Plasmacytoma In Dogs
Plasmacytoma is an uncommon tumor of dogs. There are two forms, medullary and extramedullary according to whether the growth is in the bone marrow or not, respectively. Today we will be discussing extramedullary plasmacytoma. This is a continuation of our series on round cell tumors which began with canine histiocytoma, followed by canine transmissible venereal tumor.
Canine extramedullary plasmacytomas are most likely to occur on mucus membranes and/or skin. The head is a common location for them, with the areas of the face, ears and lips frequently affected. However, lesions also commonly occur on the trunk as well as the feet and toes.
Typically canine extramedullary plasmacytoma is a tumor of older dogs. They arise with the appearance of raised, red nodules. Rarely is the general health of the patient affected unless the mass is in the mouth or rectum, in which case obstruction may occur.
Differential diagnosis must include multiple myeloma, especially if systemic disability is observed.
Treatment is primarily focused on surgical excision. However, given the typical locations in which they occur, surgical excision may, by necessity, be incomplete. For example, rectal and oral lesions may not allow removal of all of a tumor mass if large quantities of tissue must be excised. Sufficient skin to close a surgical site may exist for a small foot lesion, but this is a part of the body which has little skin to spare. Large lesions may require amputation.
On the other hand, growths on the trunk usually allow for wide surgical margins, removing all of the cancerous cells. In these cases prognosis is favorable.
For plasmacytomas which cannot be completely removed surgically, chemotherapy and radiation are good treatment options for many patients.
See you tomorrow, Dr. Randolph.
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7 Comments to “Plasmacytoma In Dogs”
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Joan, I’m glad Maggie’s stool is blood-free, yet I’m concerned that she continues to be lethargic. If you can’t get her to see a veterinarian perhaps the house-call approach will work for you. Some laboratory tests might point a doctor in the direction he should go. Your thinking was on the right track with the aspirin, but it’s not applicable to most dogs. As dogs are primarily carnivores, their risk of atherosclerosis and thrombocytic clots is quite low, whereas people’s platelets (which come from thrombocytes) can be high, thus the aspirin is useful as a preventive measure in people. I doubt that your local veterinarian would approve of its use in Maggie’s case. It is my fervent prayer that you will have Maggie for a long, long time yet. Thanks for the good news, Dr. Randolph.
Thank you for getting back to me so promptly, Dr. Randolph. For the past 3 days there has been no more sign of blood; Maggie has eaten as usual; however she appears to be very tired and is sleeping more.
As to the aspirin – my doctor said I should take a baby aspirin a day. I thought with Maggie so elderly it might benefit her as well. Today I bought Senior dog food – smaller kibbles and I am adding a bit of rye bread pieces to the cat snack already in her meals. She likes this and as I said, is eatting and able to go outside as usual. Barry and I will hold on to our dear friend as long as she allows. Thank you again. Joan
Dear Ms. Best, It is good to hear from you again. I’m sorry it’s with bad news about Maggie. Of course, the best route is to have a doctor examine her and try to find the source of the blood. House-call and mobile practices abound these days, so there may be a veterinarian in your area who could see Maggie right there in your own home. Alternatively, knowing that the prognosis is not particularly good for a Great Dane in her age group, you could let Nature take her course. But, what if this isn’t something fatal, but something that could be fixed. You and Barry might end up having Maggie a lot longer. We just don’t know without that examination. You are smart to discontinue aspirin therapy, as it certainly can contribute to bleeding. I’m also curious about why she’s on an aspirin regimen. Please post another comment on this page and write back when you can. Best wishes, Dr. Randolph.
My Harlequin Dane Maggie is now almost 12. Yesterday I noticed a few drops of blood from her rectum as I was putting her out in the a.m. She ate as usual, and again later in the day. The blood is not steady. I have stopped her daily baby aspirin and now will watch to see if the drops return. Should I be taking a more active step to find out what is wrong? My problem is she will no longer get in my car, so transporting her is another issue. Plus she would be so afraid at the vet. At almost 12, I do not expect a miracle. I and my cat, Maggie’s dear friend Barry, have already begun our grieving. Thank you for your past responses to my inquiries. I wrote you last May 25, 2011.
Thanks very much Dr. Randolph for your help and this very clear and concise report on Plasmacytoma. I will follow up on your suggestions.
Elaine, you can be referred to a board-certified veterinary oncologist by your general practitioner for recommendations for followup chemotherapy, radiation, etc. Alternatively, if your pet’s doctor has time he might be able to talk to an oncologist he has a relationship with, or the veterinary college he graduated from. Best wishes on his full recovery, Dr. Randolph.
This article is very informative and easily understood. I had hoped to determine whether or not there is medication which could be bought to assist a dog that has had plasmacytoma removed from the mouth.