--- title: "Melanoma in Dogs" id: "125289" type: "post" slug: "melanoma-in-dogs" published_at: "2023-07-25T13:00:00+00:00" modified_at: "2026-02-28T18:30:46+00:00" url: "https://petlandoklahoma.com/2023/07/25/melanoma-in-dogs/" markdown_url: "https://petlandoklahoma.com/2023/07/25/melanoma-in-dogs.md" excerpt: "Many of the cancers that affect humans can also affect their dogs. Our pups can develop tumors internally or can develop them on their skin and in their mouths. One such cancer, Melanoma, can occur on the skin or inside..." taxonomy_category: - "Petland" --- [Home](https://petlandoklahoma.com/) / [Blog](https://petlandoklahoma.com/blog/) / [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) / **Melanoma in Dogs** [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) # Melanoma in Dogs July 25, 2023 · 4 min read · [cosmick](https://petlandoklahoma.com/author/cosmick/) [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandoklahoma.com) Many of the cancers that affect humans can also affect their dogs. Our pups can develop tumors internally or can develop them on their skin and in their mouths. One such cancer, Melanoma, can occur on the skin or inside of your dog’s mouth. While the skin version of Melanoma can be relatively benign, the oral form is much more serious. ## **What is Melanoma in dogs?** Cells called [melanocytes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melanocyte) are designed to produce pigment colors of the skin. As diseased melanocytes grow, they form tumors. This is caused by a combination of environmental and hereditary factors. Skin that is overexposed to sunlight has an increased risk of developing Melanoma. Certain breeds, like Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Chow Chows, and Schnauzers, have a higher risk of developing melanomas. Oral Melanoma is the most common type of malignant tumor that can develop inside your dog’s mouth. It can appear pigmented or can have a non-pigmented appearance, which is referred to as amelanotic Melanoma. What makes it so serious is that it is capable of invading underlying bone and spreading to other parts of the body. This can lead to facial swelling and eventually make it difficult and painful for your dog to chew. **Medical Diagnosis** For those of us that have dogs who allow us to brush their teeth, this is a good time to check the inside of his mouth. At times it can look like a round tumor or just extra tissue growth coming from the gingiva or on the inside of the lips and cheeks. Tumors can also grow on the roof of your dog’s mouth or even under the tongue. Should you discover a new bump or lump inside your pup’s mouth, advise your veterinarian. If your pup experiences oral pain or bleeding from his mouth, this should be treated as a medical emergency. Enjoying this read? You'll love our puppies. Adorable, vet-checked pups looking for their forever homes — available now. [Meet our puppies](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/) A fine needle aspirate can be performed on the skin bumps by your veterinarian. This process involves the use of a needle and syringe to collect cell samples from the bump for further testing. This process generally requires sedation due to the sensitivity of the procedure. ## **Standard Medical Treatment** Biopsies can sometimes remove all the visible tumors, but with Melanoma, there is a good chance that microscopic portions of the disease are left behind. Further treatment will require additional surgery to remove the underlying disease. Procedures such as a CT scan will be able to provide even more detailed information. Should the tumor invade bone, then surgical procedures may need to include bone. For tumors that are inoperable, radiation therapy can help with treatment, especially with very small melanomas. ## **Road to Recovery** Dogs who go through surgery may need a special collar or cone to prevent scratching around their faces. Soft and moist foods or liquid diets are recommended for at least two weeks while the dog’s mouth heals. Dogs who need radiation therapy may appear tired and or have some nausea, but if the radiation is focused only on your dog’s mouth, the dog may show fewer negative signs from the treatment. Your dog will also require frequent follow-up visits with his veterinarian to monitor the condition. A repeat CT scan may also be suggested afterward to make sure that the cancer does not return. Dogs who are not provided with care may eventually stop eating due to the pain associated with this. This generally takes place between three and six months after the initial diagnosis, which is why it is important to seek early care, which is also more effective. General well visits at your veterinarian are also a good way to make sure your pup remains healthy and catches medical issues before they transition into a more complicated issue. 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Posted on Google Daniel Quill Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.I have been really unsure about what pet I should bring home as I’ve recently experienced a loss & didn’t know what kind of companion would support me best. A worker by the name of Terry listened to my concerns with compassion & grace. He matched me with the best fury friend I could have ever asked for. Great service!! Highly recommend!!! Posted on Google Tavian McMartin Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.My wife and i stopped in to look at puppies to expand our family, and we were met with a welcoming environment, and some of the friendliest staff weve had the privilege of meeting. They were very attentive, and helped us find our dream puppy! Shout out to Terry for treating us like long time friends, and for making it a smooth process. We wish we could give more than 5 stars! Posted on Google joseph Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Terry was a big help. Would recommend this store Posted on Google Tom Autry Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Terry was a big help and very knowledgeable. Will definitely be returning when I’m in the market for a new pet Posted on Google John Jones Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Staff was nice and animals were even better it was a nice experience in there Posted on Google DarkInsticts 2 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.I wanted to say it was my first time in petland because I just got a dog I couldn't have been more happy with all they had and the staff were so helpful in telling me what my dog is going to need and want so thank you Posted on Google Alex Johnzon Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.I went in the other day and was in awe of the animals they were all so pretty and taken care of. I was expecting it to smell and be loud like a pound, but the animals all were happy and I loved to interact with the animals Posted on Google Corbin Franks Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Awesome experience they took care of us the whole team was awesome and very friendly! Verified by Trustindex Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. [Read more](https://www.trustindex.io/?a=sys&c=wp-verified-badge&url=/the-trustindex-verified-badge/)