Mast Cell Tumors in the DOG. What to do Next with Dr. Dan.

Hey Everyone!

My name is Dan, and I am a veterinarian. Today I am talking about Mast Cell Tumors. Always consult with your veterinarian regarding your pet's medical care.

A mast cell tumor (MCT) is a type of cancer that originates from mast cells, which are normal cells found in various tissues of the body, including the skin. Dogs are prone to developing mast cell tumors, and they can occur in any breed or age.

Mast cell tumors can vary in appearance, from small, raised bumps to larger masses beneath the skin. They may be solitary or multiple, and their texture can range from soft to firm. Mast cell tumors can be found anywhere on a dog's body, but they are most commonly seen on the trunk, limbs, and head.

The diagnosis of a mast cell tumor is typically made through a fine needle aspirate or a biopsy, where a small sample of the tumor is collected and examined by a veterinary pathologist. The grade of the tumor is determined based on its appearance under a microscope, ranging from low-grade (less aggressive) to high-grade (more aggressive).

Treatment options for mast cell tumors depend on various factors, including the grade of the tumor, its location, and the overall health of the dog. Surgical removal is often the primary treatment for MCTs, with the goal of completely removing the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue. In some cases, additional treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be recommended to target any remaining cancer cells or to address metastasis if it has occurred.

The prognosis for dogs with mast cell tumors can vary widely depending on the grade and stage of the tumor, as well as the effectiveness of the chosen treatment. Low-grade tumors generally have a better prognosis, while high-grade tumors may be more challenging to treat. It's important to work closely with a veterinarian to develop an appropriate treatment plan and to monitor the dog for any signs of recurrence or metastasis.

Regular check-ups and monitoring are crucial after the initial treatment, as mast cell tumors have the potential to recur. It's important to report any new lumps or changes in your dog's health to your veterinarian promptly.

Disclaimer: Always consult with your veterinarian regarding your pet's care. This video should not be used to diagnosis or treat your pets.

[bryanrocker]

Mast cell tumor surgery is a very mixed bag. I had to put down rat terrier because the mast cell cancer moved to her glands under her jaw and she could not eat any more. The recommended surgery was almost $2000. We decided her enjoyment and love of life running and playing was more important. We managed it with OTC stuff along with a compound of tumeric and coconut oil. She lived 4 more years. I have a jack russel who was the same age as her has had a fast growing tumor on his chest pop up. Again he is 12 years old and quality of life for him goes against spending thousands of dollars.

My biggest issue is what is causing them. Both my poochese were born in different states but at the same food. I am really starting to think bagged dog food and flea products are killing our dogs early.

[RM-hyso]

My beloved Bullmastiff has had mast cell tumor on his toe and it was growing really fast. We consulted with a surgeon and an oncologist and removed it surgically with excellent margins. Unfortunately subsequent biopsy graded it as agressive. But there was no metastasis detected as yet.

Prognosis by the oncologist was 4 months without chemotherapy and 9 months after chemotherapy (5 months of chemotherapy included). Which means that my dog would be sick for 5 of the 9 months. So no benefits. So we opted not to do chemotherapy as it looked like it was caught and removed with a clean margins

Unfortunately 2 months later he has 5 tumors on the same leg as well as near his groin, it seems to have sprouted in just a day. I took him to the emergency oncologist and they suggested aggressive chemo or palliative treatment.

We choose palliative treatment steroids plus Benadryl/Pepsid treatment as his cancer is much too agressive to make an difference

Needless to say we are devastated and have been for 2 months. My wife and I both have research experience in oncology so we unfortunately know how sick one can get with chemotherapy. It’s not worth the suffering if the cancer is so agressive to begin with.

We are trying to keep him happy and manage his comfort even with the prednisone/Benadryl/pepsid regimen.


It’s a comfort to know that you are disseminating information on what to expect for dog guardians in similar situations.

We grateful for his presence every minute, hour and day we have with him.
Beaches, short walks, treats, and lots of love…..

[madmarkstoys]

my vet got over a $1, 000 out of me my poor dog he needs help I don't know what to do I haven't left this side for a month I've been doing everything to keep him eating

[pambushnell]

Dr Dan Aunt Pam really likes your hair cut 😊very stylish!

[PatriciaG.]

My dog was just diagnosed with MCT.. The vet said it's aggressive 😢. My dog had surgery to remove the unknown mass at the time two weeks ago. It was sent off the following day to get tested. It was a little bigger than a galf ball. It wasn't there on a Thursday, but it was there the next following day. I waited two days, thinking she was bit by a snake or something. The swelling didn’t go down. The options that the vet gave us are surgery for every tumor that pops up and steroids or chemotherapy. The tumor that was taking off my dogs leg was not completely recovered. The vet said the only way was for the leg to be removed. The tumor was deep in the muscle and attacked to the skin. She says it's really rare for a tumor to grow so fast. My dog is a 9 year old Australian Shepherd mix. She weighs 55 pounds. Can you give me advice on this and a proper diet my pour Miko should be on?? This question goes out to anyone who has been through this. Your thoughts and information would be much appreciated. ❤

[elenivlahos]

Had a huge mast cell tumor removed with clean margins low grade. Multiple tumors appeared 4 months later and much more aggressive. Went to a holistic doctor and she confirmed my thoughts that surgery produces stress and immune response in the body which is horrible for this specific cancer since it grows when there is a histamine response. I think the surgery made this come back more aggressive and spread more quickly. I am trying to do a more holistic approach this time and changed her diet to raw food only. It is expensive but I have already seen a change in her energy levels and her coat and eyes are brighter. Tumor is not gone and is still ulcerated but it has only been three weeks. At this point it would be thousands of dollars for surgery and chemo and we don't know if this will come back again even more aggressive, it is just not worth it to put her through that with no guarantee that it won't come back worst than before.

[gurjotsingh]

My younger dog died two weeks ago suddenly, mine older one is now near her end, dying from mct on abdominal area. 10 years and so much…😞 it’s ending..!

[KINGOFCAPCUTANDEDITS]

My dog was spayed for a long time. I notice a lump in her nipple took her to the vet. Next thing surgery to remove and biopsy mass. Just two day after 8 days after surgery. It came back as breast cancer stage 3 supposedly aggressive!! I have been crying for two straight day. She is 9 years old, 8 pds yorkie mix & get her teeth clean ever 6 mths. I feed her rice and chicken or farm fresh food or royal Caine nothing with corn.. Is there a way of healing naturally. My mom died from pancreatic cancer and then went on remission for a whole year. I know how hash chemo was on her weak body. 1 year later it spread like wild fire. Please any advice?

[mamatocb]

This is so helpful - thanks! My dog was just diagnosed with a mast cell tumor

[gurjotsingh]

My dog's mast cell tumor has regrown again after third surgery, now it's bleeding and spreading like fire. Please help

[Izpen]

After removal our dogs tumor came back even bigger in 9 months. I’m now looking for other treatments

[ericamorgan]

My dog has them open and all over her and they bleed it's painful to see her that way, I had one removed from her lip it was huge and after that my vet said let her live next few yrs best as possible they can't put her under again or remove anymore so Ive been wrapping and washing them it's unbelievably bad I really could use your advice asap please she's like my child 😢

[HaBeatByAGirl]

My 3 month old puppy had a mast cell he has had it removed but hes now 11 months old had hes got a new lump on his face hes got the vets next week so really hoping its not another mast cell as its so close to his nose i dont ghink surgery will be a option

[BrendaThompson-fg]

My dog has a mast put run and asking soda on it and it has shrunk but it is draining need help