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Melanoma in DogsMelanoma in dogs is a rather common form of canine skin cancer.
Melanomas are tumors arising from melanocytes - skin cells of the basal skin layer that produce pigment and color of the skin. Melanoma in dogs in a common form of skin
cancer. These tumors can originate from various parts of the dog's body, but mostly the mouth, the skin, and the toes. They can be dark or unpigmented.
Depending on the location of the melanomas, these skin tumors can be benign or malignant. When found on the skin, they are generally benign. In fact, about 85% of
melanomas that occur on the skin are benign. However, canine melanomas tend to be malignant when found in the mouth, on the toes and under the eyes. They can also
spread (metastasis) to other organs rather rapidly.
Signs of Melanoma in DogsFor melanomas that occur on the skin, they are single growths that may or may not be pigmented or dark in color. Generally speaking, benign melanomas are deeply pigmented, smaller, and well defined. For dogs that have melanomas in the mouth, they usually show some of the following signs:
Causes of Melanoma in DogsThe exact causes of canine melanoma are not known. Unlike in people, dogs do not normally get skin cancer as a result of over-exposure to the sun. Some veterinarians suspect that injuries to the skin or constant stress and trauma to the skin as a result of excessive scratching or licking can cause skin cells to divide and multiply frequently. During cell division, there may be sudden changes in genetic structures causing cancerous cells to form. TopRisk Factors for Melanoma in DogsAge and Gender Canine melanoma is more common among middle-aged to older dogs (9 years or older). Also male dogs tend to be more commonly affected. Breeds It seems that the following breeds tend to be affected by melanomas of the skin and toes:
Diagnosis of Melanoma in DogsDiagnosis of canine melanoma include:
Treatment for Melanoma in Dogs
For melanomas that occur on the skin, the treatment of choice is surgery.
However, melanomas that are found in the mouth are more difficult to deal with. Due to metastasis, these tumors are most often fatal unless prompt treatment is given to
keep the cancer from spreading. Injection of chemotherapy into the tumor in addition to radiation can be used. Systemic chemotherapy can usually delay the growth of the
tumor and can also relieve some of the symptoms caused by the cancer.
There is now a new vaccine called the Canine Melanoma Vaccine DNA that is being developed and tested. This product has been granted a license for testing in animals with
stage II and III melanomas. The vaccine works by injecting a protein into the body, alerting the immune system to the presence of the melanoma tumor protein.
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Natural Remedies for Melanoma in DogsAlthough natural remedies such as herbs, homeopathic remedies, and natural supplements may not be able to destroy tumors, they are nonetheless effective in strengthening the immune system, making the body stronger to fight against diseases such as cancer. A natural, raw diet is also important for dogs with cancer such as canine melanoma. Some dog parents have reported success in using the herbal formula "Essiac" to treat canine cancer, while others swear by such remedies as the "Budwig Diet". For more information on these and other natural remedies for canine cancer, please visit our pages on Herbs for Cancer in Dogs and Dog Cancer Diet.Related Topics Dog Cancer Symptoms of Dog Cancer Conventional Cancer Treatment for Dog Patients Herbs for Cancer in Dogs Dog Cancer Diet References S. Messonnier, The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs (New World Library, 2006). A.D. Shojai, New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats (Rodale Press, Inc., 1999). TOP OF Melanoma in Dogs |
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