Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Welfare and Mast Cell Tumour Management

Mast cell tumours are the most common malignant skin tumour in dogs. Management ranges from surgical excision for low-grade tumours to targeted therapy for advanced disease.

Key Facts

Mast cell tumours represent approximately 20% of all canine skin tumours
Grading by histopathology determines prognosis and appropriate treatment intensity
Surgical excision with adequate margins is curative for low-grade localised tumours
Toceranib and masitinib are targeted therapies licensed for unresectable or metastatic mast cell tumours
Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Boston Terriers are at significantly higher breed risk

Welfare Considerations

Mast cell tumour management has been transformed by targeted therapies that extend comfortable survival in dogs with advanced disease. Early detection and appropriate grading enables the most welfare-positive treatment path.

What You Can Do

Check your dog's skin regularly for new lumps and have all new lumps assessed by a vet promptly
Request histopathological grading for all excised mast cell tumours
Discuss referral to a veterinary oncologist for high-grade or metastatic mast cell tumours