Lumps and Bumps
We would always recommend that if your pet has a lump then get it checked! Most lumps are either fatty or cyst like growths but there are others that can be cancerous and can spread quickly.
Mast Cell Tumour
Mast Cell Tumour is a type of skin cancer in dogs, it is most common in Boxer dogs. It may present as a growing lump, a small red ulcerated lump or a large swelling. These can be a serious condition as the cells in the lump release histamine, which is involved in allergic reactions. This in itself causes further swelling and spread of the tumour, often just to other parts of skin but they can spread internally to the liver and spleen. Mast cell tumours should always be removed and often with a good surgical margin to prevent recurrence.
A diagnosis is based on removing the lump and sending it to a pathologist. Your Vet may do what we call a needle aspirate first to check if it is a Mast cell tumour first so they can take adequate surgical margins. With more severe tumours Radiotherapy or the new drugs Masivet and Palladia may be used to prevent recurrence/spread.
Mammary Cancer
If your dog has a lump in its mammary area then you must seek veterinary advice. If the lump is a mammary mass then there is a 50% chance that it is malignant and even if it isn't it is likely to turn that way. Due to this high risk we recommend removing all mammary masses and sending them away to a pathologist for an accurate diagnosis. If the lump is malignant then careful monitoring of the site may be needed for recurrence.
Splenic Tumour
The most common symptom of a splenic tumour is an acute collapse as the spleen ruptures causing bleeding into the abdomen. It occurs most commonly in German Shepherds, Labradors, Flat-coated and Golden Retrievers but can happen in other breeds. It is unfortunately too common and we would advise screening of all large dogs over the age of 6 for the problem- it can readily be picked up on an abdominal ultrasound scan.
Signs of a brewing problem include exercise intolerance, pale gums, abdominal distension, weight loss and increased thirst. Sometimes small tumours rupture and cause repeated short collapse episodes. Other possible causes of a bleeding Spleen include benign tumours and traumatic splenic rupture. A complete diagnosis is from exploratory surgery and pathology following blood tests, radiographs or an ultrasound scan. If rupture has occurred sometimes a blood transfusion is needed.
The best prognosis occurs when the spleen hasn't yet ruptured and unfortunately this is often only picked up on screening procedures.
Lymphoma and Leukaemia
Lymphoma is a cancer in dogs that affects the lymph nodes and bone marrow which are stations for housing and producing white blood cells.
Lymphoma is seen more commonly in dogs such as Labradors, Dobermans and Bernese Mountain dogs.
Leukaemia is a cancer of the white blood cells in the bloodstream; leukaemia is fortunately rare in dogs.
There are three main treatment options and it very much depends on the situation. In advanced cases euthanasia is sadly often the only option, sometimes we will see if the dog responds to a course of steroids (although this will only prolong life for a limited time) or we may try Chemotherapy which tends to have variable results and depends on several patient factors.
In dogs we have to be careful with the ethical concepts of using chemotherapy. As a Vet the golden rule is do no harm, and so we cannot make dogs violently sick from these drugs because they have no idea why. Therefore, we have to use controlled doses and even then there can be harmful side effects. Chemotherapy involves repeated stays and intra-venous fluid therapy at a veterinary hospital some patients get very anxious at a vets and this is another factor to weigh up, as is cost.
Bone Tumours
Osteosarcoma is a bone cancer that is unfortunately common in older dogs, particularly Rottweilers and Flat Coated Retrievers. It occurs on bones of the face, front and hind legs and is a very aggressive condition which causes severe pain. Diagnosis is based on x-rays and often a surgical biopsy is needed. Generally the prognosis is poor - limb amputation and radiotherapy can be used but generally life expectancy is poor and likely to only be a few months.
