Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Home National Sports Business Lifestyles Religion Arts & Culture Pulse Spice Editorial letters Opinion Foodie Sportscope Real Talks Weekend Report PDF's Classifieds Contact About Us Archive Weather

Letters | Opinion | Editorial | Weekend Report
Melanomas in dogs BY Dr. Bridgette Johnson: Melanomas are a type of tumor that arises from a specialized group of cells called melanocytes, that produce pigment. These tumors can be either benign or malignant. The risk of the benign melanomas spreading is very low, but the malignant melanomas have a higher risk of spreading and presenting several challenges to effectively treating the affected animal. It is therefore very important to act quickly when faced with possible melanomas so as to increase the chances of successful removal and identification of the grade or stage of tumor. Cats seem much less susceptible to melanoma tumors than dogs. Certain breeds are predisposed to the development of melanomas such as: Chow Chows, Boston Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Schnauzers, Boxers, Dobermans, and Chihuahuas. Benign Melanomas Benign cutaneous melanomas of dogs are usually seen as round, firm, raised, darkly-pigmented masses from one-quarter to two inches in diameter. They occur most often on the head, digits or back. Malignant Melanomas Any organ may be affected by a metastatic melanoma (tumor that has spread from a primary site). In the dog, presence of malignant melanoma may be first discovered in the lungs. Patients with advanced disease may experience difficulty breathing due to metastasis (spread) to the lungs. X-rays of the chest will reveal diffuse infiltration of the lung tissue by the tumor. Lymph node swelling or enlargement may be a clinical sign of malignant spread of a melanoma. Some melanomas do not display the characteristic darkly-pigmented color of most melanomas. The pigment called melanin is a hallmark of these tumors and usually is present in large amounts in melanomas. Diagnosis Definitive diagnosis is made via biopsy or microscopic evaluation of the tumor. Analysis of the growth by a specialist will determine the grade of tumor as well as its likelihood to spread to other organs. Blood work and urinalysis as well as radiographs are also helpful tools to the veterinarian in determining the health status of the pet and the possibility of metastasis. Treatment Treatment of choice is surgical removal of the tumor. Localized tumors may be completely removed and the patient cured. However, if a malignant melanoma has had the opportunity to spread to distant areas of the body, long term survival of the dog is not likely. Fortunately most cutaneous (skin) melanomas are benign, but individual growths need to be evaluated as unique and unpredictable since any given melanoma may become malignant. There is no preventative care for malignant melanoma so if you discover a darkly-pigmented, raised, thickened growth anywhere on your dog, be sure to have your veterinarian evaluate it. Keep in mind that pigmented (black) areas of the skin are common in dogs and cats, especially in the tongue, gum and eyelid tissues, and these darkened areas may be completely normal for that individual. However, if any darkly-pigmented areas are actually raised above the normal surface or seem thickened or ulcerated or inflamed, an examination by your veterinarian is advised. To have your pet questions answered, send an e-mail to purrfectpets1@gmail.com or call Dr. Bridgette Johnson at 364 - 8101. Monday January 18, 2010