Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Mast Cell Tumour Welfare and Treatment

Mast cell tumours are the most common skin cancer in dogs and require prompt treatment to maximise welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

Mast cell tumours account for 20-25% of all skin tumours in dogs
Grading determines behaviour - grade 3 tumours are aggressive with poor prognosis
Surgical excision with wide margins is the mainstay of treatment
Targeted therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors provides systemic treatment options
Mast cell degranulation can cause systemic effects requiring supportive care

Welfare Considerations

Mast cell tumours cause localised tissue damage and systemic effects from mast cell mediator release including vomiting, hypotension, and ulceration. Prompt diagnosis and treatment maximises welfare outcomes by preventing local invasion and systemic spread. Early wide excision provides the best chance of cure and the longest period of welfare-intact life.

What You Can Do

Seek prompt veterinary assessment for any new skin lumps on dogs
Advocate for histological grading of all excised mast cell tumours
Discuss adjuvant treatment options with a veterinary oncologist for high-grade tumours