This month is celebrated Orange December, a national awareness campaign on the prevention and early diagnosis of skin cancer, the most common type of tumor in Brazil. Like other human illnesses, this is another condition that can also affect pets – and many owners are unaware of it.
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With this in mind, dog and cat owners should take preventative measures and pay attention to the signs. Fernando Resende, professor of veterinary medicine, explains that certain animals may be more predisposed. “Light hair, depigmented skin and short hair are at greater risk of developing skin tumors.”
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Additionally, in dogs, the disease is more common in breeds such as bull terriers, pit bulls, Dalmatians, boxers and whippets, as well as light and short-haired mixes. As for cats, white animals or those with large areas of white fur, especially on the head and ears, are more sensitive.
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Pay attention to the signs
However, Fernando warns that any pet can develop skin neoplasms, even if they do not exhibit risk characteristics. “Therefore, any persistent injuries should be evaluated by a veterinarian.”
Be suspicious when you notice these signs:
- Sores or scabs that persist for weeks without completely healing;
- Areas of red or rough skin that peel easily;
- Nodules or bumps on the skin, firm or ulcerated, that bleed easily;
- Change in color in depigmented areas of the skin (for example, muzzle region, eyelids and tips of ears);
- Lesions in areas heavily exposed to the sun, such as the nose, ears and abdomen, in animals with short or poorly pigmented hair;
- In more advanced stages: local pain, discomfort to the touch, itching, recurrent bleeding, unpleasant odor, apathy, weight loss and decreased appetite.
He also mentions that clinical signs are similar in dogs and cats, but the pattern may vary slightly between species. In cats, it is more common for it to appear in depigmented and sparsely haired areas, mainly on the nose, eyelids and tips of the ears.
“It often starts with a small sore or scab that the tutor interprets as a scratch or simple dermatitis, but which gradually enlarges, ulcerates and invades deeper tissues,” warns the professor from Centro Universitário Uniceplac.
Sometimes the disease begins to manifest itself as small lesions
In dogs, in addition to these lesions, tumors can occur in the abdominal region, flanks, perineum and extremities. “Other relatively common skin neoplasms in dogs are mast cell tumors and cutaneous melanomas, which can also be influenced by genetic and environmental factors.”
It all starts with prevention
To prevent pets from being affected by skin cancer, he specifies that prevention requires above all controlling exposure to the sun and early detection.
Check out some guidelines:
- Avoid exposure to the sun during hours of highest radiation intensity (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.);
- For animals with light skin or depigmented areas, it is recommended to use specific sunscreens for veterinary use;
- Always provide shade and shelter, especially in backyards, patios or uncovered areas;
- Keep ectoparasites under control, treat dermatitis and allergies to avoid inflammation, which can predispose to cellular changes;
- Avoid indiscriminate use of chemicals, ointments or irritating solutions without professional advice;
- Take the animal regularly to the veterinarian, who will carry out a complete clinical examination;
- At home, periodically examine the pet’s skin by removing hair to look for nodules, sores, scabs, areas of thick skin, or different colors.
“In general, the earlier the tumor is identified, the greater the likelihood of cure and the less impact it has on the animal’s quality of life. Small, well-defined lesions treated early tend to have a very favorable prognosis,” he reports.
There is a treatment
The specialist specifies that the treatment depends on the type of tumor, its location, the stage of the disease and the general condition of the animal. “Surgery is the choice for most skin tumors, especially when identified at an early stage. Removal greatly increases the chance of local cure. In many cases, surgery alone is sufficient.”
Surgery is often the main treatment
Chemotherapy, intravenous or oral, can be used as post-operative or palliative treatment, particularly in cases of aggressive cancer. “Radiation therapy, when available, is an important tool, particularly in areas where significant surgical removal is difficult.”
“Whatever modality is chosen, the principle is always to individualize the protocol, balancing effectiveness, pain control, quality of life and family expectations. Periodic monitoring is essential to monitor relapses and possible adverse effects,” he advises.
Fernando also mentions that some centers use other complementary therapies. “Techniques such as electrochemotherapy, targeted therapies, depending on the type of tumor, and immunomodulation,” he illustrates.
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