Pet Corner

Dr Steve Surujabally

Continued from last week

Types of cancer

We have been discussing cancer. We had spoken about the differences between ‘good’ (benign) and ‘bad’ (malignant) cancers and what the words ‘tumours’ and ‘neoplasms’ mean. Finally, we dealt (tongue-in-check) with the possible causes of cancer. Let’s today look at the different types of tumours/neoplasms which could afflict your companion animal.

Warts

This is the surface tumour and not a cancer They are relatively small solid growths arising from the surface of the skin. In dogs (to a lesser degree in cats) these growths can also develop on the mucous membranes, especially in the mouth. As with every technical discipline, medicine has its own set of terminologies and associated ‘big words.’ Warts are technically referred to as papillomata (or papillomas).

There is a pretty high incidence of warts (as in humans) in practically all domestic animals (especially older dogs), and they are probably the commonest type of tumour there is. Warts/papillomas should be considered ‘good’ tumours, even though they can attain sizes as large as a clenched adult fist (mine, not George Foreman’s). Of course, even though this growth in the oral cavity is classified as benign, it could reach a size which would restrict movement of the jaws and the intake of feed. Soft warts on the oesophagus could hinder swallowing. If the warts are situated around the nostrils, then breathing can be impaired. Similarly, if the papillomas are on the penis or the urethra (the tube that conducts the urine from the bladder to the outside), then the voiding or urine could be compromised.

I would like to dwell a bit more lengthily on warts in the mouth (oral papillomatosis) with special reference to dogs. The size of these warts would vary from that of a pin’s head to as large as an orange, but usually they are about the size of a garden pea. Single small warts with a cauliflower-like shape or with a rounded top can be found on the gums, inside the cheek, and on the tongue and lips. In these positions they rapidly grow singly or in clusters. Within a month or two the mouth (gum, inside the cheeks, the palate, the tongue and lips) becomes studded with dozens of growths varying in size. Accompanying these growths in a foul oral

odour and an increased salivation.

These warts, on occasion, disappear spontaneously (within six weeks) without veterinary intervention.

Once they have disappeared they will not recur, since an immunity would have developed against the causative agent (virus). However, warts hanging out of a dog’s mouth (combined with the drooling and the foetid smell) are unsightly and unpleasant. Many pet owners opt therefore for surgical removal, especially if the papillomas begin to bleed, or if they impede the intake of food.

Skin tumours

We had explained in previous article that a tumour is not necessarily a cancer. ‘Tumour’ literally means a swelling, but I should hasten to add that by common usage and consent the term incorporates the concept of any new growth (neoplasm) which parasites upon the tissue in/on which it grows. Cysts Cysts are hollow surface tumours containing fluid or soft material. One type of cyst is called a sebaceous cyst. These can emerge on any part of the body surface where there is hair. Such cysts are made up of a thick capsule which surrounds a mass of cheesy material. Usually these cysts are invaded by germs and have to be drained or treated with antibiotics or, if necessary, surgically removed. In dogs, there is often a condition whereby cysts develop between the toes (interdigital cysts). Please remember that dogs have sweat glands only on their paws. These cysts really are pea-sized abscesses. Often this condition occurs when the dog is kept in a sandy/gritty environment. The animal initially licks at his paw and later goes lame. Then, on closer examination, one discovers a hard painful swelling (developing abscess) occupying the upper part of the space between two toes. Later, as the abscess ripens, it finally bursts discharging a purulent, blood-tinged substance. In terms of treatment, one should firstly place some hot fermentation on the affected paw. Remove the dog from the sandy surroundings and try to keep the paw clean and dry (bandage; clean sock). Your veterinarian will advise you on the use of antibiotics, etc, if necessary. Radical surgery might also be indicated. Lipomas This is a tumour that is pretty common in middle-aged and elderly dogs. It is composed of fatty tissue and is often found under the skin in the area of the back, abdomen, thighs, sides and shoulders. These lipomas usually occur singly and are well defined. In dogs, they can develop into truly large masses. Last week we successfully excised a Lipoma that was the size of a duck’s egg from a 13 year old German Shepherd. We will continue next week with other types of skin tumours. Please implement disease preventative measures (vaccinations, routine dewormings, monthly anti-heartworm medication, etc) and adopt-a-pet from the GSPCA’s Animal Clinic and Shelter at Robb Street and Orange Walk, if you have the wherewithal to care well for the animals. Do not stray your unwanted pets, take them to the GSPCA’s Clinic and Shelter instead. If you see anyone being cruel to an animal, or if you need any technical information, please get in touch with the Clinic and Shelter by calling 226-4237.