A Plasma Cell Tumor Between a Cocker Spaniel's Toe Pads
by A reader
He has begun to get numerous wart-like growths all over his body but those seem to be benign. I had 3 of those removed and tested and they were benign. The growth in his foot was distinctly different. My dog has otherwise been quite healthy.
There is some good news here. Plasma cell tumors of the skin (cutaneous plasmacytomas) are usually low grade in dogs. Most do not spread, and even when the margins aren't completely clean, many never come back. Cocker Spaniels are one of the breeds that get them more often.
Ask your vet for a copy of the pathology report and whether it mentions the grade and the margins. Options besides waiting include a second, wider surgery, which on a paw may not be possible without affecting the foot, and radiation therapy, which works well for plasma cell tumors and is often used when margins can't be clean. A consult with a veterinary oncologist can help you weigh these. Amputation is rarely needed for this tumor type.
Check the area every week and see your vet if a lump comes back. Your vet may also suggest a blood test to rule out the much rarer internal form, multiple myeloma. Wart-like growths that have tested benign are common in older Cockers.
See skin cancer in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
