Who doesn’t love dog kisses? So, if your primary care veterinarian suspects cancer in your pup’s mouth, consider an immediate consultation with an oncology specialist.
One type of oral cancer common in dogs is melanoma, which can exist in the skin in the mouth, as well as other parts of the body. Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Cocker Spaniels, and Poodles tend to get melanoma more often than other breeds.
Melanoma inside of the mouth can be aggressive. Without treatment, survival times may be limited because eating becomes difficult. Staging tests are recommended as step one in managing melanoma. These tests often include chest radiographs, aspirates of the draining lymph nodes, bloodwork, and an abdominal ultrasound.
Obtaining a sample of the cells in the lymph node is critical in order to determine if the cancer has spread. While melanoma cannot be detected in the blood, bloodwork may be recommended to ensure that the dog has adequate red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets and to ensure the liver and kidneys are functioning properly. Melanoma does not tend to spread to the abdomen; however, an abdominal ultrasound may be recommended to ensure there is no evidence of disease in that area of the body.
When treating oral melanoma, surgery is most often recommended. Radiation can also be used to address local disease, particularly in cases where complete surgical margins cannot be obtained. Another common form of treatment is a melanoma vaccine, which is a form of immunotherapy that relies on the dog’s immune system to fight cancer cells.
Melanoma generally does not respond well to traditional chemotherapy; however, there are some protocols that have shown efficacy. A board-certified oncologist can help determine the best treatment options.
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of cancer in the mouth of dogs. It is often divided into two categories: tonsilar and non-tonsilar. Non-tonsilar SCC affects anywhere in the mouth except for the tonsils and base of the tongue. Dogs ages 8-10 years tend to develop this cancer, although it has also been found in younger dogs as well.
Staging tests are recommended for this type of cancer as well, particularly to determine if the disease has spread. Lung radiographs may also be recommended due to the potential of the cancer spreading to the lungs. The metastatic rate is between 5-29%, depending on the size and location of the mass. Tumors at the front of the mouth are less likely to spread.
Again, surgery is usually the first line of defense with this type of cancer and most dogs tolerate the surgery well. If surgery is not possible, radiation therapy may be an option.
In cases where there is evidence that the disease has spread, chemotherapy has been found to help slow the disease progression; however, these types of tumors often do not respond well to chemotherapy. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) can also be used to reduce inflammation caused by the tumors and help manage pain and discomfort. Studies have shown that NSAIDs combined with chemotherapy can increase survival times.
With treatment, most dogs have a great quality of life for one to three years, depending on the tumor location and if the disease has spread. Multimodal therapy, including both surgery and radiation to remove visible disease and kill any remaining microscopic cancer cells, gives the best outcome.
Please consult with both your primary care veterinarian and a qualified oncologist to determine the best plan for your dog.
