Mast cell tumors are the most common malignant skin tumor in dogs, with outcomes ranging from curative surgery to aggressive systemic disease requiring palliative management.
Mast cell tumor management requires careful welfare consideration across the treatment continuum. Low-grade tumors detected and removed early carry excellent prognosis with minimal welfare cost — early detection is key. High-grade and metastatic tumors present a different picture: chemotherapy and targeted therapy can extend survival, but quality of life during treatment varies. Degranulation events cause uncomfortable local and sometimes systemic reactions. Ulcerated or inflamed tumors are painful. Assessment of treatment benefit versus burden must be individualized, with regular quality of life monitoring. Palliative care when curative treatment is not pursued or has failed should prioritize comfort, appetite support, and daily engagement.