Mast cell tumor in dogs is a very common illness.
In order to be able to treat it well, a quick diagnosis is important. Skin changes should therefore be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
In this article you will find out which symptoms can occur with a mast cell tumor and how the treatment works.
Mast cell tumor in dogs: typical symptoms
Mast cell tumors in dogs are associated with some specific symptoms. It is usually one malignant tumor, which appears on the skin. But it can also be a benign tumor.
There is a change in the skin or subcutaneous tissue, can always be a mast cell tumor behind it.
If the subcutaneous tissue is affected, it is called a subcutaneous mast cell tumor. It is always caused by a mutation of the affected cells.
The torso, the genitals, the head or the skin are particularly affected limbs like legs or paws.
The mast cell tumor can be either single or several body parts infested. Organs can also be affected by a mast cell tumor.
This type of tumor can differing look. For example, they may appear hairless, red, soft, irritated, or ulcerated.
Other symptoms are:
- itching
- growth of the tumor
- skin redness
- wheals
- bleeding
- Vomit
- loss of appetite
- anemia
- anaphylactic shock
- pain in the affected area
However, the most important feature is always an unusual one skin changefor example in the form of nodes.
If this is the case, going to the vet is essential. In the final stage the symptoms are usually more pronounced than in the early stages.
Good to know:
Mast cells are part of the body’s defenses. They are an important part of inflammatory processes and allergies because they store the substances histamine and heparin. If there is a reaction, they are released by mast cells.
Diagnosis and therapy at the vet: This is how it works
Before a dog can be treated for cancer, a specific diagnosis is necessary.
In order to be able to determine whether it is a mast cell tumor, a tissue sample is also taken fine needle aspiration called, taken.
For a precise treatment plan, however, it is important to also determine the tumor grade.
Regardless of the tumor grade, the mast cell tumor must surgically removed become. This is then sent to a laboratory to determine the grade.
Since a surgical procedure is always associated with high costs, you should start putting some money aside every month at an early stage and regardless of your dog’s state of health surgical costs to be able to cover.
In principle, a distinction is made between three different tumor grades. These range from level 1 to level 3, with level 3 being the most aggressive variant.
Most dogs suffer from a grade 1 to grade 2 tumor. In addition to the tissue sample, a blood count is also taken to find out about the general health status to inform the dog.
If it is a first or second degree tumor, surgical removal of the tumor is usually sufficient.
If grade 3 was determined, the dog does not lose one chemotherapy hereabouts.
Chances of recovery and survival time in a mast cell tumor
The survival time for a mast cell tumor depends on the stage.
If the tumor in a early stage, such as grade 2 (low grade), the lifespan is relatively good at just under 2 more years.
Some dogs even have a normal one Life expectancyif the tumor can be easily removed.
But is the tumor already advanced? advanced, life expectancy is no longer particularly high. Many dogs stay in the high-grade stage for no longer than 4 months.
Since in some dogs the mast cell tumor after some time returnsspecial attention should be paid to renewed skin changes.
When is it time to euthanize a dog with a mast cell tumor?
When a dog with a mast cell tumor is euthanized, it should always be with one vet be discussed.
Dogs affected by high-grade mast cell tumors are more likely to be euthanized.
In this phase there is a high rate of metastasis of 50 to 90%. That means yourself metastases form and the cancer spreads further in the body.
Basically, a dog should never longer than necessary Suffer. However, when the right time is to let your dog go cannot be generalized and should always be considered individually.
This is how you can support your dog
If your dog has a mast cell tumor, there are a few Possibilitieshow you can support him.
Proper nutrition in dogs with mast cell tumors
The right Nourishment also plays a major role in mast cell tumors. If your dog is affected by a mast cell tumor, its food should be low in carbohydrates.
The malignant cells feed on carbohydrates and can therefore grow faster.
At the same time, the dog is deprived of important energy and nutrients. One high-protein and high-fat diet is therefore of particular importance.
An additional supply of vitamins and nutrients, such as oranges and pears, also has a positive effect on this wellbeing of the dog.
Assistive drugs in canine mast cell tumor
Another way to help your dog with a mast cell tumor is by giving them antihistamines.
Since the mast cells store histamine and at a reaction pour out, an antihistamine can have a positive effect.
These inhibit them release of histamine. As a result, the dog suffers less from itching.
This also prevents the development of gastric ulcers.
However, the supply of antihistamines should always be discussed with the veterinarian so as not to hinder the actual treatment.
Conclusion
Most dogs have a grade 1 or 2 mast cell tumor chances of recovery relatively well and the dog can still experience a few happy years.
For the treatment is the surgical removal always required. Depending on the severity, further treatment in the form of chemotherapy can be considered.
For a successful course of treatment, it is important that the mast cell tumor recognized quickly becomes. This increases the dog’s chances of recovery.
Has your dog ever been diagnosed with a mast cell tumor and how did it develop?