My dog Sam’s report has returned from the lab: Six of his tumors were benign, but the seventh was a malignant plasmacytoma. The strategy of the doctors at the Center for Specialized Veterinary Care in Westbury, N.Y., is to remove any and all lumps before they have a chance to mutate into something fatal that could spread to Sam’s vital organs.
My job is to be aware of any new growths that appear on my dog’s skin.
So, why should you care about our battle with canine cancer?
Because, according to Dr. Gerald Post, "Fifty percent of dogs over 10 will die from cancer." Your best friend could be next. Older dogs like Sam – who is 11 – are prone to all sorts of minor skin abrasions such as warts or skin tags. I’ve learned to tell the difference between benign growths and the potentially malignant ones, which usually come in an angry shade of red.
"Any mass that is growing, changing color or size, ulcerating, or bleeding has to be removed," explained Dr. Karyn Briggs, the neurosurgeon who removed the growths from Sam’s chest, thorax, and left hind leg.
One way to stay ahead of lumps is to give older dogs regular baths. To avoid dehydrating your dog’s coat, the best choice is TheraNeem Pet Shampoo, which contains super-emollient Neem oil, soothing arnica, and no drying soap whatsoever.
Call it the bath for the cure: It’s easier to detect skin abnormalities as your hands travel along a dog’s sudsy skin.
