Question: My dog was just diagnosed with a mast cell tumor that was removed from the skin at the front part of the shoulder. The incision is very long over the shoulder, and extending down the front leg. The tumor that was removed was very small, about the size of a cherry tomato. I do not understand why my dog has this long incision, and now it is taking more than two weeks to fully heal. Can you please explain? Also, my dog does not like wearing the large collar that prevents him from licking the incision.
Answer: Most of my clients do not like seeing their pets in E-collars, and I understand your frustration with the collar. They are necessary, though, because if there is any trauma to the incision line, it will delay healing and the incision could become infected. Some people put T-shirts on their dogs to prevent them from licking or scratching at the incision line. You may want to consider this option, but it is essential that the incision be allowed to heal.
The reason it seems to be taking a long time for the incision to heal is because mast cell tumors are very inflammatory tumors. They cause lots of swelling at the tumor site and this delays wound healing. When a mast cell tumor is removed from the skin, even if it is a small tumor, we usually recommend sutures remain in place for at least two weeks, to allow for adequate healing to occur in the face of inflammation caused by the tumor. Also, anytime an incision is made over a joint or an area of the body where movement occurs, the healing process takes longer. Since the incision was made over your dog’s shoulder, I would expect a longer healing time.
Finally, the reason the incision is so long is because even though mast cell tumors can appear small, they have microscopic branches of cancer cells that extend beyond the visible tumor. We like to have wide surgical margins around the tumor so all of the branches are removed at the time of surgery. Mast cell tumors that are removed with complete surgical margins, and are grade 2 tumors, are generally cured with surgical resection. This is the good news for your dog. Although, the immediate post-operative period may be frustrating, in the long run, your dog will be free of cancer.
Dr. Correa
Stephanie Correa, DVM
Board Certified in Oncology
Animal Cancer Care Clinic
www.AnimalCancerCareClinic.com
Read more articles by Dr. Correa | Ask her a question
Source: http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/pawshere/2013/02/12/cancer-surgery-area-taking-long-time-to-heal/
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