How do veterinarians find the cause of a swollen toe?Īfter performing a thorough exam and blood work, your family veterinarian may recommend taking a sample of the swelling to check for the presence of cancerous cells. Tumors of the toe are most commonly (but not always) seen in dogs older than 10 years. Large-breed dogs ( Labradors, Standard Poodles) and black-colored dogs are more likely to be affected by such tumors. The tumor weakens the toenail and causes the nail to snap off without major trauma.
Ĭancerous tumors can be tricky as they may disguise themselves as a broken toenail. Cancerous tumors may initially present themselves as a swollen toe and should be diagnosed and treated as early as possible for a positive outcome.Ī swollen toe can cause limping or reluctance to walk due to pain. However, the swollen toe can be a sign of something much more serious. Dog owners can sometimes write it off as a bug bite or something their dog has stepped on. When your dog has a swollen toe, it is easy to underestimate the potential seriousness of this condition. His website is He is the co-author of “Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound” ( Zee Mahmood, a veterinary technician in Reading, PA, contributed to this article. Phil Zeltzman is a traveling, board-certified surgeon in Allentown, PA. Overall, the prognosis for this medical condition is generally excellent, as the majority of tumors are found to be benign.Dr. If you notice that your dog is developing more of these tumors, contact your veterinarian. It is important to monitor your dog for recurrence of the hair follicle tumors.
f the histopathological results show a malignant tumor, your doctor may need to refer you to a veterinary oncologist for further treatment. Your veterinarian will most likely recommend excising the tumor, leaving wide surgical margins to ensure that the tumor has been removed entirely. Although this type of tumor is often found to be benign, it is possible that histopathological results will show it to be a different kind of tumor, in which case the treatment may need to be more aggressive. Such an analysis will determine exactly which type of hair follicle tumor is present and whether it is benign or malignant. Samples will be taken for histopathologic laboratory analysis, both by fine needle aspirate (fluid sample) and by tissue biopsy. Samples of the tumor will need to be taken for a close examination of the structure of the tumor. Your veterinarian will conduct a complete physical exam on your dog, including a blood chemical profile, a complete blood count, an electrolyte panel and a urinalysis. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam on your dog, taking into account the background history of symptoms and medical health history that you provide. The prognosis for these hair follicle tumors is generally positive, as the majority of the tumors are found to be benign. The prognosis for these hair follicle tumors is generally positive, as the majority of the tumors are found to be benign.īreeds that have been shown to be predisposed to hair follicle tumors are Golden Retrievers, Basset Hounds, German Shepherds, Cocker Spaniels, Irish Setters, English Springer Spaniels, Miniature Schnauzers and Standard Poodles. Hair follicle tumors should be immediately evaluated by a veterinarian. Pilomatricomas are small and are often found on the trunk of middle-aged dogs.
#Cancer on dog paw skin
Pilomatricomas are rare skin tumors that develop from the hair matrix, where the cells which grow the hair follicles develop and are contained. Trichoepitheliomas are small benign tumors, often found along a cat's back, shoulders, flank, tail or limbs. There are two types of hair follicle tumors, trichoepitheliomas, which arise from cystic hair follicles (follicles that have closed over, like a sac), and pilomatricomas, which arise from the cells that produce the hair follicles. Hair follicle tumors are generally benign tumors that originate in the hair follicles in the skin.
Trichoepitheliomas and Pilomatricomas in Dogs
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