Treatment Options for Canine Mast Cell Tumors

Canine mast cell tumors can be particularly dangerous due to secondary damage that they may cause to a dog's body. Mast cells normally serve a healthy purpose, but when they become cancerous, they may release excess chemicals that endanger the organs and produce unhealthy side effects throughout the body. Prognosis for canine mast cell tumors depends largely upon the tumor's location and how quickly the cancer has progressed.

Mast Cells

Canine mast cell tumors occur when healthy and normal mast cells proliferate and become cancerous. Under normal conditions, mast cells are distributed throughout the body and work with the immune system to help fight against conditions that may cause allergies or inflammation. These cells release chemicals which are designed to keep the body healthy.

When mast cells become cancerous, they begin to release these chemicals in excess, causing significant damage to the stomach or other internal organs. Mast cell tumors are common in dogs and are difficult to diagnose. They form in different shapes and sizes, at different locations and may be benign or malignant. It's impossible to identify a mast cell tumor without a biopsy and other testing.

Treatment Options for Mast Cell Tumors

Canine mast cell tumors can be successfully treated under certain conditions. A majority of mast cell tumors form on the skin, but can be found in the spleen, liver or bone marrow. The first option for treating canine mast cell tumors is surgical removal of the entire mass.

Due to the inconsistency of this type of tumor, it will be recommended to have a portion of healthy tissue around the tumor removed as well. This can help to indicate whether or not the cancerous cells are attempting to invade other parts of the body. In additional, unhealthy cells are found, radiation treatment will likely be recommended for management of any additional cancer. Radiation treatment has been shown to be highly effective, but cost, potential side effects and other factors may make this a less likely choice. High-grade tumors and cancerous mast cells that are located in areas difficult to operate on may respond to chemotherapy or other medicinal treatments.

Supportive Care

Supportive care for dogs with canine mast cell tumors will be necessary, whether or not surgery or radiation has been successful. Since these tumors can lead to ulcers, internal bleeding or allergic reactions, careful monitoring of the dog's health and symptoms may help to determine the best options for supportive care. Gastrointestinal problems or ulcers may require medication or dietary changes. Shots, prescription pills or herbal remedies may be recommended to help with any allergies that develop due to the presence of mast cell tumors.

Regrowth of mast cell tumors occurs in about half of dogs that have been successfully treated for this disease. Attention to diet and weight, and management of symptoms will likely be the best recommendation in this scenario. Dogs can live for quite some time with the presences of mast cell tumors, but once management of symptoms becomes impossible, it's likely that quality of life will quickly diminish. 

 

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