Dog mast cell tumors (MCT) are a very common occurrence in dogs and happen when normal, healthy cells begin to rapidly grow with unchecked abandon, lumping together as a mass. Because mast cell tumors are hard to recognize; vary in size, shape, color and texture, they can only be identified though a biopsy and pathology test. A mast cell can be passive and non-threatening or very aggressive, spreading rapidly throughout the body.

Normally healthy dog mast cells are distributed all through the body and assist in the dampening of inflammation and allergies. Upon activation, a dog mast cell will release the chemicals histamine, heparin, serotonin, prostaglandins and proteolytic which are important with healthy metabolic functions, such as immune defense. However when these cells overproduce these chemicals, they can become dangerous to the very host they are supposed to help.

Dog mast cell tumors are usually found on the skin. 20% of the one third of skin tumors that will affect a dog will be a cancerous mast cell tumor. Although the majority of these mast cell tumors can be on the skin, they can also attack the liver, spleen and bone marrow. Most times the mast cell tumors will appear on the skin, the hind legs being the second most affected area, followed by the neck and head. A little less than 90% of the time these tumors will be sequestered in one location at a single time however, as with most cancers, they can spread especially if left untreated.

Although there isn’t a determining factor to indicate what causes a mast cell tumor, there are some who believe that a dog mast cell will develop into a tumor if the breed has golden or red fur. The correlation isn’t clear, yet coupled with a propensity for chronic immune suppression due to allergies and/or repetitive inflammatory responses, these dogs seem to be more prone to developing cancerous mast cell tumors. Viruses that weaken the immune system and environmental toxins can also play a role in the creation of the disease.

As with many mast cell cancers, the age of the dog is a factor for the development of mast cell tumors. Certain breeds of dog also tend to come down with the disease. Beagles, Boston terriers, bulldogs, boxers, golden retrievers, Labradors, schnauzers, weimaraners and American Staffordshire terriers have all been prone to the affliction although there has not been any particular connection drawn as to why these dogs will be more susceptible than other types.

Although mast cell tumors are a common issue for dogs, the reasons behind its appearances are still not known. Dog mast cell cancer can pop up at any time and with any breed making the vigilance of the owner paramount to the health and vitality of their companion.

The first indication of a canine mast cell tumor will be the appearance of a lump or raised bump on the skin. The tumors can show as singular or in groups. Canine mast cell tumors can stay in one location or suddenly spread.

Other warning signs of mast cell tumors can be:

1. Loss of appetite.

2. The affected area is tender to the touch.

3. Vomiting.

4. Weight loss

5. Diarrhea.

6. Abdominal pain.

7. Slow to heal wounds.

8. Swollen lymph nodes.

9. Dark or black feces.

10. Coughing and labored breathing.

11. High blood pressure.

12. Irregular heart beat.

13. Bleeding disorders and blood in the vomit.

Many of these symptoms can change depending upon the location of the mast cell tumor. The tumor itself can often change in shape, size, color and texture. Mast cell tumors can alter their appearance quickly, even overnight, making the need to keep a careful eye on a strange cell vital for early detection and treatment.

Because canine mast cell tumors have a life threatening disease, early detection is paramount. When discovered early on, mast cell tumors treatments can be less intrusive and the response more encouraging. This is because the disease is still in the beginning stages and hasn’t ravaged vital organs making the fight against harder. Also your pet’s immune system is still working properly and is a strong adversary against the mast cell tumors.

Once mast cell tumors have invaded organs and the lymph node system, more drastic and aggressive measures need to be applied. The rule of thumb is basically the further along the mast cell tumor is the more intense the therapy.

1. Surgery – Mast cell tumors are extremely dangerous when they become cancerous and can spread quickly. The option to surgically remove them is not taken lightly but is a sound recourse of action to prevent them from doing further damage to the body as well as preventing their proliferation. Most times surgery is coupled with Chemotherapy and radiation sessions.

2. Chemotherapy – While this is a common mast cell tumors treatment and attacks the cancer cells, it also damages healthy cells as well, making the treatment a double edged sword. The good news is that dogs respond well to this kind of treatment. Plus, unlike humans who often have a very hard time dealing with the side effects, the canine species seems to tolerate it very well. This treatment is usually accompanied with radiation treatments.

3. Medications – Drugs like Prednisone and Palladia, are often used to attack the mast cell tumor and destroy cancer cells. Some side affects can occur.

3. Strengthen the Immune System – When the decision to use Surgery, Radiation, Chemotherapy and drugs against mast cell tumors equal importance should be given to a supplemental nutrition program that will counter act the damage these treatments will be doing to healthy cells and digestive track’s intestinal flora.

Fundamentally the first stage of any remedy is to ensure your canine have a fighting chance against mast cell tumors is a proper diet and balanced nutrition. Providing good food that is full of quality protein and low on grains, corn and possibly tainted meat by-products is paramount for your pet to achieve a healthy digestive system and strong immune system but it is often not enough. When you supplement a canine with a vitamin supplement that has been engineered to support vital organs and have ingredients that can attack disease causing free radicals which can make a big difference in their battle against canine mast cell tumors.

Nutritional supplements that contain a rich supply of vitamins, mineral and essential enzymes offer a matrix of antioxidants that help protect dogs from the ravages of opportunistic mast cell tumors. Formulas that contain quality calcium, a full range of amino acids, Blue Green Algae as one its source of protein and chlorophyll plus L Methionine as an essential amino acid that help to detoxify the blood stream. Shark Cartilage has been shown to help stop mast cell tumors by shrinking them all together.

As with any vitamin and nutritional supplement, the quality of ingredients combined with the manufacturing process is what determines how effective it will be for your favorite canine. Supplement makers that are willing to put in the time to develop a truly scientifically based formula that has proven positive results against mast cell tumors are the only kind to consider. But it should also be noted that superior formulation can only go as far as the processing practices will take them. Companies that use human grade ingredients begin on the best foot and when combined with manufacturing operations that are approved for human products production by the FDA, this equates to a supplement that goes beyond mere commercial value. It shows a company that puts the health of the canine ahead of everything else.