How to prevent skin cancer in dogs

How you can help prevent skin cancer in dogs and home care after surgery

You should examine your dog's skin on a regular basis. If you notice a new lump, a sore that does not appear to heal, or other changes in the skin then see your vet as soon as possible.

Other diseases may cause symptoms that look like dog skin cancer. These must be dismissed before a proper diagnosis for skin cancer in dogs is made.

They may include:

Skin Infections
Infections of the skin (bacterial or parasitic) can cause hair loss, itchiness of the skin, skin redness and
flakiness. These signs are very similar to those found with certain types of skin cancers (lymphosarcoma). If a dog is not responding to treatment for either a bacterial or parasitic skin disease, a skin biopsy may be recommended.

An abscess, which is caused by a bacterial infection, can cause a swelling in the skin. This can look like any number of different types of skin tumors.

Several immune diseases like systemic lupus and pemphigus can cause ulcers and sores in the skin that may look cancerous. The most common areas affected by immune mediated diseases include the tips of the ears, lips, nose and footpads.

An injury to the skin can look like certain skin cancers. You should seek veterinary attention if a suspected injury does not heal within a reasonable amount of time.

If surgery was part of the treatment for your dog skin cancer, your dog may need some additional care.
Keep your dog out of the sun. This is particularly important if your dog has light colored skin.

Animals that have had surgery should be kept quiet for the first two weeks to prevent tension on the incision. The incision should be monitored for redness, swelling or discharge. It is important to keep your dog from licking or chewing at the incision because this can cause the incision to come apart or cause an incisional infection. This is where those 'megaphone' style collars are very effective.

If there are stitches or staples, these will need to be removed roughly two weeks after surgery.

The surgery site should be inspected frequently to detect any cancer recurrence. If recurrence is suspected, it
should be brought to your veterinarian's attention immediately.

Diagnosing Skin Cancer in Dogs

Diagnosis of skin cancer in dogs

Investigative tests are required to distinguish skin cancer in dogs and rule out other diseases. The ability to remedy skin cancer in dogs successfully depends upon the type of cancer and how advanced it is at the instance of identification. Tests that your vet may desire to perform include:

•  Cytology, which is microscopic assessment of cells obtained from an aspirate (fluid) of the tumor or a biopsy.
Cytology is the assessment and study of blood or tissue cells beneath a microscope. Cytology can be used to detect inflammation, infection, germs, fungi, parasites and cancer.

•  Biopsy, which is removal of portion of the tumor so that it can be evaluated cytologically or with histopathology, in which the tissue is fixed and then sectioned prior to assessment beneath a microscope. Biopsy is the term used to describe the process in which a sample of tissue is taken for microscopic investigation. This procedure is generally invasive, requiring general anesthesia.

•  Complete blood count (CBC). A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test used to quantify and assess cells that move in the blood. The test covers an actual counting of red and white blood cells as well as an analysis of cells examined on a blood smear.
A CBC will reveal the presence of anemia (low red blood cell count). The results can indicate a possible testing of infection, inflammation or immune system disorder.

•  Serum chemistry panel, a biochemical analysis. A biochemical profile is a blood test that assesses the performance of inside organs, measures the electrolytes such as blood potassium, and identifies the levels of circulating enzymes.A biochemical profile will disclose signs of organ disease in the kidney or liver.

•  Urinalysis.  Testing the urine for impurities and electrolyte imbalances.

•  Chest radiographs (X-rays)to decide if the lump has extended to the lungs. A thoracic (chest) radiograph (X-ray) is a method that allows your vet to envisage tissues, organs and bones that lie below the skin of the chest cavity. In dogs that may have cancer, x-rays can be used to assess for metastasis (spread).