My dog has a fast-growing tumor. Could it be benign or slowed naturally?

The rate of growth does not necessarily correlate to malignancy - some benign tumors can appear suddenly (such as a histiocytoma) and some malignant tumors can grow slowly (such as a soft tissue sarcoma). I will say that I would agree that the masses in your picture look benign, but my eyes aren't microscopes and ultimately the pathologist will be able to determine what these masses are. Try not to worry too much over the next few days - you'll have an answer soon!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. Given the fact that it is growing quickly, a malignant tumor is more likely. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

I am sorry, but there is no cure for cancer. Small tumors can be removed surgically and then undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy depending on the type of tumor and if clean margins were made during surgery. If this is not an option for Hundoll, then he would be considered for hospice-type care. I would recommend that you have have him evaluated by a vet for pain. You can feed him whatever he wants at this point. Acupuncture may help with some of the pain, but it won't be able to stop the growth of the tumor. You may be able to find a vet in your area that uses herbal remedies, but they need to be prescribed after careful examination of the dog.

You are very welcome and honestly, though we wish you weren't in this situation, we're very glad to here. The progression growth for this type of tumor varies greatly by pet. This could be something that has been going on for a while and may always be there without showing much symptom. You'll want to continue monitoring her for any discomfort and report any changes to your doctor. At that time, if it ever comes, you might discuss changes her diet to a softer food. Be sure any changes are made with approval of your treating physician though. With Kidney and Pancreatic concerns diet can be very important. Please let us know if you have any questions of concerns.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Harvey. There is no way to know how large the tumor will grow. Some seem to grow rapidly and then slow down. Others will continue to enlarge, rupture and keep growing. It sounds like he still has a great quality of life though. This is what matters. Enjoy this time with him!

I agree with Dr. Botinas. Histiocytomas are very common in dogs this age and since she had one previously it is likely this is one as well. This one does look pretty advanced though and "angry". I think this should be surgically removed and sent to the lab for a histopathology as well. If you don't believe this is a histiocytoma then it is especially important to have it removed because the other options for tumors it could be are not good....... Changing the diet is not likely to help. If it is a histiocytoma usually they regress on their own within 3 months. If you keep bothering them it makes them "angry" and they will increase in size. I suggest you leave it alone if you are not going to have it surgically removed. If it does not regress then you can have surgery done at that time. The only supplement I would suggest is an immune boosting supplement. ( https://www.allivet.com/p-1542-vetri-science-vetri-dmg-liquid-for-dogs-cats.aspx ) Here is more information on histiocytomas. ( https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952066 ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry to hear that Fudge has a mast cell tumor. There are a few options that I typically recommend for a natural means of treating mast cell tumors. The first is called Oral Neoplasene. This is a liquid type medication that is derived from the bloodroot plant that is used to treat cancer in dogs. The dosging for this product is based on body weight and is usually given prior to feeding two times per day. The second natural remedy I recommend is called Max's Formula. This is a blend of herbs that treats tumors in dogs, cats and horses. It is a blend of eight different herbs that have been carefully chosen to treat tumors. There is a bulk powder you can buy and also capsules. The third product is called Stasis Breaker. Like Max's formula, this also is used to treat tumors in dogs, cats and horses. This is meant to go after the root cause of the tumor. As with any alternative medicine, there is a chance that these products will not work at all. However, if deemed safe, which all 3 of these are safe to use, there is no harm in giving any of these to Fudge. You can order these 3 products online quite easily. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.