shop


The Furry Critter Network

Melanoma - Issue Description

Back to Canine Health Issues Menu


thm-img


Issue Name

Melanoma

Other Names
Canine Melanoma

Issue Description

Melanoma is a type of cancer that occurs commonly in dogs with pigmented (dark) skin. Melanomas can occur in areas of haired skin, where they usually form small, dark (brown to black) lumps, but can also appear as large, flat, wrinkled masses. Melanomas also can occur in the mouth, toes, or behind the eye. In general, skin melanomas tend to be benign, and those in the mouth, toes, or eyes tend to be malignant.

Symptoms

  • Hesitation to exercise or loss of energy.
  • Loss of appetite, weight loss.
  • Persistent lameness or stiffness of movement.
  • Lumps in the breast area.
  • Abnormality or difference in size of testicles.
  • Abnormal swellings that continue to grow, especially in the nymph nodes.
  • Sores do not heal.
  • Bleeding or discharge from the mouth, nose, urinary tract, rectum, or vagina.
  • Offensive odor.
  • Difficulty eating or swallowing.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Difficulty in urinating or defecating.

  • Diagnosis

    A physical exam, blood tests, a chest x-ray and a biopsy when the veterinarian believes it is necessary.

    Causes

    Melanoma arises from melanocytes, cells that impart pigment or coloration to the skin. In humans, melanoma arises due to mutations induced by repeated, intense exposure to ultraviolet light (for example, frequent tanning or working outdoors). This does not seem to be a major factor in dogs, as in most breeds the hair coat affords them protection from sunlight. However, pigment cells divide every time there is injury to the skin, or if there is constant trauma (for example, areas where dogs constantly scratch or lick). Nevertheless, risk factors for canine melanoma are not well established.

    Mutations that contribute to cancer can also be inherited. An inherited mutation in a single gene that is important in cell growth control will increase the risk of that individual to develop cancer. This can be due to reducing the overall number of acquired mutations that must accumulate before a cell becomes cancerous, or it can be due to disabling a critical safeguard gene that normally prevents cells from becoming tumors. Specific genes that are responsible for familial melanoma have been identified in humans and in mice. In dogs, there appears to be a predisposition among certain breeds or families to develop specific types of cancer, suggesting that a hereditary component may be important in the development or progression of the disease.

    Treatment

    Treatment of melanoma includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Surgery will be performed to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Chemotherapy is used including Dacarbazine. Radiation is used as a treatment because it aides in the shrinking of the tumor.

    Prognosis

    The prognosis for Canine Melanoma is poor at best when found in the dog's skin. The prognosis for Canine Melanoma is even poorer when it is located in the mouth, toes or behind the eyes. Tumors spread quickly when they are not treated and they may spread even if treatment is tried. Canine Melanoma may even reoccur after treatment.


    Back to Canine Health Issues Menu

    Featured Rescues

    "Don't Shop ... Please Adopt"

    laptop pro

    ASPCA

    The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) was the first humane society to be established in North America and is, today, one of the largest in the world.

    Our organization was founded on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment at the hands of humans and must be protected under the law. Headquartered in New York City, the ASPCA maintains a strong local presence, and with programs that extend our anti-cruelty mission across the country, we are recognized as a national animal welfare organization. We are a privately funded 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, and are proud to boast more than 2 million supporters across the country.

    The ASPCA’s mission, as stated by founder Henry Bergh in 1866, is “to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.”


    laptop pro

    Petfinder

    If you can’t find the pet you’re looking for on Petfinder, don’t give up. Some shelters maintain waiting lists for specific breeds, so don’t be afraid to ask! There are also breed-specific rescues for just about every breed, and most of them post their pets on Petfinder. (Petfinder can even e-mail you when a pet that fits your criteria is posted — just click “Save this Search” at the top of your search results page.)


    laptop pro

    Rescue Me

    Jeff Gold, Founder, Rescue Me! Animal Rescue Network

    Jeff Gold lives in Watkinsville, Georgia on the same property as Rescue Me's Animal Rehabilitation Center, with 18 rescue animals. Shown with him in the photo to the left are Maggie, Izzie and Cortez. In 2003, after learning there was nobody doing boxer rescue work in Georgia, Gold founded Boxertown, an organization which helped find homes for over 500 boxers during its first two years. Based upon this success, Gold came up with the vision for Rescue Me! ― a network which helps all breeds of dogs, cats and other animals find good homes, anywhere in the world. RescueShelter.com is also a free service of Rescue Me! and provides the world's largest and most up-to-date directory of animal rescue organizations for all breeds of dogs, cats and other animals, including a comprehensive directory of wildlife rehabilitators in over 150 countries.



    Top