Introduction
Melanoma in our companion animals seems to have a strong underlying genetic component or cause. Unlike skin cancer in people, melanoma in dogs usually is not caused by excessive sun exposure. In fact, dark or black dogs seem to be predisposed to developing melanoma tumors.
Preventing Melanoma in Dogs
While melanoma cannot be prevented, the adverse effects of this type of cancer can be managed with early detection and diagnosis. Owners of predisposed breeds should familiarize themselves with the clinical signs of melanoma and should perform routine, hands-on examinations of their pets to identify any suspicious bumps at the very earliest opportunity.
Both benign and malignant forms of melanoma occur most commonly in older animals. As our dogs age, we must be especially conscientious about looking for any new lumps or bumps – especially in the mouth, under or around the toenails and on the footpads.
Currently, there is no vaccine which can reduce the occurrence of canine melanoma, although there is a “vaccine” that is licensed to help treat the condition by prolonging survival rates and minimizing clinical signs of the disease. While surgical removal is the most common “treatment” for melanoma, melanoma tumors frequently recur in the same or even other areas post-operatively.
Dog owners should always monitor their pet’s skin and look for tumors or other masses that show up. These should be checked by a veterinarian as soon as they are identified. This is especially important for owners of breeds that are at a heightened risk for developing the malignant form of this disease.