The symptoms of melanoma in dogs depend on the location of tumor.
Melanoma on the skin (cutaneous melanoma):
– Some tumors appear as dark or pigmented raised masses while others may be non-pigmented.
Oral melanoma:
– bad breath
– drooling
– difficulty eating
– bleeding from the mouth
– facial swelling
– loss of appetite
Melanoma on the toe or toenail:
– swollen toe
– lameness
Canine toe melanoma (tunour on the 1st digit, missing nail)
(Photo: Pete Markham)
Diagnosis of Melanoma in Dogs
Fine needle aspirate of tumor – To collect tumor cells for examination under a microscope. This is a quick way for diagnosing melanoma in dogs.
Fine needle aspirate of lymph nodes – The presence of tumor cells in lymph nodes indicates metastasis has occurred.
Biopsy of tumor – This provides a definitive diagnosis of melanoma in dogs.
X-rays of chest – To check for metastasis to lungs.
Abdominal ultrasound – To check for metastasis to the abdomen (kidneys, liver)
Blood test
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