What are the Typical Causes of Benign Tumors in Dogs?

A common illness in dogs is a cancerous tumor that can affect various parts of a dog’s body. Subcutis is a very common type of cancer, which refers to cancers of the skin and tissues beneath the skin. A tumor is an uncontrolled cell growth that has no use. It can either be malignant (cancerous) or benign (harmless) and identifying them requires the assistance of a veterinary doctor.

Tumors in dogs come in a wide range of sizes, from huge bodily growths to little bumps on the skin. Benign growths may be left alone unless they are large and interfere with your dog’s normal behavior, such as how the dog sits or walks. These growths are most common in obese or elderly dogs, but they may appear as little bumps or lumps on any animal’s skin, as hairless discolored patches, or as a growth on the body.

A benign tumor is not a malignant tumor. In most cases, benign tumors have a very good prognosis. However, there are times when benign tumors can be dangerous if they press on vital structures, such as blood vessels or nerves. As a result, they require treatment at times and not at others.

Basic Types of Benign Tumors in Dogs

• Basal cell tumors form in your dog’s skin’s top layer (the epidermis)
• Lipomas, also known as fatty tumors or growths, are firm, movable, and painless growths that occur in the subcutaneous tissue.
• Melanoma, which is a darkly pigmented skin growth on your dog’s head or forelimbs, is much more frequently diagnosed as benign.
• Sweat gland tumors appear on the head and neck, with one or more cysts forming in the skin’s upper layer around the hair follicles.

Signs that a Dog has Benign Tumors

• Unusual bumps or lumps on your dog’s body or in the basal layer are the most common symptoms.
• Benign tumors rarely harm your dog unless they are huge or growing in a region that interferes with its daily activities, such as between the dog’s legs or on a paw affecting the walking motion.
• Some tumors are hairless or have a button-like form.
• If the growth gets bigger, your pet may show signs of discomfort as a result of it.
• You might notice your dog being concerned about a particular location, which will direct your awareness to any new growth.

Common Causes of Benign Tumors in Dogs

What causes the formation of a benign tumor? The root cause is frequently unknown. However, the development of a benign tumor may be linked to:

• Diet
• Stress
• Infection or inflammation
• Local abrasion or injury
• Melanoma is highly common among working dogs and those with pale or fine fur who are often exposed to the sun.
• Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, Standard and Miniature Schnauzers, and are among the dog breeds that are more susceptible to tumor formation.
• Viruses have been identified as a cause of tumor development, though research is still unsure of the specific process by which this occurs.
• Genetic factors and hormonal irregularities are also reported to play a role, with some dogs being more susceptible to tumors than others.
• Hormonal stimulation can be produced by specific medicines or by pregnancy that causes strong activity and hormonal imbalance.

How to Treat Benign Tumors in Dogs

Benign tumors, in most cases, do not require treatment. Doctors may simply use “watchful waiting” to ensure that they do not cause any issues. However, if symptoms persist, treatment may be necessary.

For benign tumors, removal with surgery is a common treatment option. The goal is to remove the tumor while causing no harm to the surrounding tissues. Medication or radiation therapy may also be used as treatments in some circumstances, but that will be determined after testing and consultation with you about your goals for your dog.

Dr. Ron’s Animal Hospital is Here for You

For over 19 years, Dr. Ron’s Animal Hospital and Emergency has provided exceptional health care services to animals in Simi Valley, Moorfields, Thousand Oaks, Chatsworth, and all the communities in Ventura County. We know how much you love your animal companion and want to be a part of their healthy lives. Contact us today to get your dog tested and treated for any lumps or bumps. We look forward to helping you give your pet their best life!

posted on July 1, 2022 at 9:05 pm by Doctor Ron