Boxer dog mast cell tumors and surgery

Mast Cells: their functions and role in a dog’s body

Mast cells exist in the skin and in other tissues of a dog’s body which are deemed credential for the immunity system to protect from the diseases. Mast cells tumours consist of several types of enzymes which work to break proteins and also work as defense shield against the harmful invaders to the body. They are discharged by the mast cells when given command by the immunity system. They are also known to perform functions for the composition of blood vessels.

Boxer dog mast cell tumors

What are mast cell tumours and its causes?

Mast cell tumours are the result of the complications and mess being generated by the enzymes which are found in the mast cells. It all happens when the mast cells become in so abundance and their number reaches to abnormality, ultimately they cause the appearance of a tumor on a dog’s body. Now these tumours are called as mast cell tumours and these can be benign (non-cancerous) and if they tend to expand, they can become malignant (cancerous) as well. In the beginning, the intensity is lower and the tumour size is smaller.

If they keep growing, they start to show the signs of becoming malignant. Mostly these cases are observed to be found under the skin clung with the inner layer of the skin. The most severe and dangerous formation of tumour carries the alarming menace of metastasis normally clutched into the subcutaneous tissues.

Mast cell tumours in Boxer dogs

Boxer dog breed is one of the most prone to the mast cell tumours which can be developed in all ages of a boxer dog. However the boxer dog aging between 8-10 years are mostly affected with the mast cell tumours. There is lot of research going on to determine the exact cause for the development of mast cell cancer in a boxer dog, however certain climatic and coincidental factors can play a key role in affecting a boxer dog with mast cell tumour.

It is also estimated that 20% of all skin related tumours are mast cell tumours in boxer dogs. Commonly observed symptoms of a mast cell tumour in a boxer dog include vomiting, intestinal infection, stomach ulcer and bleeding while excreting.

How to diagnose the mast cell tumour in Boxer dogs

A good vet always learns the ferocity of metastasis by staging the mast cell tumours. After obtaining the tussuse sample through fine needle aspiration or even in some cases biopsy is also done; a thorough examination is executed along with the observation of the areas of lymph nodes. If tumours are in numerous numbers, some tmours can be eradicated through surgery while some can be left for further observation.

Eradicating a tumour also requires extra care as during the surgery process, it can emit the nasty and malignant material in other body tissues and infect those as well. Sometimes after removal, the section where incision is done, the healing can become difficult.

It is also recommended that while eradicating the infected tumour, the adjacent infected tissues should also be discarded. For cancer outcome predictions in an infected boxer dog, prognosis is also done. The tumours which are existing on the legs area, prognosis is best, but if tumour lies on rest of the sensitive organs, prognosis can be seriously deadly.

Mast cell tumours in boxer dog and treatment through radiation or Chemotherapy

Sometimes it is not possible for a vet surgeon to execute the surgical removal of mast cell tumour then radiation can also be a viable option. The radiation therapy is deemed favorable which can eliminate the chances of reappearance of such tumours. Radiation is also advantageous in a case where there is no existence of several tumours on the body of a boxer dog.

When the mast cell tummours bcome large in numbers and they tend to spread around then vinblastine, lomustine or corticosteroids drugs can be additionally injected. Pointed and focused chemotherapy (Palladia and Kinavet) are also adopted to efficiently cure mast cell tumors in boxer dogs.

These are actually oral prescription medications particularly assigned to antidote grade II-III mast cell tumors. All this therapy and treatment is done under the strict supervision of a vet. With the latest development in dog medical science, adjuvant chemotherapy has proven really effective in a number of cases.

How to prevent mast cell tumours in Boxer dogs?

As it has been stated earlier, the exact reasons for the occurance of mast cell tumlirs in boxer dog are still not known. There is also a consideration; it could be inherited through genetic transfer and in some cases it can be a result of prevailing adverse environmental effects. As mast cell tumour is related to the outer and inner skin, it is always recommended, whenever you are taking your boxer dog outside the premises, some useful sun blockers should be used to safeguard the sensitive skin of your boxer.

Additionally, the healthy and balanced diet plays vital role in the maintenance of healthy lifestyle of your boxer dog. Home cooked food and the usage of recommended veggies and fruits in the food of your boxer dog can be extremely beneficial tactic to prevent your boxer dog from the harms of mast cell tumours.

Hygienic and clean drinking water is also a must to do arrangement in the diet plan for your boxer dog. Some boxer dog owners commit negligence by using tap water for drinking of their boxer dogs. It can be extremely dangerous. If regular purchasing of purified drinking water from market is not affordable, then the filter installation on the tap should be done on priority.

In the end, the most important thing is to keep a tight and keen eye on the health of your boxer dog. And if some kind of ailments is aroused or some alarming symptoms are felt, proper medical care and examination from the vet is advised. Cleanliness of the body of the boxer dog and also of the dwelling place is also significant to prevent mast cell tumour in a boxer dog.

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