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Old Dog Resources
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All Skin Lumps and Bumps Need Veterinary Attention
There are many different kinds of skin tumours, some are serious but most are
benign. Most skin growths are likely to be either skin papillomas (i.e. warts)
or sebaceous gland adenomas. Skin papillomas are common in dogs but rare in
cats. Their cause is unknown, although a viral infection appears to be involved
in some cases. These growths can appear as solitary or multiple lumps and
characteristically have a cauliflower-like surface. There is no way to prevent
them from occurring.
Warts can appear anywhere on the body, especially as pets get older, but they
cause few problems and are benign. In those cases where a wart causes a problem
(e.g .the pet licks it excessively or it becomes infected), it can be removed
surgically without difficulty. Usually, warts are left alone.
Sebaceous gland tumours derive from the sebaceous glands in the skin, which
secrete an oily substance called sebum. Sebum keeps the skin soft, pliable, and
moisturized. These tumours are considered to be the most common kind of skin
tumour in dogs, and are often confused with warts since they are similar in
appearance. Like papillomas, sebaceous gland tumours are common in dogs but rare
in cats. They usually appear after nine to ten years of age, and there appears
to be a predisposition in cocker spaniels as well as poodles, Boston terriers,
Kerry blue terriers, beagles, dachshunds, Norwegian elkhounds and basset hounds.
Sebaceous gland tumours are usually not surgically excised unless they too cause
problems.
As a rule of thumb, all growths should be checked out by your veterinarian to
ensure that they are not malignant.
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