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Summer is here: check your pet for skin cancer
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I saw a special on television this weekend about pets and skin cancer. Though I generally think of skin cancer as a human condition, did you know that both dogs and cats can be diagnosed with skin tumors? Skin tumors in dogs occur about six times more than they do in cats, and up to 34 times more than in people! This is pretty scary news.
Although some types of skin cancer occur in young dogs, more often skin cancer occurs in middle aged and older dogs. Not all tumors are malignant - in fact, only 20%-30% are - but how can you tell the difference between a malignant and a benign tumor on your four legged friend?
Benign tumors are usually slow growing. Very often, they do not change too much over time. They are well defined, freely movable under the skin and cause no pain to the dog. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, are rapidly growing, have ill-defined margins, infiltrative, and may be ulcerated. Typical signs of canine skin cancer include a lump or bump that may or may not be ulcerated. The skin may be red or has a flaky appearance. The cancer can result in itching, causing the dog to chew and scratch the affected area incessantly.
Other symptoms may include appetite loss, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, coughing, wounds that don't heal, and enlarged lymph nodes. Of course, these symptoms may apply to other illnesses not related to skin cancer - the best answer, of course, is from your vet! They have many tests to run which can diagnose your pet's problem.
Since skin cancer in dogs has a much higher chance of being cured if treated early, it is important that we, as dog parents, be vigilant and keep a close eye on our pet and notice changes which may occur. Although some of my family members like to tease me for getting my dog groomed regularly, it is nice to get her fur trimmed so I can get a good view of her skin.
A simple way to check for skin tumors is to first give a massage to your dog to make her relax. Then, slowing separate her hair with your fingers and check the entire body - including the base of the tail. Look closely at the skin and check for:
- the presence of any lumps and bumps, scaly or crusty lesions, or areas of skin that have changed color;
- lesions or tumors that do seem to heal or bleed easily;
- change in size and coloration of an existing growth;
- an area that the dog is constantly licking, chewing, or scratching;
- swelling in the breast tissue or discharge from a nipple;
- tissue masses that are different from surrounding areas in the mouth.
As always - visit your vet immediately if you suspect something is wrong with your pet!
