Archive
Leiomyomas in Dogs and Cats
Leiomyomas are benign smooth-muscle tumors that can arise wherever smooth muscle exists, such as the uterus, stomach, intestine, and blood-vessel walls. Dogs are affected more often than cats. Surgical removal is the usual treatment, and follow-up care prevents spread.
Myomas (Rhabdomyomas and Leiomyomas) in Dogs and Cats
Myomas are muscle tumors that include rhabdomyomas and leiomyomas and may be benign or malignant. In dogs the malignant rhabdomyosarcoma is most often seen, with an unclear cause that may be hereditary. They can occur in any muscle-containing organ and are hard to remove once invasive.
Cutaneous Fibromas in Dogs and Cats
Cutaneous fibromas are benign tumors that arise spontaneously or after injury and can occur anywhere on the skin of dogs and cats. They are well-defined, hairless, and rarely ulcerate, and small ones may need no treatment. Surgical removal cures most cases.
Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs and Cats
Cutaneous mast cell tumors can appear anywhere on the skin or internal organs, most often on the hind legs, perineum, and prepuce. They vary from slow soft lumps to fast hard nodules and may ulcerate. Surgical removal of well-defined tumors is the main treatment.
Fibrosarcomas in Dogs and Cats
Fibrosarcoma is a malignant tumor of fibrous tissue and the second most common mouth tumor in dogs. About 60 percent arise in the skull bones and 30 percent in the long bones. It is firm, invasive, and bleeds easily when sampled. Surgery is the main treatment.
Papillomas in Dogs and Cats
Papillomas are benign tumors of the skin's outer layer, among the most common epidermal tumors of dogs and rare in cats. They appear as cauliflower-like, often stalked warts that can bleed when injured. Many regress on their own, while others are removed surgically.
Melanomas in Dogs and Cats
Melanomas are pigmented tumors that may be benign or malignant, often in dark-skinned dogs such as Cocker Spaniels and Scottish Terriers. They favor the mouth, eyes, rectum, and perineum, with mucosal sites most at risk. Wide removal is used, but malignant forms carry a poor outlook.
Perianal Adenomas in Dogs
Perianal adenomas are modified sebaceous tumors that occur almost only in dogs, more often around the anus of male dogs. They are usually multiple, raised, and benign, though females can show malignant forms. Surgery or freezing removes them, and castration helps.
Lipomas and Liposarcomas in Dogs and Cats
Lipomas are common, usually benign fatty tumors made of fat cells that grow slowly under the skin and rarely cause problems. Liposarcomas are the malignant form and can invade and break down. Solid lipomas are removed surgically, with weight control helping recovery.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Dogs and Cats
Squamous cell carcinoma is a skin tumor of the epidermal layer linked to long-term sun exposure and other skin irritation. It is the second most common skin tumor in cats and favors the head, ears, lips, and nose. Wide surgical removal is the main treatment, though it often recurs.