Any dog can develop a tumor of the toe, but large breed, black coated dogs such as standard poodles, Rottweilers, Labrador retrievers and giant schnauzers have an increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma of the toe. Melanoma too, has been reported more often in black coated dogs, and in one study, the Scottish terrier was predisposed to melanoma.
This photo shows something unique. Look carefully and you will see a dog with three toes on each foot. No, he wasn’t born this way, Pogo is a cancer survivor. The missing toes were amputated because of a cancer diagnosis in a toe on each of his front feet.How common are toe tumors? Research has shown just over half of toe masses are malignant tumors. The most common malignancy of canine toes is squamous cell carcinoma, and the dog pictured here lost his first toe when surgeons cured him of this tumor. Three years after the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma, Pogo’s family, ever vigilant since the first cancer diagnosis, noticed a mass on one of his paw pads. Given his prior cancer diagnosis and knowing some dogs have multiple toes affected with squamous cell carcinoma, Pogo returned to AMC to have the second toe removed. Surprisingly, the diagnosis was melanoma, which is the second most common toe tumor.
An observant dog owner may notice their dog licking one particular toe, suggesting the toe hurts and cluing them in to a potential problem requiring medical attention. The presence of a mass on the toe suggests a toe tumor, but other possibilities include an infection, inflammation from a foreign object lodged in the toe, or a benign tumor. A broken or bleeding toenail may be another sign indicating the presence of a toe tumor. Should you see any of these abnormalities on your dog’s toes, head to your veterinarian’s office immediately.
Diagnosis of Foot or Toe Cancer in Dogs
The veterinarian will do a complete and thorough physical examination including body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. You should be prepared to give the veterinarian your dog’s complete medical history, when the signs started, and whether the signs have gotten worse. Any changes in diet, exercise, and personality should be noted as well. The veterinarian may also need to run some tests on your dog, such as:
If the veterinarian suspects the cancer may have spread he may need to do some more tests, such as an MRI, CT scan or ultrasound.
What are the signs of SCC?
Typically, these lesions are found in light-skinned areas and can be highly variable in their appearance. It may look like a small area of irritated, red, or ulcerated skin. Alternatively, there could be plaques or crusts that develop over the region. SCC lesions of the toe or nail bed tend to be red, irritated, bothersome, and ulcerated. Dogs may even lose nails on the affected toes.
Lesions of the skin or nose may become dry, irritated, and bothersome for your pet. The lesion may get larger, spread, and ulcerate which can be very painful as well. Your pet should not be allowed to scratch, lick, or bite the area.
SCC of the toe (digit) can be very painful. Your pet may be reluctant to go for walks, and you may notice blood on the floor or on your dog’s toes. Your dog may attempt to lick or chew the affected toe(s) aggressively and you may notice missing toe nails. These lesions are typically painful, and your veterinarian may prescribe pain medications. Secondary infection is also possible for which antibiotics may be required.