Understanding Mast Cell Tumors in Boston Terriers

Boston Terriers are a beloved breed, but unfortunately, they're also prone to developing mast cell tumors, a type of skin cancer.

These tumors can appear as lumps, bumps, or discolorations on the skin, often on the abdomen, chest, or legs.

Mast cell tumors are typically benign, but in some cases, they can be malignant and spread to other parts of the body.

The good news is that early detection and treatment can be highly effective in managing mast cell tumors in Boston Terriers.

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A tumor is a mass of abnormal cells that can be cancerous or non-cancerous.

Tumors can form in various parts of the body, including the skin, spleen, liver, intestine, and bone marrow.

Mast cell tumors specifically are the most common skin tumor in dogs, affecting around 7% to 21% of canine populations.

Most dogs with mast cell tumors develop only one tumor, with approximately 85% of cases being solitary.

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Cancer is a complex mix of risk factors, some environmental and some genetic or hereditary. Several genetic mutations are known to be involved in the development of MCTs.

One well-known mutation affects a protein, called KIT, that is involved in the replication and division of cells. This mutation can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation.

While any breed of dog can get MCT, certain breeds are more susceptible. These breeds include boxers, English bulldogs, Boston terriers, pugs, golden retrievers, cocker spaniels, schnauzers, Staffordshire terriers, beagles, Rhodesian ridgebacks, Weimaraners, Chinese shar peis, and Labrador retrievers.

Affected dogs are usually older, with an average age of 8-9 years.

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Mast cell tumors of the skin can occur anywhere on the body and vary in appearance, often presenting as a raised lump or bump on or just under the skin.

They can be red, ulcerated, or swollen, and may fluctuate in size, getting larger or smaller even daily. These size changes can occur spontaneously or when the tumor is agitated, causing degranulation and subsequent swelling of the surrounding tissue due to the histamine release.

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Mast cell degranulation can also cause chemicals and compounds to go into the bloodstream, leading to problems elsewhere in the body, such as ulcers in the stomach or intestines, causing vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, and melena.

A diagnosis of mast cell tumor is typically made using fine-needle aspiration (FNA), where a small needle is used to take a sample of cells directly from the tumor and examined under a microscope.

Mast cell tumors of the skin can occur anywhere on the body and vary in appearance.

They can be a raised lump or bump on or just under the skin, and may be red, ulcerated, or swollen.

Some mast cell tumors can be present for many months without growing much, while others can appear suddenly and grow very quickly.

They may appear to fluctuate in size, getting larger or smaller, even daily.

This fluctuation can occur spontaneously or when the tumor is agitated, causing degranulation and subsequent swelling of the surrounding tissue due to histamine release.

Ulcers may form in the stomach or intestines, causing vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, and melena (black, tarry stools that are associated with bleeding).

Anaphylaxis, a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction, is a less common but possible complication of mast cell degranulation.

Mast cell tumors of the skin can spread to the internal organs, causing enlarged lymph nodes, spleen, and liver, and sometimes with peritoneal effusion (fluid build-up) in the abdomen, causing the belly to appear rounded or swollen.

Diagnosing cancer in dogs can be a bit tricky, but thankfully, there are reliable methods to determine the presence and type of tumor.

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a common technique used to diagnose MCTs. This involves taking a small needle with a syringe and suctioning a sample of cells directly from the tumor.

A veterinary pathologist then examines the sample under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis. They can also determine the aggressiveness of the tumor through a tissue biopsy.

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MCTs are notorious for resembling other skin conditions, so it's essential to have any skin abnormalities checked by a veterinarian. They can help differentiate between a harmless insect bite and a more serious skin tumor.

A prognostic panel on a tissue sample can provide valuable information about the genetic makeup and abnormalities of the tumor. This helps your veterinarian determine the prognosis for your dog.

Surgery is often the best option for treating lower-grade mast cell tumors in Boston Terriers, providing the best long-term control.

In some cases, surgery may not be possible or may not remove all cancerous cells, making radiation therapy a viable alternative.

Chemotherapy is rarely needed for lower-grade tumors, but a combination of surgery and chemotherapy is often recommended for higher-grade tumors.

Targeted therapy, which involves using drugs to target specific proteins associated with cancer development, is becoming a more appealing option for non-surgical MCTs or recurrent MCTs that have failed to respond to other chemotherapies.

Drugs like toceranib phosphate (Palladia) and tigilanol tiglate (Stelfonta) are being designed to target these specific proteins or cut off the tumor's blood supply.

A veterinary oncologist is the best resource for determining the best course of treatment for your Boston Terrier.

Mast cell tumors are a type of canine tumor that can occur anywhere on the body.

They can appear as a raised lump or bump on the skin, and may be red, ulcerated, or swollen.

These tumors can grow quickly, sometimes fluctuating in size daily, and may cause problems elsewhere in the body due to histamine release.

Some mast cell tumors can spread to internal organs, causing enlarged lymph nodes, spleen, and liver, and may even cause anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction.

Surgery is often the best option for lower-grade tumors, but higher-grade tumors may require a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.

Radiation therapy can also be an option if the tumor is not in a suitable location for surgical removal.

There is now an underlying genetic basis for MCTs, leading to the development of new targeted therapies like toceranib phosphate and tigilanol tiglate.

Some breeds of dog, including Boston Terriers, are predisposed to mast cell tumors due to a possible genetic component.

A veterinary oncologist is the best resource for determining the best course of treatment for your dog.

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Boston Terriers are one of the breeds predisposed to getting mast cell tumors.

They are listed among the breeds that are more prone to developing mast cell tumors, along with other breeds like Australian Cattle Dogs and Golden Retrievers.

Some breeds tend to get MCTs in certain locations, but it's also worth noting that MCTs sometimes behave in a certain way in certain breeds.

In the case of Boston Terriers, there isn't specific information about their MCT behavior, but it's worth knowing that each breed can have its own unique characteristics when it comes to MCTs.

Here's a list of breeds predisposed to mast cell tumors, including Boston Terriers:

Complications from mast cell tumors in Boston Terriers can be serious, so it's essential to investigate further to determine the best course of action.

Fine needle aspiration and biopsies of the tumor are usually performed to determine its grade, which helps determine the severity of the tumor.

Additional tests may be required to determine the stage of the tumor, and these can include sampling of nearby lymph nodes, chest X-rays, and abdominal ultrasound scanning.

These tests will depend on various factors, and your veterinarian will discuss the specifics with you.

Paraneoplastic syndromes and granule release complications can occur in dogs with mast cell tumors (MCTs). Histamine, a chemical released by mast cells, can cause inflammation and lead to symptoms such as vomiting or black, tarry stools due to stomach ulcers.

Cancerous mast cells may contain more histamine than normal mast cells, resulting in increased inflammation and potential complications. This is especially true after a biopsy or needle aspiration, which can trigger a sudden increase in inflammation.

Tumors in sensitive areas, such as the nail bed, underneath the tail, and in the groin area, are often associated with a worse prognosis. This is due to the location of the tumor and the potential for it to spread quickly.

The grade of the tumor, as assessed under a microscope, is a crucial factor in predicting the outcome for most patients. A biopsy is required to determine the histological grade of the tumor.

When determining the stage of an MCT, additional tests may be required beyond fine needle aspiration and biopsies.

Sampling of nearby lymph nodes is one such test that can be performed to assess the tumour's spread.

Chest X-rays and abdominal ultrasound scanning may also be used to determine the stage of the tumour.

The specific tests performed will depend on a number of factors, and will be discussed with you by the Specialist.

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As a pet owner, it's essential to understand what's involved in a referral for your Boston Terrier. A referral is a process where your veterinarian recommends a specialist to further diagnose and treat your pet's condition.

If your veterinarian suspects a mast cell tumor, they'll likely refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. This could be a veterinary oncologist or a dermatologist.

At your referral appointment, you can expect to discuss your pet's condition with the specialist and receive a diagnosis. They may also recommend treatment options, which could include surgery, medication, or a combination of both.

Mast cell tumors can be expensive to treat, so it's crucial to understand your insurance coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses you may incur. Be sure to ask about payment options and how to make a claim with your insurance provider.

Here are some key things to consider when preparing for your referral appointment:

By being prepared and asking the right questions, you can make informed decisions about your pet's care and ensure the best possible outcome.