- 1). Regularly check your dog for lumps or changes in his or her skin, especially if the dog is middle-aged or older. Run your hands over the dog's body to feel for changes, especially if he or she has a thick or long coat.
- 2). Don't ignore repeated vomiting, sores that won't heal, or blood in your dog's stools. Some dogs with mast cell cancer have symptoms other than skin changes due to the release of histamines in the bloodstream.
- 3). Take your dog to your veterinarian to have any skin abnormalities checked. Your veterinarian will probably do a biopsy, either by drawing some fluid and cells from the affected skin with a needle (fine needle aspiration) or surgically removing a small piece of tissue for analysis. Mast cells tumors are easy to diagnose under a microscope.
- 4). Expect to pay for further diagnostic work if your vet finds mast cells. These tests may include a complete blood count, urinalysis, and further biopsy of the lymph nodes, bone marrow or organs.
- 5). Ask about the grade and stage of the tumors. Knowing how malignant and invasive the cancer is will help you and your vet determine what the treatment plan should be.
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