Cancer can affect dogs of any age, gender, size or breed. There are several different types of cancer that can affect the toes of a canine, including both osteosarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Digital squamous cell carcinoma refers to cancer that has occurred in the tissue or skin of the toes. Meanwhile, osteosarcoma refers to a cancer that has occurred in the bones of the dog--in this case, in the toes.
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Causes
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Unfortunately, there is no known cause of canine cancer that specifically affects the toes. Cancer of the toe could be due to repeated injury of the toe or environmental factors, such as pesticides or herbicides used on grass. However, this is only speculation and there is currently no way to confirm what caused the cancer.
Symptoms
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No matter what type of cancer is affecting the dog's toe, due to the location, many of the symptoms are similar. The affected dog may display swelling of the foot as a whole or of just a single toe. There may be a solid, palpable mass that can be felt or seen either on or beneath the skin. This mass may also bleed or ooze. In some dogs, there may be a broken nail or an unusual sore. Many dogs may also have difficulty walking, meaning they may limp or simply refuse to walk or put any weight on the affected foot.
Diagnosis
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At the veterinarian's office, the affected dog will undergo several different tests to confirm the presence of cancer and determine what type of cancer has occurred. This includes blood tests, a biopsy of the affected tissue or bone, a biopsy of lymph node fluid to determine if the cancer has spread and a biochemistry panel. If osteosarcoma is suspected, the dog should also receive X-rays to determine the size and severity of the tumor and search for metastasis in other areas of the body, such as in the lungs.
Treatment
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Depending on the severity of the cancer, there are a few options. Since these types of cancer often only affect a single toe, the treatment of choice is usually to amputate the affected toe. However, if the cancer has spread into the limb, the entire limb may require amputation. Some dogs may require further treatment if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. Additional treatment options include chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Prognosis
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The prognosis for cancer of the toes in a dog will vary based on the severity of the cancer and whether spreading has occurred. The overall health of the dog will also be a factor in the dog's prognosis. For dogs who require only toe amputation, the prognosis is often very good. In the event that cancer has spread beyond the limb, the prognosis can vary greatly from good to extremely poor. However, cancers that have spread beyond the toe or the limb tend to be more aggressive and a more guarded prognosis is common.
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