Grade III mast cell tumours represent the most aggressive form of canine cutaneous cancer, presenting profound welfare and treatment decision challenges for owners and vets.
Grade III MCT presents a severe welfare challenge: treatment involves surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy with significant side effects, while palliative care without treatment involves progression and systemic degranulation symptoms. Welfare assessment must balance quality of life during treatment against length of life and final welfare state. Validated tools such as the HHHHHMM scale (Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Happiness, Mobility, More good days than bad, Meaningful existence) help owners assess whether treatment burden outweighs benefit. Vets should facilitate frank quality-of-life conversations and support timely euthanasia decisions to prevent prolonged suffering. Palliative care focusing on pain management and symptom control is a legitimate alternative to aggressive treatment in advanced cases.