If the dog has a tumor on its paw, it is usually a mast cell tumor, which we would like to discuss in more detail in this article.
This type of tumor is a cancerous growth of mast cells on or in the paw, but it can also occur on other parts of the dog’s body.
Mast cell tumors are one of the most common skin tumors and can be benign or malignant.
We want to take a closer look at the symptoms and signs of a tumor in the dog’s paw, how the diagnosis and treatment at the veterinarian works and how you can support your darling.
Symptoms & Signs of Paw Tumor in Dogs
If the dog has a tumor on its paw, the disease can be accompanied by symptoms such as loss of appetite, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
However, the mast cell tumor initially manifests itself through skin changes in the affected area in the form of nodules. However, open wounds can also occur.
However, the symptoms can differ depending on the stage, the degree of malignancy and the location of the tumour.
Other possible signs depending on the shape of the tumor on the paw are:
- Hair loss around the knot: Usually you only become aware of a lump or tumor when a bald spot can be identified on the dog’s paw. However, wise not all hair loss in dogs.
- Knot is moveable and doughy: If your dog lets you touch the site of the tumor, you’ll find that this lump tends to appear tough, doughy, or mobile. They don’t have a solid consistency.
- Bleeding and inflammation: Even if the area looks like a weeping, poorly healing wound, it could be a mast cell tumor.
Mast cells contain active biological substances that can eventually be released into the dog’s body.
If this is the case, other symptoms such as swelling, vomiting, itching and wound healing disorders in various parts of the body can result.
Dark-colored stools and gastrointestinal ulcers may also occur.
If the substance is released in very large quantities at once, this can be life-threatening for the dog.
However, not every lump in a dog has to be a malignant tumor. It can also be a fatty lump (lipoma) – a benign tumor that usually occurs in older dogs.
It occurs predominantly as a sliding and mobile lump in the dog’s hypodermis and is not painful.
In most cases, the tumor is harmless and can be surgically removed as far as possible without complications.
Important!
A diagnosis can only be made by a veterinarian. We advise you to visit them if you notice the symptoms and signs mentioned in your dog.
Diagnosis & treatment at the vet
As soon as you start noticing skin changes on your dog’s paw, you should take him to a veterinarian who will diagnose and initiate appropriate treatment.
For the diagnosis, the veterinarian looks at the affected area and takes tissue samples from the potentially tumorous area. The dog is often examined for metastases at the same time.
In most cases, the vet will advise you to surgically remove the tumor so that the cancer cells and bioactive substances cannot spread out of the tumor.
The cost of surgical tumor removal is around €420, but can increase to €1,000 depending on the severity.
Surgery can be difficult if the tumor is on or between the toes.
At this point, complete removal of the tumor is not always possible. Nevertheless, attempts are made to remove as much tumor tissue as possible, which can also mean amputation of the paw or toes.
To prevent the mast cell tumor from coming back, the veterinarian may start local radiation therapy after the procedure to destroy any remaining cells of the tumor.
Since this therapy is very exhausting for the dog, it should be accompanied by a strengthening of the immune system.
C-kit inhibitors in the form of the drug “Masivet” can also be used, which block the protein that causes mast cells to multiply.
Another treatment method is dendritic cell therapy. It is based on the body’s own cells and causes the immune system to take action against the damaged cells.
It is considered to be gentler than chemotherapy.
Ultimately, only the veterinarian can decide which course of action is the right one. However, you can get detailed advice about every therapy option.
How can I support my dog?
As already mentioned, you can take measures to support the therapy to strengthen your dog’s immune system. Because if this is weakened, the cancer cells have an easy time.
It is advisable to put the dog on a tumor diet and to strengthen the intestinal and thus the immune system by administering additional vitamins, minerals and trace elements.
However, this treatment should always be discussed with the treating veterinarian!
Stress can also have a negative effect on the immune system and should be avoided for the most part.
The support before and after the tumor operation depends, among other things, on the weather and the season.
The paw should be rested in consultation with the veterinarian. But your darling won’t want to do without exercise entirely.
Socks and special paw protection are indispensable, especially in winter and when it is wet.
Above all, you should show your dog a lot of empathy and consideration during this difficult time.
Be prepared that some days your dog will get worse and you need to be there for him.
Conclusion
Fortunately, in many cases a tumor on your dog’s paw is benign and can be removed by the vet without complications.
It is important that you act quickly and make an appointment as soon as you notice a change in the skin on your dog’s paw.
If the tumor turns out to be malignant, then the veterinarian will initiate an accompanying therapy in addition to the surgical intervention.
You can also strengthen your dog in support of the therapy and in consultation with the veterinarian by adapting his diet and always being there for him.
If you have experience with tumors on your dog’s paws, please share your knowledge with us and use our comment function.