Melanoma in Dogs

Overview and Facts

What is

• Melanoma in Dogs: An Overview

Melanoma in dogs is a type of cancer that can occur on the skin, mouth, toes, and in some cases on the abdomen or scrotal area. Unlike human melanoma that is caused by repeated exposure to the sun, canine melanoma rarely occurs from this cause. Canine melanoma may either be benign, as in the case of melanocytomas, or malignant as in the case of malignant melanomas.




Read More ›

Prevention

• Preventing Melanoma in Dogs

The reason why melanoma occurs in dogs is still not yet understood, but it is currently believed that there is a strong hereditary tie to this type of cancer. Unlike in people, melanoma in dogs is not usually caused by excessive sun exposure and so sun block and limiting time in the sun will not prevent this disease.




Read More ›

Symptoms and Types

Types

• Types of Melanoma in Dogs

There are two basic types of melanoma in dogs: the benign skin melanocytoma and the malignant melanoma. Each of these melanomas occurs more frequently in older dogs, dogs of the male sex, and certain breeds have a higher risk for developing these cancers. However, the outlook and treatments for these cancers are quite different.




Read More ›

Diagnosis and Tests

Diagnosis

• Diagnosing Melanoma in Dogs

Once melanoma is suspected in the patient, the diagnosis of melanoma in dogs often utilizes several steps to try to determine if the melanoma is benign or malignant, what stage a malignant melanoma is at, and if the melanoma has spread to other areas of the body.




Read More ›

Treatment and Care

Treatment

• Treating Melanoma in Dogs

Treating melanoma in dogs depends on what type of melanoma the dog has. If the condition is a benign skin melanocytoma then a wait and watch, or surgical, treatment is used. If the dog has malignant melanoma then surgery, the Canine Melanoma Vaccine, and chemotherapy or radiation may be used in the treatment plan.




Read More ›