Skin tumours are extremely common in older dogs and require welfare-focused assessment to determine whether monitoring, surgery, or other intervention is appropriate.
Dogs with skin tumours face welfare considerations that depend on tumour type. Large or infected benign tumours cause discomfort and impair movement. Mast cell tumours cause local pain and systemic effects from histamine release. Prompt accurate diagnosis through cytology enables appropriate management, preventing unnecessary surgery for benign growths while ensuring prompt treatment of malignant ones. Welfare-focused dermatology assessment considers the animal's overall health, age, and tolerance for procedures in determining whether intervention or watchful monitoring best serves welfare.