Dog Skin Tumours: Managing Cancer in Companion Animals

Skin tumours are among the most common cancers in dogs, with outcomes ranging from benign lumps to aggressive malignancies requiring prompt diagnosis and welfare-conscious treatment decisions.

Key Facts

Mast cell tumours are the most common malignant skin tumour in dogs, accounting for around 20% of canine skin tumours
Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Boxers are among the most cancer-prone breeds
Fine needle aspirate cytology can often diagnose tumour type without general anaesthesia
Surgical excision with adequate margins is the treatment of choice for most skin malignancies
Quality of life assessment should guide treatment intensity in older dogs or those with systemic disease

Welfare Considerations

Skin tumours cause welfare impacts through the tumour itself - inflammation, pain, ulceration, and secondary infection - and through treatment procedures. Early detection allows surgical removal before tumours cause significant local disease, improving both welfare and outcomes. In older dogs with multiple health problems, the welfare impact of surgery and recovery must be weighed against the welfare impact of the tumour. Pain management is essential throughout diagnosis and treatment. Quality of life assessment tools help owners and vets make decisions that genuinely serve the dog's welfare.

What You Can Do

Check your dog regularly for new lumps and bumps - early detection significantly improves prognosis
Seek veterinary evaluation of any new or changing lump within two weeks of discovery
Discuss fine needle aspirate as a minimally invasive first diagnostic step
Ask your vet about quality-of-life assessment tools when making treatment decisions for older dogs
Ensure adequate pain management throughout any surgical procedure and recovery period