Signs and Symptoms


 

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

 

According to the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, dogs are 35 times more predisposed to skin cancer as compared to humans and and  6 times more predisposed than cats.

 

DOGS 

 

      Typical signs of canine skin cancer include:

  

 

The cancer can result in: itching, causing the dog to chew and scratch the affected area                 

                                            incessantly.

 

Systemic symptoms depend on the location of the tumor, the seriousness of the cancer and whether it has metastasized.

 

Some systemic signs may include:

 

A typical dog tumor shown breaking through the skin:

 

 

Common malignant dog skin tumors are as follows:

 

1. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

 

 

 

The tumors can appear many places but are seen most commonly on and around the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and areas with little hair.

At first, SCC tumors look much like other common skin irritations such as a raw ulcer or non-healing sore, making them difficult to identify.

 

Typical Cause:

Signs of SCC: 

        

Breeds commonly affected by this type of canine skin cancer include:

 

2. Mast cell tumors

 


 

Typical Cause:

 

Hereditary & environmental factors

 

Most common fatal skin cancer in dogs.

  

 Mast cell tumors that appear in:

are likely to be malignant.

 

The appearance of canine mast cell tumors are unsual and can mimic other benign skin lesions such as lipomas (fatty tumors).

Because of their ability to mimic benign skin tumors, these dangerous mast cell tumors often are not diagnosed until later in the disease, resulting in a worse prognosis for the dog patient.

 

Usually found in the skin, but they can also be commonly found on the:

 

The tumor can be single or multiple, and it can be smooth, bumpy, or ulcerated.

 

Signs of Mast Cell Tumors:

3. Hemangiosarcoma

 

 Typical cause:

 

Important genetic factors

 

There are 2 types of skin associated hemangiosarcoma in dogs:

       I.            Dermal (skin)

  

    II.            Hypodermal (under the skin)

Or

 

Breeds most commonly affected by this type of canine skin cancer include:

 

4. Perianal Tumors

 

 

5.  Limpoma

 

 

 6.  Sebaceous Hyperplasia

 

 

7.Histiocytoma

 


 

 

 

8. Melanoma

 

 

 

9. Fibrosarcoma

 

 

10. Basal Cell Tumor

 

 

 

CATS

 

Cancer in Cats

 

           

 

 

          

 

Generally cats share the same symptoms of skin cancer as dogs        

 

Signs of skin cancer in cats:

 

 

10 Common signs of cancer in Small Animals
(American Veterinary Medical Association)

 

  1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
  2. Sores that do not heal
  3. Weight loss
  4. Loss of appetitie
  5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
  6. Offensive odor
  7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
  8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
  9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
  10. Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

 

 

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