At two years of age, Sasha developed a flesh-colored bump on her hind leg that was less than an inch in diameter. Unless you groomed her, you wouldn’t notice it at all. In only a month or two, the lump grew to four times its original size and was firm to the touch. Despite her lack of interest in the tumor and her normal demeanor, I was concerned about how quickly it grew and its solid consistency.

At this stage, a biopsy of the lump was performed by the vet, and she was diagnosed with mast cell cancer.

Cancer is a horrible disease that can easily go unnoticed before it starts to spread and cause uncomfortable symptoms for pets. Not all lumps and bumps are round, hard growths, either. Some can appear as a fluid-filled swelling, while others look like a harmless wart on the skin.

When you know what to look for, along with the assistance of your vet, it can help you decide on the best course of action before you’re left with limited options for treatment.

Nobody wants to hear that their pet could possibly have cancer, but the sooner you get a diagnosis of a suspicious-looking lump or bump, the earlier treatment can begin.

What Causes Cancer in Dogs and Cats?

There is no single answer as to what causes cancer in dogs. Unfortunately, we can’t pinpoint why certain breeds are more susceptible to cancer than others; however, it is most common in cats and dogs over 10 years old.

Research into the causes of cancer in pets is ongoing, but it is believed to have a strong genetic component because certain breeds tend to suffer from cancer more than others. Some holistic vets assume that kibble diets that are high in carbs, low in quality proteins, and contain chemical preservatives could contribute to a rising number of cases of tumors and bone cancer in pets.

What Does a Cancerous Tumor Look Like?

It is important to pay attention to any lumps or warts that appear on your dog’s skin, but before you panic about finding a bump, not all growths are cancerous. To give your pooch the best chance, careful monitoring of a lump and a visit to the vet can assist in early detection and treatment. It can also put your mind at ease as to whether the lump is cancerous and requires further investigation.

The following signs should be investigated by your vet:

• The Mass Changes in Shape, Appearance, or Size

Any lump, wart, or skin tag that changes in shape or size must be examined by your vet.

• The Mass Changes in Consistency

A lump that turns from hard and smooth to soft and swollen requires veterinary attention.

• The Skin Surrounding the Mass is Abnormal

Certain growths can become surrounded by inflamed skin, the formation of fine pimples (around the mass), or fluid-filled pustules. If the mass develops into a raw spot and doesn’t heal, it could reveal cancer or an infection. It is best to speak to your vet if you notice any of these changes.

• Pets Become Preoccupied with the Mass

If your dog constantly licks and chews at the growth or rubs the area against objects for relief, pay attention to it. Licking and chewing can also cause so much irritation that wounds form or the skin appears pink, raw, or scabbed.

Changes in the Tumor Over 3 Months

The images below show the changes in the size and appearance of the mast cell tumor in the hind leg over 3 months:

Checking for Cancerous Lumps

The best step you can take is to check your dog’s skin by running your hands along their neck, legs, stomach, and back. You can also check the inside of the ears and skin folds under the front and back legs. When you feel a pimple or bump, watch it. If it changes in color, shape, or size, get it examined by your local vet.

Taking your dog to the vet for their scheduled vaccinations and checks should also include the veterinarian scanning their body for unusual lumps and changes in the skin or hair.

A Word of Advice

If you are concerned about a lump or mass on your dog, you can ask your vet to perform a needle aspirate. It is a quick technique that is completed during a regular appointment (depending on your pet’s personality and comfort) and involves the collection of cells examined under a microscope to detect abnormalities.

A biopsy is a more invasive procedure and is usually recommended by vets for large growths. During a biopsy, pets will be placed under sedation or general anesthesia, and a piece of the lump will be removed for further testing.

Trust your gut…

If you feel that a lump, wart, or skin change is cause for concern, then speak to your vet about investigating the area. Even if the results come back as benign, you’ll have peace of mind that the tumor is not cancerous. The purpose of these checks is early detection and possibly preventing the spread of cancer. There are some cancerous tumors in dogs that can be successfully excised, in which the cancerous tissue surrounding the mass is surgically removed. Placing them on a good diet with a fair amount of exercise thereafter can go a long way to preventing their recurrence.

Remember that not all cancers and cancerous tumors are visible on the skin. In Sasha’s case, the tumor on her hind leg had been growing deep within the tissues and only became visible once it reached a considerable size, but by this stage, it couldn’t be removed.

When a tumor cannot be removed or the prognosis is poor, there are alternatives to surgery and invasive treatment. These alternatives include the dog cancer diet, turkey tail mushrooms, and THC to offer relief and slow the progression of cancer.