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Like
all dogs, a Vizsla may develop a Mast Cell Tumour. Mast
Cell Tumours are the most common cutaneous malignancy (cancer) of dogs
usually occurring on or just under the skin. They may also develop
in internal organs. Any breed or mix can develop a Mast Cell Tumour,
but certain breeds appear to be predisposed - bulldogs and related breeds
(Boxers, Bostons), Labradors, Shar Peis, Weimaraners. Given there
are differences in breed incidence, an underlying genetic basis has been
theorised, but the cause is unknown.
The
average age of dogs diagnosed with a Mast Cell Tumour is 8-10 years, but
dogs as young as 3 months, and as old as 16 have been recorded.
The
normal role of mast cells in the body is to respond to allergic reactions
where they release histamines, heparin and other products. For
instance, when a bee stings you the area becomes red, swollen and itchy
because of products released by mast cells. Tumours of these cells
therefore may cause similar reactions.
Mast Cell Tumours often have fingers of malignant cells
spreading into surrounding tissue. This is the reason a margin of at
least 3-5cms (about 2 inches) of “normal” appearing tissue surrounding
any visible tumour is removed - so the microscopic ‘fingers’ are
removed. Sometimes this isn’t enough, and a wider excision is
required before the histopathology report says the edge of tissue resected
does not contain any tumour cells. Many owners think this
“normal” margin is excessive, yet if it were a malignant melanoma on a
person, they would expect lots of tissue to be removed. So, just
like some cancers do in people, Mast Cell Tumours in dogs require a wide
excision. Recurrence, or metastasis, is often difficult to predict
– a percentage of dogs with nasty looking tumours survive many years,
whilst other tumours look fairly bland yet spread. Mast Cell Tumours
often spread to the lymph nodes, spleen, and the bone marrow.
Note: the above information is not intended as a
substitute for veterinary advice.
By coincidence, the puppy photographed on this page had
a Mast Cell Tumour diagnosed at age 7. It was completely excised and
the Vizsla received no further treatment for the tumour. The Vizsla died over four years later of a cancer unrelated
to the mast cell tumour.
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Mast Cell