vetinfo4dogs.com

Symptoms of Canine Melanoma

Dogs > Cancer > Symptoms of Canine Melanoma

also see Melanoma and Melacytoma in Dogs

Canine melanoma is a common type of cancer normally found in the mouth, toes, on the skin or behind the eyes but can originate from various parts of the body. Melanoma of the skin is usually characterized by small, dark lumps or large, flat, wrinkled masses. This type of cancer commonly occurs in dogs with dark skin. Malignant melanomas can spread to the organs, however, benign melanoma (usually on the skin) does not tend to spread.

Symptoms of canine melanoma:

Odd or strangely shaped lesions
Odd colored lesions
Visible tumors on the toes, mouth or skin
Loss of appetite or reluctant to eat
Noticeable weight loss
Excessive drooling
Coughing
Difficulty swallowing
Unusually bad breath
Bleeding of the mouth or gums

Tumors of any size with or without symptoms should never be ignored. Once your dog has been diagnosed with melanoma, treatment will include surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy. With early treatment you are much more likely to be able to prevent the spread of the cancer.

also see Treatment of Canine Lymphoma Through Chemotherapy

also see Pheochromocytomas and other Adrenal tumors

also see Insulinomas - tumors of the pancreas

also see Cancer - Lymphoma