Skin Cancer in Standard Poodles

Poodles have been a popular breed for many years due to their intelligence, ease in training, and soft coat, which rarely sheds. Standard poodles are shown in many dog shows around the world, praised for their grooming and energy. Poodle owners have to be very careful to watch for certain health problems in their dogs, such as types of skin cancer.

  1. Melanoma

    • Melanoma occurs mostly in dogs with darkly pigmented skin because it comes from melanocytes, the cells that cause visible pigment in the skin. Malignant melanomas can metastasize to any other part of the body, including the lymph nodes and lungs. It is vital to catch melanoma early so the veterinarian can remove it before it has a chance to metastasize. This cancer is usually treated with surgery, but sometimes requires radiation therapy or immuno-therapy.

    Lymphoma

    • Lymphoma is one of the most common forms of cancer found on all dogs, but is particularly common in some breeds, such as poodles. Lymphoma affects the lymphoid system, including the liver, spleen and skin. Lymphoma usually appears as swollen glands under the skin. Symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite and difficulty breathing. Report any symptoms of lymphoma to your veterinarian right away.

    Squamous Cell Carcinoma

    • There are two major forms of squamous cell carcinoma; cutaneous and subungual. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma occurs in older dogs as a tumor on the skin, and usually found on the head, extremities, abdomen and perineum. Subungual squamous cell carcinoma manifests in small growths on the digits of dogs, usually on the hind feet. Both types of squamous cell carcinoma are particularly common in standard poodles, and both need immediate attention from a veterinarian.

    Basal Cell Tumors

    • Basal cell tumors develop in and affect the deeper layers of the animal's skin. Though these tumors are generally benign, surgical removal may be necessary to remove them so they do not grow and cause other problems for the dog. Basal cell tumors usually occur on the head and shoulders and in older dogs. Poodles are predisposed to basal tumors and exposure to sunlight increases the chances of their development.