My dog's mast cell tumor site is bleeding. Is this normal healing?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Lucky. Since the wound is not healing, I am concerned that he actually has a mass. I would recommend seeing his veterinarian for a procedure known as a fine needle aspirate. The veterinarian will use a small needle to collect a sample of cells to evaluate under the microscope. There is a benign growth called a histiocytoma that is common in young dogs. Unfortunately, there is also an aggressive form of skin cancer known as a mast cell tumor. This second mass has the same outward appearance as the benign growth. For this reason, it must be evaluated microscopically. I hope this information helps!

It's hard to tell from the photo, but some redness and swelling can occur as the body brings cells to repair the wound and surrounding tissue. You can use a clean warm washcloth compress a few times a day to help keep the area free of debris and reduce swelling of the area. An Elizabethan (cone) collar is also a good idea to keep it from being licked or chewed on. If it does begin to weep, the swelling or redness spreads, the incision opens up, or it is painful or bothersome to Delilah, then a checkup with your vet ASAP is best to rule out more serious issues.

Yes, gently cleaning with warm water or a mild soap should be fine. But aggressive cleaning might remove the scab and it will bleed again. The mast cell tumors release histamine which can cause it to itch, scratch and bleed. As long as the lesion remains small and doesn't bleed too much, you can wait and monitor. The surgery itself is very simple and quick and they heal well. Good luck.

I know this is upsetting, and it's difficult waiting for the results of the biopsy. However, you should know that pretty much any ear trauma (surgical or otherwise) causes a considerable amount of bleeding, even if properly closed. So I don't think this additional bit of bleeding is necessarily confirmation that this is a mast cell tumor, but I'm glad you're getting a definitive answer, regardless.

Hi, thank you for getting in touch with us. I totally understand your concerns, From the picture you are showing us, I would say that the bruising is excessive considering the small procedure. However mast cell tumours release substances that cause a lot of inflammation in the surrounding tissues, so this is what could have occurred to Sandy. I would recommend to have Sandy reassessed, if she is other ways well in herself, eating and drinking, tail wagging and comfortable you can make an appointment for tomorrow with your regular vets. If you are worried that she is unhappy, please take her in today. It would be best for you to see your own vet for continuity of care, because they have all Sandy's records and they did the procedure 36 hrs ago. Having said this, if you are not happy about the way your vets handle your concerns, I would go and see another vet. It would be interesting to know what medications is Sandy on. If you want to apply something just on the bruised area, Arnica is a natural but powerful ointment that helps a lot with bruising. I would not apply it where the dressing is. You just need to massage it gently so that it gets absorbed into the skin, 2-3 times a day. It is sold at the chemist under the name Arnicare cream. Also Lymph nodes in the area are quite deep, so I am thinking that maybe you are feeling something else ? Good luck, please get in touch if more advice is needed.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Moco! Due to his age, the appearance and the location it looks like a histiocytoma. Which is a benign mass in young dogs. They tend to resolve on their own in a few months but sometimes if they ulcerate, grow rapidly, become infected or bleed we recommend removing them. Another possibility is a mast cell tumor. I would suggest having it looked at my your vet. Good luck! https://www.petcoach.co/article/histiocytoma-in-dogs/

I’m sorry Gunner is dealing with this! Mast cell tumors are unfortunately a very common tumor we see. Mast cells are a type of inflammatory cell so we expect tumors to shrink considerably when dogs are on prednisone and Benadryl. I would use a sharpie to mark where the tumor is/was to keep track of it. Surgical excision is the most important part of the treatment plan. And with a successful surgery many dogs do great. Once the tissue is removed your vet will have a lot more information to give you about Gunner s specific mast cell tumor. I hope gunner does very well!