Could growth on dog be melanoma?

jkoch

By Dr. John Koch Question: I have a black cocker spaniel that is neutered. I take good care of him, and he seems healthy. The other day I noticed a small growth on the corner of his lip. It is only about the size of a pea. He is due for his vaccinations and annual exam in a couple of months. Can I wait until then to have it checked? Since the dog and growth is black, is there any possibly he could have a melanoma?

Answer: Melanomas do occur in dogs. With the information you provided, there are several points of potential concern. Melanomas can occur anywhere on the body. Those involving the mouth and foot are more likely to be malignant. Melanomas are more common in heavily pigmented individuals especially cocker spaniels, Airedales, Scottish and Boston terriers. These tumors are predominantly seen in males.

Malignant melanomas are very bad tumors. Even when caught early they can result in death within only a few months. The only treatment is wide surgical excision and removal of as many regional lymph nodes as possible.

A logical approach to the growth you found would be to have it removed and submitted for histopathology. Only a pathologist can determine if the growth is a melanoma and whether or not it is malignant. It is possible the growth you describe is not a melanoma and even if it is, it may not be malignant. If a malignancy is found, additional surgery will be recommended to remove the lymph nodes in the immediate area. As with any cancer, the earlier treatment can be started the better the chances of a satisfactory outcome. Don't wait a couple of months. Have your pet checked immediately.

Dr. Koch is an Cape Girardeau area veterinarian.