Mast cells

Just as oncological diseases occur in humans, very often they also occur in older dogs.

Tumors are most commonly found in the skin. Almost every older dog, when palpate, we find a piece. Most often, they are benign fat tumors - lipomas, which are created from an overgrowth of fat cells and are not dangerous. However, any suspected lump should be examined by a veterinarian.

Mastocytoma is the second most common skin tumor. It often looks like a reddish rash, it can even itch. It itchy because the tumor produces histamine - an itchy mediator, which is also secreted in humans due to allergy. In our country we encountered mastocytoma in the older golden retriever Brinkley. This breed together with the boxer belongs to predisposed breeds for this type of tumor. The owner felt a reddish lump on the dog's thigh while stroking.

We used a thin needle to take a few cells from a tumor for cytology. Cytology need not be afraid, it only hurts like a needle prick during vaccination :) After taking a sample, the doctor examines the cells under a microscope and tells you whether it is a tumor or an abscess - a lump created as a result of inflammation.

Brinkley's lump was diagnosed as a mastocytoma - the aforementioned histamine tumor. Fortunately, it was benign. Anyway, he was surgically removed and the dog enjoys good health.