Cutaneous melanocytic neoplasms in dogs: retrospective study of 58 cases (1996-2004)

Abstract

Thirty nine cases (42 lesions) of melanocytoma and nineteen cases (19 lesions) of canine cutaneous melanoma were analyzed. The melanocytomas affected the young animals as well as the old ones, without a sexual predisposition. The most affected dogs were the ones of the Schnauzer and Doberman breed, being followed by those without a defined breed. Most lesions appeared solitarily and located in the eyelid, interdigital and thorax regions. In general, the lesions were papuled, no haired, non adhering, black colored, with a firm consistency and a mean diameter of 1,2 cm. Recurrence and metastases were not seen. Such fact confirms the good prognostic associated to melanocytomas. The melanomas affected the older animals, without a sexual predisposition. The most affected dogs were the ones without a defined breed, being followed by those of the Rottweiler, Pinscher, Cocker Spaniel and Airedale breeds. The lesions appeared solitarily and located on the lips and eyelid. Most tumors were ulcerated and nodular, with a firm consistency, with a mean diameter of 2,5cm. Some lesions presented recurrence. Metastases could not be proven. Among the cases with a known clinical segment, some were cured through a surgical procedure, however, the majority died, probably related to a neoplastic disease, confirming the bad prognostic related to melanoma.