Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs – Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Natural Remedies
When you research treatment for mast cell tumor in dogs, your options can be aggressive and have many side effects. Thankfully, there are some tremendous benefits to using natural remedies for mast cell tumors in dogs, including Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD for mast cell tumors in dogs.
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What is a Mast Cell Tumor?
Mast cell tumors (MCTs) are the most prevalent form of cancerous growths in dogs, characterized by abnormal proliferation of mast cells, which are a type of white blood cell involved in the body’s immune response. These tumors typically develop as nodules or masses in the skin but can also affect internal organs such as the spleen, liver, intestine, and bone marrow. MCTs account for 7% to 21% of all skin tumors in dogs and are the most common type of canine skin cancer.
Mast cells are crucial for the allergic response, releasing substances like histamine when triggered by allergens. When these mast cells become cancerous, they start to divide uncontrollably, forming tumors that can vary widely in appearance—ranging from small, firm nodules to larger, ulcerated masses. Due to their diverse appearance, mast cell tumors can often be mistaken for benign skin lesions like warts.
Identifying mast cell tumors solely by visual inspection can be challenging, even for veterinarians, underscoring the importance of veterinary evaluation for any suspicious skin masses. While many mast cell tumors are solitary and slow-growing, some can provoke severe allergic reactions in dogs, known as anaphylaxis.
What Causes a Mast Cell Tumor in dogs?
Often referred to as MCTs, mast cell tumors in dogs are the most common type of dog cancerous growth. They are caused by unregulated/uncontrolled growth of mast cells within the body. However, the exact cause of this proliferation is mainly unknown, although genetics play a role in certain breeds’ higher susceptibility to them.
Mast cells are a regular occurrence within the body; they are a type of white blood cell involved in the allergenic response. When a dog is exposed to allergens, mast cells are responsible for releasing chemicals that create a process called degranulation. This process releases histamines, causing familiar symptoms like runny nose and watery eyes. When this process happens excessively, the cells can sometimes come together to form a tumor, thus called a mast cell tumor or mastocytoma.
Unlike other cancerous growths that tend to look “angry,” thus cueing an owner to its seriousness, mast cell tumors in dogs often look like harmless bumps at first and are slow growing. This leads many to believe that the growth is not problematic and can delay diagnosis. You should always have suspicious lumps or bumps checked out by your veterinarian.
Mast cell tumors are more frequently diagnosed in middle-aged dogs, and certain breeds such as Boxers and Boston Terriers are predisposed to developing these tumors. Given their potential to mimic benign skin conditions and the risk of anaphylactic reactions, prompt veterinary assessment of any unusual skin masses in dogs is recommended.
Symptoms of Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs
Mast cell tumors in dogs can manifest in various ways, typically appearing as raised lumps or bumps on or just under the skin. These tumors can exhibit diverse characteristics, including redness, ulceration, or swelling. Some MCTs remain relatively stable for months without noticeable growth, while others can suddenly increase in size. Interestingly, mast cell tumors in dogs may also fluctuate in size, potentially enlarging or shrinking spontaneously or in response to agitation, which triggers histamine release and subsequent tissue swelling.
If you notice the following signs or symptoms of MCT in your pet, it’s crucial to seek evaluation from your holistic or integrative veterinarian promptly:
- Mass Lesion Involving the Skin or Subcutaneous Tissue: Mast cell tumors can appear anywhere on the body and vary greatly in appearance. They may be ulcerated, covered with hair, or exhibit redness and fluid buildup (edema). Manipulation or scratching can exacerbate these symptoms.
- Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Swelling and enlargement of lymph nodes near areas of tumor involvement may be observed.
- Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Dogs with mast cell tumors may experience gastrointestinal issues such as loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Other Signs of Cancer: In addition to the above symptoms specific to mast cell tumors, dogs may exhibit general signs of cancer including weight loss, weight gain, persistent cough, or wounds that do not heal.
Identifying these symptoms early and consulting with your holistic veterinarian can lead to timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, improving your dog’s overall prognosis.
Diagnosing Mast Cell Tumors & Conventional MCT Treatment
Options for mast cell tumor treatment in dogs in the conventional veterinary realm are limited. Usually, when a lump is suspicious, a veterinarian will perform a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA), where they poke the lump with a needle, remove some of the growth, and analyze it under a microscope. This will either confirm or refute a diagnosis.
If the FNA reveals mast cells, the subsequent step is almost always surgical removal. The surgeon must take wide margins to ensure the mass is removed entirely. This means they will remove more tissue than the actual tumor, resulting in a much larger incision and thus increasing the time to recover/heal from the surgery. If surgery is not an option, some vets choose radiation. Recurrence will depend on the severity of the tumor.
Natural Remedies for Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs
Explore natural remedies for mast cell tumors that include CBD, medicinal mushrooms, and other holistic approaches.
For some pets, surgical removal is an option. However, there are many reasons why an owner may choose not to pursue surgery for MCTs in dogs, including:
- Age of the animal
- Metabolic risk factors (liver disease, heart disease, etc.)
- Cost
- Recovery time
- Anesthetic risks
Surgery is not always the best option, so let’s discuss some natural alternatives for mast cell tumors in dogs and cats.
CBD for Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs
Our favorite natural remedy for mast cell tumors in dogs, and the most effective, is Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD Oil. Learn more about the benefits of using CBD for mast cell tumors in dogs to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Full Spectrum Hemp Extract offers a holistic approach for dogs with cancer, including mast cell tumors. FSHE has been studied and shown to regulate mast cell proliferation effectively. CBD has been shown to reduce the production of mast cells and cytokines, another cell associated with inflammatory reactions.
By working on CB1 and CB2 receptors within the body, FSHE can effectively disrupt and break down MCTs with minimal side effects and no downtime for recovery. Besides specific action on mast cells, we already know FSHE is an effective anti-tumor and anti-cancer agent, making CBD oil for dogs with cancer the perfect option perfect option for dealing with MCTs in dogs.
A large body of research indicates that cannabinoids could hold promise for the treatment of eczema, psoriasis, acne, pruritus, hair disorders, and skin cancer.
Since FSHE benefits the body as a whole, your dog’s entire body gets the homeostasis (balance) it needs from FSHE. Dogs with mast cell tumors are at a higher risk of more dangerous allergic reactions. By balancing your dog’s immune system, they can respond more appropriately to an allergen when exposed. FSHE doesn’t just do one thing- making it such a beautiful plant for dealing with almost any disease process.
CBD Dog Health’s HEAL CBD oil paired with our Remedy salve is our recommended CBD for mast cell tumors in dogs, and has helped dogs like our Miss Daisie with MCTs.
Learn more about the benefits of CBD oil for dogs with cancer.
Quercetin for Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs
One of the many flavonoids in Full Spectrum Hemp Extract is Quercetin, better known as “nature’s Benedryl.” Quercetin is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective for managing mast cell tumors.
This natural antihistamine is a superior alternative to Benadryl for many reasons. It’s natural (not synthetically made like Benedryl), is safe at higher doses, has minimal side effects, is full of antioxidants, regulates blood sugar, prevents heart disease, is anti-inflammatory, and is also a known cancer fighter!
While quercetin is naturally occurring in FSHE, additional supplementation of Quercetin is necessary for MCTs in dogs to effectively control the mast cell and histamine response cycle.
Mushrooms for Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs
Discover the benefits of using medicinal mushrooms for dogs with cancer, such as mast cell tumors. Certain Medicinal Mushrooms and fungi have excellent benefits for dogs with MCTs and are another synergistic form of plant medicine when used alongside CBD.
Mushrooms like Chaga have been studied and shown to stabilize mast cells during allergic reactions. Due to its high polysaccharide content and immunomodulatory effects, Reishi also has antihistamine qualities to downregulate the release of mast cells in the histamine response cycle. Cordyceps has also been shown to disrupt signaling pathways involved in the release of mast cells.
In addition to the benefits of these medicinal mushrooms for mast cell tumors, Vitality also offers the benefits of ashwagandha and astragalus root for mast cell tumors in dogs. Ashwagandha can help with stress and recovery, while astragalus root can help prevent metastasis, while supporting the immune system.
That’s why we’ve bundled MycoDog’s Vitality with our Heal CBD oil & Remedy CBD salve, to combine the benefits of mushrooms & CBD for mast cell tumors in dogs.
Learn more about the benefits of medicinal mushrooms for cancer in dogs, Mushrooms for Dogs with Cancer.
PEA for Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs
PEA, or Palmitoylethanolamide, if you can pronounce it, is another endocannabinoid that works synergistically with CBD and has also been studied for inhibiting mast cell proliferation. It has shown promising results in inhibiting mast cell proliferation, making it a valuable addition to treatments for dog tumors like MCTs. PEA is pain relieving, anti-inflammatory, and shown to inhibit the inflammatory reactions associated with histamine release.
Preventing Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs
Preventing mast cell tumors in dogs is largely beyond pet parents’ control, as these tumors are primarily influenced by genetic predispositions and environmental factors. There is currently no known way to prevent mast cell tumors in dogs. However, early detection plays a crucial role in successful treatment outcomes, as does supporting your dog’s health and immune system.
Regular monitoring of your dog’s body for any lumps, bumps, or skin lesions is key. Conducting frequent physical examinations allows you to detect any new masses early. If you discover any suspicious growths, promptly schedule a veterinary examination.
While prevention of mast cell tumors in dogs remains elusive, there are certain steps you can take to potentially support your dog’s overall health and well-being. Monitoring your dog’s diet, for instance, and considering options that are lower in carbohydrates may help mitigate factors that promote tumor growth, as tumors often rely on sugar for energy.
Additionally, exploring natural supplements and herbs known for their potential stress-relieving and immune-supporting properties, such as Full Spectrum Hemp CBD, medicinal mushrooms, and ashwagandha, may contribute to your dog’s overall health and resilience against chronic diseases.
By remaining vigilant and proactive in your dog’s healthcare routine, you can play an active role in early detection and potentially improve outcomes in managing mast cell tumors.
Dog Mast Cell Tumor Success Story: Miss Daisie
When Angela rescued Miss Daisie, she had a large mast cell tumor on her back. To help Miss Daisie with her mobility issues, pain, and MCT, Angela utilized what is now known as our Power Duo: HEAL: CBD Oil for Dogs and REMEDY CBD salve. This powerful CBD combo tackled all of Daisie’s issues from the inside and out, yielding a genuine full-body absorption of FSHE.
Through consistent application of REMEDY on the dogs mast cell tumor and the twice-daily oral administration of the HEAL tincture, Daisie’s mast cell tumor noticeably reduced in size, diminishing by a third in size within the first month. Over this period, the sizable and painful growth ruptured, discharged, and detached from Daisie’s spinal area. While the mast cell tumor became softer, a small firm region, seemingly scar tissue, remained. Several months later, there was no evidence of the dog mast cell tumor.
This led to Daisie’s quality of life vastly improving due to her new pain-free, mobile lifestyle, and also the disapearance of the dog mast cell tumor on her back. Thanks to CBD, and specifically to CBD Dog Health’s Power Duo, Miss Daisie was given a new lease on life and lived the rest of her life MCT-free and happy!
Since the launch of MycoDog’s medicinal mushrooms extract & adaptogen tinctures for dogs, we’ve added the cancer fighting power of Vitality to our Power Duo, in the new Power Trio. Offering the amazing benefits of FSHE & medicinal mushrooms for cancer in dogs.
Learn More: Healing Miss Daisie
Natural Alternatives for Dog Mast Cell Tumors
When medicinal mushrooms are used in conjunction with Full Spectrum Hemp Extract, you get a powerhouse canine cancer fighting combination that far surpasses any pharmaceutical option. This is due to these substances’ ability to work on several different cancer pathways. Conventional options like chemotherapy can only target one pathway at a time, unlike cannabis and mushrooms for dogs with cancer such as mast cell tumors.