In this blog, Mount Carmel Animal Hospital informs readers regarding histiocytoma in dogs and how it can be treated in detail.
If your dog has histiocytoma, no worries because it doesn’t threaten humans, animals that come into contact with your pet, or even the affected pet. Histiocytomas are non-cancerous, benign nodules. In this blog, Mount Carmel Animal Hospital informs readers regarding histiocytoma in dogs and how it can be treated in detail.
What is Histiocytoma in Dogs?
A histiocytoma is a prevalent benign skin tumor that typically goes away on its own after 3 months. It is usually found in canines less than 2 years of age, but older dogs can also develop one. Breeds susceptible to histiocytomas include Boxers, Labrador Retrievers, English Bulldogs, Greyhounds, Boston Terriers, and Dachshunds.
Clinical Symptoms
Histiocytoma in dogs may look like:
- Raw, itchy, irritated surface
- Fast growing in the first couple of weeks, typically solitary
- Prevalent sites include the head, limbs, and ear edges
- Small, pink, firm, or button-shaped skin masses
Since other health conditions may look the same, receiving the correct diagnosis is critical to confirm that it’s a benign histiocytoma. Other possibilities include ringworm and different tumor types, such as melanomas and mast cell tumors.
Diagnosis of Histiocytoma in Canines
It is imperative to get an accurate diagnosis because other possibilities can be more severe cancers. Options for diagnosis include:
- Your veterinarian will use a fine needle aspirate to extract and evaluate some cells with the microscope. This can give your vet an ideal indication that a lump is a histiocytoma, but it’s not a definitive diagnosis.
- Surgical removal of the mass and histopathology should provide a definitive diagnosis and will potentially be curative.
Treatment
Histiocytomas typically resolve on their own, but can be irritating to your pet while they are present. A steroid cream can keep the lump from bothering your pet, speeding up resolution. The quickest way to treat a histiocytoma in dogs is by removal. To have the best chance of the mass not returning, the surgeon will need to remove surrounding tissue. This leads to an incision that is typically larger than expected. In addition, surgical removal may occur because of:
- Rapid growth that occurs after one month
- A change in size, shape, or character
- Ulceration, secondary infection, and bleeding that cannot be controlled
Keep your canine from licking, scratching, or biting the lump or surgical site for after-care. An ulcerated area should be kept clean. After surgery, make sure the incision site is clean and dry to prevent your pet from licking, rubbing, scratching, or biting.
HERE AT MOUNT CARMEL ANIMAL HOSPITAL, WE’LL TREAT YOUR PETS LIKE FAMILY!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook.