Owner Reveals Unexpected Symptom That Led to Dog’s Cancer Diagnosis — A Warning About Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs
Cancer — it’s the C-word that no dog owner ever wants to hear uttered by their veterinarian. Unfortunately, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) estimates that nearly half of dogs aged above ten will develop some form of cancer, meaning the prevalence of cancer in dogs is higher than we imagine. (watch TikTok video below)
This is why it’s important to see the vet as soon as you notice anything unusual with your canine friend, since cancer, like every other disease, comes with its early warning signs. No one will agree with this more than one dog owner on TikTok, who discovered their pup had a mast cell tumor (MCT) in the most unexpected way.
As explained in a video posted by the dog owner on her TikTok account @melbee__xo, it all started when her dog, Brady, developed a loud, hoarse cough, commonly referred to as a hacking cough. It didn’t take long before she discovered a lump in Brady’s inner thigh.
“Shortly after this cough appeared, I found a lump hidden in his inner thigh. I was taking him to the vet to treat this cough when I also brought up this mass. His vet aspirated the mass, and it was cancer,” read part of the caption accompanying the video.
In the video, Brady’s owner also cautions other pet owners to be extra keen about their dog’s health.
“I strongly encourage everyone to always get new bumps checked, do monthly checks, and never ignore a hacking cough,” she wrote. Thankfully, Brady underwent treatment and is now free from MCT.
Watch the video below:
@melbee__xo MCT is the most common cancer in dogs. This is how we found out Brady had cancer, one year ago. Shortly after this cough appeared, I found a lump hidden in his inner thigh. I was taking him to the vet to treat this cough when I also brought up this mass. His vet aspirated the mass and it was cancer. Now, I dont know if his cough and the MCT were related but after getting the mass removed and taking Zyrtec daily, we never heard it again. Unless, he hasnt taken Zyrec in 3+ days. Which leads me to believe Brady has allergies and the uptick in histamines in his body during the MCT discovery couldve made him start coughing. However, that’s speculation on my part. Nonetheless, our dogs cannot tell us if something feels off in them. It’s our job as furparents to observe their body language, their behaviors, and do body checks. So, we can advocate for them at the vets office. #mastcelltumor #doghealth #mastcell #mct #dogmom #dogparent ♬ Home – Edith Whiskers
Mast Cell Tumor in Dogs: Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Mast cell tumor (MCT) is a form of skin cancer that develops when mast cells — a type of white blood cells that live within the connective tissues in your dog’s body, especially on the skin tissues — multiply uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors.
In normal circumstances, mast cells act as immunological defenses against allergens and pathogens. These cells also play a key role in wound healing. When mast cells grow uncontrollably and become cancerous, they cause damage to tissues and body organs.
According to research findings published in the Dove Medical Press Journal, mast cell tumor is the most common type of skin cancer that affects dogs, with nearly 20% of all reported cases of skin cancer confirmed to be MCTs. While MCTs mostly appear on the skin, these tumors can also spread to other organs such as the spleen, lymph nodes, gastrointestinal tract, and liver.
Unfortunately, there are certain dog breeds that are more susceptible to MCTS than other canines. These breeds include Labrador Retrievers, Boston Terriers, Golden Retrievers, Pugs, and Boxers. In addition, middle-aged and senior dogs are at a higher risk of developing MCTs compared to younger dogs.
The exact cause of mast cell tumors in dogs remains unknown, but it’s believed that genetic factors are at play.
Clinical Symptoms of Mast Cell Tumor in Dogs
Mast cell tumors often appear as bumps or lumps on any part of the body, and may vary in size from dog to dog. While some dogs may have ulcerated bumps, for others, the bumps may simply be covered with hair.
In veterinary oncology, mass cell tumors in dogs are labeled “great pretenders” because their appearance mimics non-cancerous skin issues such an insect bite or a skin allergic reaction. This is why it’s necessary to see the vet if you notice any bumps or lumps on your dog’s skin; they could be cancerous, even though they look harmless.
“Get those bumps checked! This dog ended up having 4 mast cell tumors. These are one of the most common skin tumors in dogs and ARE malignant and need to be removed asap,” explained Dr. Hunter Finn of Pety Method Veterinary in an Instagram post.
Besides bumps, other common symptoms exhibited by dogs with mast cell tumors, according to the AKC Canine Health Foundation, include:
- Redness or an unusual color at the site of the tumor
- Swelling on areas where your dog’s lymph nodes are located. For instance, armpit, neck, abdomen, and groin.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea
- General signs of cancer in dogs such as loss of weight and lethargy, and persistent cough.
“My pup had a weird lump that popped up maybe 6 months ago. It would get smaller and then bigger and smaller again at random so I took her to the vet and they said it was probably a bug bite. It never went away so we went back to the vet, they said it was ‘probably nothing’ just some inflammation…. I took her to another vet for the 3rd exam the day it started changing colors (from flesh tone to kind of dark purple)…the vet told me it was a low grade mast cell tumor,” wrote user @heavierheart in a Reddit post on mast cell tumors in dogs.
Pictures of Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs
Diagnosis of Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs
To accurately determine whether the bump or lump on your dog’s skin is a MCT, vets usually conduct a Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) procedure. FNA involves drawing a few cells from the lump using a specialized needle and examining the sample under a microscope.
Additional diagnostic tests such as X-rays, abdominal ultrasounds, blood work, and urine sampling may be performed to determine whether the mast cell tumors have spread to other internal organs.
Treatment and Prognosis of Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs
The primary treatment approach for MCT in dogs is surgical removal. However, this usually applies to dogs whose MCT hasn’t spread to other organs besides the skin — what the veterinary community calls low-grade MCTs. In this case, vets can be able to completely remove the tumors on the skin through surgery.
For dogs with high-grade MCTs — which simply means the tumors have spread to internal organs, in addition to the skin — surgery alone won’t work. In this case, they’ll need chemotherapy or radiation therapy. These two treatment options may also apply to dogs whose MCTs have recurred after surgery.
Moreover, dogs diagnosed with MCT may be put on anti-histamine medications such as Benadryl that help minimize the inflammatory symptoms associated with this cancer (like the redness, swelling, and itchiness at the tumor site). According to pet health experts at DogCancer.com, Benadryl doesn’t cure mass cell tumors, contrary to what many think.
Generally, low-grade MCTs have a better prognosis compared to the high-grade tumors. In other words, a dog diagnosed and treated for MCT early enough has a much higher chance of a longer, high-quality life than one who gets started on treatment when the tumours have already spread. In fact, experts at Pet Cure Oncology say that a pup with high-grade MCT may only survive a few months after starting treatment.
Overall, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of MCT can go a long way in improving your dog’s prognosis.
Canine Mast Cell Tumors FAQs
Mast cell tumors in dog symptoms
Common symptoms of MCTs include bumps or lumps, swelling of the lymph nodes, redness at the tumor sites, and gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting.
What causes a mast cell tumor in dogs?
The exact cause of mass cell tumor is not known. However, it’s believed to be triggered by genetic factors.
How to shrink mass cell tumors in dogs
Mass cell tumors in dogs can be removed surgically, particularly if the tumors haven’t spread to internal organs.
Mast cell tumor in dogs life expectancy
As mentioned earlier, dogs diagnosed with low-grade MCT have a chance at a longer life expectancy than those with high-grade MCT.
What does a mass cell tumor in dogs look like?
Usually, a mass cell tumor in dogs looks like a lump or bump.
Benadryl for mass cell tumor in dogs
As noted earlier, Benadryl helps minimize the inflammatory symptoms of the MCTs, for instance, swelling and redness at the tumor site.
Mast cell tumor in dogs prognosis
The prognosis of MCT in dogs largely depends on the tumor’s grade, that is, whether it’s at a low-grade or high-grade stage.