Treating mast cell tumours in first opinion practice: is it time to put down the knife?

Mast cell tumours account for up to 21% of all canine tumours presenting to veterinary practice (Shoop et al, 2015). The diverse range of inflammatory and angiogenic properties made possible through degranulation means that not only do symptoms range widely but so does the level of risk and aggression.

Grading of mast cell tumours allows for planning for surgery to clear a lateral and fascial margin relative to the potential for the tumour to spread and metastasise.

Resolution is recommended through full resection, using proportional margins and appropriate anti-inflammatories and chemo-therapeutics to reduce tumour size, as well as the risks associated with degranulation of tumour cells.

Management of mast cell tumours aims for complete resolution while preserving enough viable tissue to close the deficit according to Halsted's principles of surgical technique (Hunt, 2012) (Table 1 ) and in keeping with the aims of wound healing in Table 2.