Surgical margin achievement in mast cell tumor removal is the most important determinant of local tumor control and long-term welfare outcome for affected dogs.
The welfare implications of mast cell tumor surgery center on the balance between aggressive initial excision that may cause significant immediate welfare cost, and inadequate excision that requires re-operation or allows local recurrence. For low-grade tumors in surgically accessible locations, aggressive initial excision with adequate margins offers the best welfare outcome through local cure without additional procedures. For high-grade tumors or challenging anatomical locations, a multidisciplinary approach involving oncologist input before surgery significantly improves both oncological and welfare outcomes.