Squamous cell carcinomas in dogs are usually malignant tumors found on the dog's skin or mouth. Treatment for squamous cell carcinoma in a dog must be aggressive and fast in order to have any hope of stopping the cancer from spreading throughout the body. There are still a lot we do not know about canine squamous cell carcinomas, but veterinarians often know how to successfully treat it.
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Diagnosis
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Squamous cell tumors can differ in appearance, depending on what type it is. But any strange lump over one inch in diameter or appears to be growing quickly should be inspected by a vet as soon as possible. In order to determine what type of tumor the growth is, biopsies are done. X-rays and CAT scans may be performed to see how deeply the tumor is embedded in the dog. According to the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, more than one test is usually done because squamous cell carcinomas can often closely resemble papillomas.
Surgery
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According to Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Manual (Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, et al; 2007), complete surgical removal is the treatment of choice for canine squamous cell carcinomas. The surgery has to be done as soon as possible because the cancer could soon spread to inoperable parts of the body.
Amputation
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Squamous cell carcinomas can deeply lodge themselves in areas such as the surface of a testicle, a toe or part of the jawbone. In order to be sure all of the cancerous tissues are removed, The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends that the veterinarian amputate or remove parts of the dog, such as a testicle, toe or part of a jawbone.
Radiation
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If the canine squamous cell carcinoma cannot be operated on, the vet may try to shrink it to a size where it can be operated on, or at least reduce its chance of spreading to other parts of the body. Radiation therapy is used, sometimes in combination with chemotherapy drugs, in order to shrink the tumors. Radiation treatments after surgery may also be needed if there is any chance the cancer may have spread.
Recovery Rate
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Squamous cell carcinomas have a tendency to appear on dogs older than 6 years old. This may cut down on a dog's life expectancy after surgery. According to ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs (Sheldon L. Gerstenfeld, VMD; 1999), the average length of time a dog lives after squamous cell carcinoma surgery is from 4-10 months. But without treatment, the dog has only 1-3 months left to live.
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