer develops when abnormal cells replicate in an uncontrolled manner. These abnormal cells grow and sometimes form tumors in the skin of a dog. These tumors can spread to distant parts of the body (metastasize), and some forms of skin cancer can be fatal, which is why it is so important to identify and treat them as soon as they are found.

The most obvious sign that a dog may have skin cancer is a lump or growth on the skin. Small lumps may not be as easily seen as larger lumps, especially if they are on a furry part of a dog. But not all lumps are cancerous on dogs. A veterinary exam is necessary to determine whether or not a particular lump is a problem.

Sometimes cancerous masses or skin lesions will bleed or ooze and not heal like a typical wound would. These parts of the skin may have this difficulty healing because they are filled with cancerous cells. Cancerous areas may also be painful or itchy to a dog, which could cause it to lick or itch at this area excessively, causing more trauma and subsequent bleeding. At other times, an area of cancerous skin may be discolored, thickened, or flaky.

Types of Skin Cancer in Dogs

There are many types of skin cancer in dogs. A few of the more common types include:

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This type of cancer can be caused by sun exposure but it may be a result of other causes that are not fully understood by scientists. Squamous cell carcinomas can spread to the surrounding tissues but do not typically invade the lymph nodes or internal organs.
• Malignant Melanoma: This type of cancer involves the melanocytes in the skin which are responsible for creating the pigment or colored areas. These tumors usually occur on parts of a dog's body that do not have fur and can be a variety of colors. Malignant melanoma can spread very quickly to other parts of the body including internal organs.
• Melanocytomas: Also a type of melanoma, these tumors are benign, which means they do not spread. Melanocytomas usually occur on furry parts of a dog's body.
• Mast Cell Tumors: The most commonly diagnosed type of malignant skin cancer in dogs, mast cell tumors (MCTs) are made up of mast cells. MCTs can have a variety of appearances. There are varying grades of mast cell tumors that carry different levels of risk to a dog. Lower grades of mast cell tumors are not as concerning as higher grades which are aggressive and spread in the body.
  • Grade 1 Mast Cell Tumor: This is considered a low-grade mast cell tumor and if the entire tumor is surgically removed it is often curable.
  • Grade 2 Mast Cell Tumor: This grade of MCT is more serious than a grade 1. This can be a confusing grade of MCT because it will also be assigned something called a mitotic index which will give more insight into how quickly the cancer cells are multiplying in the tumor. Low mitotic index grade 2 MCT's are often curable if they are completely removed with surgery as soon as they are discovered but grade 2 MCT's with a high mitotic index have a tendency to spread and may need chemotherapy or additional treatment after surgery.
  • Grade 3 Mast Cell Tumor: The most concerning level of MCT, a grade 3 spreads quickly to other parts of the body including internal organs. With aggressive treatment, a dog's prognosis is still only fair.

Causes and Risk Factors of Skin Cancer in Dogs

Just like in people, all of the causes of skin cancer in dogs are not completely understood but there are some specific things scientists know contribute to the likelihood of a dog developing it.

• Sun Exposure: Areas of skin that are not protected by thick fur are more likely to be develop some types of skin cancer, especially if that skin is a light color These areas may be completely hairless or just have a short or thin layer of fur.
• Specific Dog Breeds: Vizslas, all sizes of Schnauzers, Doberman Pinschers, Airedale Terriers, Bay Retrievers, Scottish Terriers, Keeshonds, Labrador Retrievers, Bassett Hounds, Collies, Dalmatians, Bull Terriers, Beagles, Boxers, Pugs, and Boston Terriers may all be more likely to develop different types of skin cancers than some other breeds.
• Black Dogs: Dogs of this fur color seem to be more likely to develop malignant melanomas.
• Adult and Senior Dogs: As dogs mature, they develop cancer at higher rates than younger dogs.
• Excessive Licking or Chewing: Because chronic inflammation can increase cancer risk, excessive licking or chewing at one area of skin may lead to (or be a symptom of) cancer.

Diagnosing Skin Cancer in Dogs

A veterinarian will do a complete physical examination of your dog to look for abnormal skin growths or lesions. If one is discovered, they may recommend surgical removal, a biopsy, or the aspiration of cells in order to diagnose whether or not it is skin cancer and if so, what type of cancer it is. The veterinarian may look at the samples under the microscope themselves and/or sent them to a pathologist for identification. The recommendations for diagnostic tests may vary depending on the location, size, feel, and age of the growth.

Treatment of Skin Cancer in Dogs

Some skin cancers may be able to be cured with complete surgical removal but others require additional or other forms of treatment including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and procedures or medications aimed at improving quality of life. Treatment and prognosis will vary greatly on the type of skin cancer a dog is diagnosed with.

How to Prevent Skin Cancer in Dogs

There is unfortunately no good way to prevent all types of skin cancer. Limiting sun exposure may help decrease the likelihood of developing some types, but the root cause of cancer cells forming inside the body is not always well understood. Despite this, many people give antioxidants to their pets since they scavenge free radicals and may decrease the development of cancerous cells but there is no guarantee that this will help. In the end, feeding a nutritious diet, providing lots of exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight are the best ways to maximize the chances that your dog can avoid coming down with cancer.