Canine Melanoma is a skin cancer found on dogs most often in the mouth, around the eyes, or in the area of the toes. While melanoma tumors found on other areas of the skin are usually benign melanoma found in the mentioned areas are most often malignant, meaning they can spread to other areas, and internal organs of the body, through the blood and lymphatic system and is usually fatal.

Many experts feel that many dogs are hereditarily predisposed to canine melanoma so knowing your dog’s breeding history can be of help in catching the disease early. Color may also be a factor in predisposition to canine melanoma and darker skinned animals appear to have a higher rate of occurrence as do certain breeds of dogs. Canine melanoma appears most often in dogs over the age of 9, but can occur at any age.

Symptoms of Canine Melanoma

Some of the symptoms of possible canine melanoma are not as obvious as the typical irregular or odd colored lesion. Things to look for include: unusually bad breath, bleeding of the mouth or gums, loose teeth, poor appetite, excessive drooling, coughing or trouble swallowing, and noticeable weight loss.

While many of the above symptoms are not solely relegated to the signs of canine melanoma they should never be ignored. If you notice a tell-tale tumor regardless of size, or any of the above symptoms a quick trip to the veterinarian is in order as the sooner you begin treatment the more likely you are to be able to stop the spread of the cancer. Your vet will usually perform a routine examination as well as several other tests including blood work, an x-ray, and in the case of a noticeable tumor, a biopsy.

Treatment for Canine Melanoma

Unfortunately the outlook for canines suffering from canine melanomas the outlook is not good. Tumors found in the oral region are most often fatal, but in some instances prompt treatment for canine melanoma to keep the cancer from spreading and can save their lives. At the very least the efforts to treat canine melanoma can prolong their life with you.

The treatment for canine melanoma is the typical cancer treatment for any type of tumor such as chemotherapy, and radiation to surgery to remove the original tumor(s). While these are expensive many pet owners feel them well worth the effort and expense in order to keep their beloved pets with them as long as possible.

New Hope on the Horizon for Canine Melanoma

There is a new vaccine being developed and tested called the Canine Melanoma Vaccine DNA . This product has been granted a license for testing in animals with stage II and III melanomas and is providing the veterinary health community with great hope for the prevention and cure of the disease in the near future.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

To learn more about canine melanoma, please visit Melanoma Treatment Online for current articles and discussions.

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