Mast cell tumors are a common form of skin cancer in dogs. Peteducation.com reports that 20 percent of all skin tumors in canines are mast cell tumors. Because these tumors can be either benign or malignant, it's important to have a veterinarian examine the dog when a tumor is found. In addition to detecting the actual lump, there are other symptoms to indicate the presence of canine mast cell tumors.
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Tumor Location and Appearance
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Tumors can be located anywhere on the dog's body, although they frequently appear on the dog's trunk, legs and genitals. They appear as a round mass of tissue or as a lump or group of lumps.
Vomiting
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Petplace.com indicates that dogs with mast cell tumors may vomit. Caninecancer.com reports he may also lose his appetite.
Abdominal Pain
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Caninecancer.com indicates that abdominal pain and tenderness is a likely symptom of mast cell tumors.
Blood Abnormalities
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You may detect blood in the dog's stool. The blood is a sign of bleeding in the upper intestinal tract, which is a sign of a more aggressive cancer. Peteducation.com states that duodenal ulcers (sores) may also be in the dog's intestines or stomach lining that also can cause blood in the stool. In addition, peteducation.com also says dogs with mast cells tumors may develop blood clots.
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