Cutaneous Mucinosis Carcinoma in Dogs

Cutaneous mucinosis carcinoma in dogs is a type of skin cancer that typically forms on hairless, non-pigmented regions of the skin. This is a rare condition for most dog breeds, and is generally a secondary condition of another diagnosis, like hypothyroidism, lupus erythematosus or neoplasia.

  1. Symptoms

    • Bubbles or blisters on the dog' s skin are comprised of a thick, sticky fluid that will ooze when areas rupture. These are usually found on the chest, neck or upper legs. Toughening of the skin in these affected areas is also common.

    The Shar-pei

    • Cutaneous mucinosis is considered to be the result of unusually high hyaluronan levels in dogs. The condition is considered common to Shar-peis, as this particular breed has folds and pockets throughout the skin layer where hyaluronan can accumulate.

    Diagnosis

    • Dogs with areas that are chronically affected become prone to carcinoma over time. Biopsies of affected areas are typically conducted to determine the extent of the condition and what treatment is necessary.

    Treatment

    • Treatment varies depending upon the severity experienced by the individual dog, but usually begins with corticosteroid treatment. If biopsies reveal cancerous cells, the affected area may be surgically removed. In cases where the condition has spread, such as to the lymph nodes, chemotherapy and/or radiation may also be conducted.