Mast cell tumours are the most common malignant skin tumour in dogs, with welfare implications ranging from local skin irritation to life-threatening systemic disease depending on grade and location.
Mast cell tumours create welfare challenges that span the treatment journey as much as the disease itself. Low-grade tumours may cause little more than local skin irritation before detection, but handling or trauma to the tumour causes histamine degranulation — sudden swelling, redness, and in severe cases systemic anaphylaxis-like responses. This means even benign-appearing lumps carry acute welfare risk. Surgical margins matter profoundly: inadequate excision leads to local recurrence requiring repeat surgery with compounding anaesthetic risk and wound healing challenges. High-grade MCTs and systemic disease require sustained treatment with oral chemotherapy that causes significant side effects including gastrointestinal upset, immunosuppression, and hypertension. Regular monitoring requires frequent veterinary visits. Honest quality-of-life assessment throughout treatment is essential — the goal is not survival at any cost but comfortable, engaged life. Early detection through regular skin examination allows surgical cure before progression.