Symptoms & Treatment of Dog Melanoma: What You Need to

Section 1: Symptoms of Dog Melanoma

Signs of melanoma in the gums: The most common symptom is the enlargement of the gums, which may lead to excessive drooling, facial swelling, weight loss, bad breath, pain, difficulty eating, and tooth loss. The affected area may not necessarily be black; it could also appear red or white.

Melanoma in the paws: Swelling in the paw is the most noticeable symptom. Some dogs may experience nail loss or lameness, and the affected area is typically black.

Melanoma on the skin: The affected skin surface is irregular and often dark in color, with symptoms such as hair loss and even ulcers.

Section 2: Treating Dog Melanoma

Given that malignant melanoma spreads rapidly, treatment can be challenging. Current recommended treatments include:

1. Surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue, which may involve the amputation of a toe or even the upper and lower jaw bones.

2. Chemotherapy

3. Radiation therapy

4. Injection of melanoma vaccines: A newly developed vaccine can stimulate a dog's immune system to produce antibodies that target specific areas of melanoma cells, ultimately destroying cancer cells. Combining surgery with this treatment can yield the best results.

As with other types of malignant tumors, melanoma can progress quickly. Without aggressive treatment, a dog's condition can deteriorate rapidly within two months. However, treatment can extend a dog's life by 6 to 12 months and slightly improve their quality of life.

Important Pet Health Tip: For more information about dog melanoma, you can read the article "Early Symptoms of Dog Melanoma" by clicking here.