The Facts About Melanoma In Dogs

Melanoma in dogs is a type of tumor that starts in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin. Melanin is what gives skin, hair, and eyes their color. melanoma in dogs can affect the skin, mouth, or eyes. While most canine melanomas are benign, some can be quite malignant, so it is always best to consult your veterinarian if you find any suspicious lumps or bumps on your dog. This article will discuss the facts about melanoma in dogs including the signs, symptoms, and treatments.

What is melanoma in dogs?

Melanoma in dogs is a cancerous growth of melanocytes. Melanocytes are the cells responsible for producing melanin, which gives skin and hair color. While melanoma in dogs can affect any part of the body, it is most commonly found on haired skin and in the mouth or eyes.

What are the different types of melanoma in dogs?

Melanoma in dogs can be classified into three different types: cutaneous (skin), oral, and uveal (ocular) melanomas. Cutaneous melanomas are the most common type of melanoma in dogs and are typically benign. Oral melanomas usually occur in the gums or tongue and are more likely to be malignant than other types. Uveal melanomas are the most common type of melanoma in the eyes and, although they are considered to be benign, there have been reports of metastasis.

Cutaneous melanoma | Skin cancer in dogs

Cutaneous melanomas are the most common type of melanoma in dogs and usually appear as dark, raised bumps on the skin. The tumors can range from small to large and may be pigmented or non-pigmented. About 10% of cutaneous melanomas are malignant and require aggressive treatment.

The cause of cutaneous melanomas in dogs is unknown. Unlike human cutaneous melanomas, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is not a likely cause.

Oral melanoma | Mouth cancer in dogs

Oral melanomas are the second most common type of melanoma in dogs and usually affect the lips, gums, or tongue. The tumors can range from small to large and may be pigmented or non-pigmented. Oral melanomas are more likely to be malignant than other types of melanoma in dogs.

Malignant melanoma is generally diagnosed in older dogs (around 10-12 years old), and male dogs seem to be more susceptible.

Uveal melanoma | Ocular cancer in dogs

Uveal melanomas are the most common type of melanoma in the eyes and usually affect the iris or ciliary body inside the eye in dogs. Uveal melanomas can be pigmented or non-pigmented and are often considered benign. However, there have been reports of metastasis from uveal melanoma in dogs. Melanomas can also affect a dog's eyelid, although less common.

Uveal melanomas are usually benign in dogs, but they can be locally aggressive and grow to cause problems within the eye, such as glaucoma, uveitis, or vision loss.

What are the signs and symptoms of melanoma in dogs?

The signs and symptoms of melanoma in dogs can vary depending on the tumor's location. Common signs and symptoms of cutaneous melanoma include lumps or bumps on the skin that are typically pigmented in color. Melanomas that affect the skin in dogs are generally present as large masses, with rapid growth.

Common signs and symptoms of oral melanoma in dogs include dark, pigmented masses in the mouth, difficulty eating or drinking, drooling, and bad breath. Because the oral cavity has a very good blood supply, melanomas in this location can quickly become large and may metastasize to other parts of the body.

With melanoma in dogs' eyes, well-demarcated, brown, or black masses or lesions on the iris are early signs of uveal melanoma in dogs. Uveal melanomas typically have slow growth, and those are often raised. Typically, there are no symptoms present but as the melanoma grows, it can cause ocular pain.

How is melanoma in dogs diagnosed?

To diagnose melanoma in dogs, we usually start with a physical examination and taking the dog's medical history. During the physical exam, your veterinarian will examine your dog's entire body looking for any signs of melanomas or other lumps or bumps on the skin, mouth and/or eyes.

In cases of cutaneous (skin) or oral growths, your veterinarian may recommend a biopsy of the mass to determine if melanoma is present. To diagnose uveal or ocular melanomas, your veterinarian may perform an ophthalmic exam and may recommend a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist for further evaluation.

How is melanoma in dogs treated?

The treatment for melanoma in dogs will depend on the type and location of the tumor. For melanomas on the skin or in the mouth, surgery may be recommended to remove the mass. Depending on the size of the melanoma and its location, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may also be recommended by your veterinarian.

A vaccine for treating dogs with oral melanoma is licensed in the USA. It has not been extensively investigated for the treatment of cutaneous melanoma, although it may be considered for digital or cutaneous malignant melanomas.

In the case of melanomas in dogs' eyes, surgical removal is often not an option due to the risk of damaging other structures in the eye. In these cases, enucleation (surgical removal of the eye) may be recommended.

In all cases, it is important that melanomas are monitored closely by your veterinarian as they can grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body. Early detection and treatment can help improve the prognosis for melanoma in dogs.

What is the prognosis for melanoma in dogs?

The prognosis for melanoma in dogs can vary depending on the type of melanoma, its location, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. The prognosis is generally better if melanomas are caught early and treated appropriately.

Cutaneous melanomas on the skin are typically benign, so surgery to remove the mass may be curative.

Oral melanomas are generally more aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body, so treatment should be started as soon as possible.

Uveal melanomas in dogs may not show any signs until the tumor is quite large, making them difficult to treat. However, most uveal melanomas are benign in the dog, so the prognosis is good.

In conclusion, melanoma is a type of tumor that can occur in dogs and can affect the skin (cutaneous melanoma), oral cavity (gums or tongue), and the eye (uveal melanoma). It is important to seek veterinary care if your dog shows any signs of melanoma. Depending on the type and location of melanoma, surgery may be recommended to remove the mass. The outcome and prognosis for dogs with melanoma depend on the type of melanoma, where it is located, and if it has spread to other areas. Early detection and treatment can improve the prognosis of melanoma in dogs. If you have any questions or are concerned about the melanoma affecting your dog, please reach out to your veterinarian.