Early Signs of Canine Oral Melanoma

Most oral tumors are not noticed early, because it can be difficult for a dog owner to look inside the dog’s mouth. As a result, many tumors go undiagnosed — and untreated — until they are advanced. By then, the dog has a poorer chance of recovery.¹

Fortunately, tumors in the mouth, including canine oral melanomas, are easy for your veterinarian to detect during a routine oral examination. This can mean the difference between life and death for many dogs.

Dog owners can help identify the presence of tumors by looking for secondary signs, including:²

• Difficulty swallowing
• Bad breath
• Bleeding
• Loss of teeth
• Facial swelling

If you notice any of these signs, it is always a good idea to notify your veterinarian. Your veterinarian knows best how to proceed to diagnose cancer or eliminate it as a concern for you.

Part of the diagnosis for oral tumors often includes a biopsy, or removing a small tissue sample from the tumor and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. Your veterinarian also may use x-rays or other diagnostic tools the help stage the cancer.

¹Cronin K. Canine and feline oral tumors: Earlier is better. DVM 2006;37(7):6S-11S.
²Dhaliwal RS. Et al. Oral Tumors in Dogs and Cats. Part 1. Diagnosis and Clinical Signs.Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet 1998;20(9):1011-1021.