The cost of removing a mast cell tumor from a dog can vary quite a bit depending on a number of factors. Some key considerations that impact the total cost include:
Size and Location of the Tumor
Larger tumors or ones in harder to access locations like the head or paws tend to be more expensive to remove. Smaller, superficial tumors are simpler for the vet to excise so they often cost less.
Surgery vs Other Treatments
Full surgical removal with clean margins is the gold standard treatment for mast cell tumors. Other options like biopsy, biopsy with debulking, radiation or chemotherapy may cost less but are generally less effective. Surgery provides the best chance for a cure.
Type of Surgery
A simple excision to remove just the visible tumor is cheaper than a more extensive “wide excision” where tissue around the tumor is also removed to ensure clean margins. sentinel lymph node biopsies and staging procedures add to surgical costs as well.
Location and Overhead Costs of the Veterinary Clinic
Procedures done at veterinary specialty centers or emergency hospitals often cost more than at a regular vet clinic. Overhead costs like staffing, equipment and rent also vary so prices fluctuate too.
Your Individual Vet’s Pricing
The experience level of the surgeon performing the procedure impacts pricing too. More experienced vets or specialists may charge more than general practice vets. Individual vet office policies on pricing also causes differences. Getting an itemized estimate is key.
Your Dog’s Age and Health
Young, otherwise healthy dogs typically require less elaborate monitoring and aftercare so their surgery costs less. Procedures on higher risk dogs require more precautions which raises costs.
Your Location
The cost of vet care varies tremendously across different geographic regions. Procedures are most expensive in major metro areas and lowest in small towns and rural locations.
With all those factors in mind, here are some typical cost ranges for mast cell tumor removal in dogs:
Small, Simple Tumor Excision – $300 to $800
For a single, small superficial tumor a simple excision costs approximately $300 to $800 depending on your location and vet. This includes short acting anesthesia, the removal itself and any biopsies if needed. It does not include costs for the histopathology labwork on the tumor which will be extra.
Medium Tumor Wide Excision – $800 to $2500
To widely excise a medium sized mast cell tumor deeper in the skin or subcutaneous tissue, you can expect to pay $800 to $2500. The large range accounts for differences based on the dog, clinic, surgeon and type of excision.
Large Invasive Tumor – $2,000 to $5,000
Large, invasive mast cell tumors or ones located deep in the tissue on the limbs or head often require extensive surgery under general anesthesia. Costs for true wide excision surgery on big or tricky tumors usually falls between $2000 to $5000 not counting extras like lab tests.
Mast Cell Tumor Removal at a Specialty Center – $2,500 to $8,000
At specialty and emergency vet centers where there are boarded surgeons on staff, expect to pay more for mast cell tumor excision. Complex procedures can cost $2500 to $8000 here due to high overhead expenses and intensive surgical care.
What’s Included in the Cost of Mast Cell Tumor Removal?
The total bill for mast cell tumor removal surgery includes several components:
Pre-Anesthetic Bloodwork
Tests done before surgery to ensure your dog is healthy enough to safely undergo anesthesia. Screens for issues like anemia, dehydration, kidney disease, etc.
Anesthesia Fees
Cost for injectable anesthesia drugs as well as anesthetic monitoring during the procedure.
Operating Room Fees
Covers use of the surgical suite and equipment like drapes, surgical tools, lights, etc.
Consumables and Medications
Any syringes, sutures, swabs, IV fluids, injectable medications, antibiotics, etc. used during surgery.
Tumor Removal and Biopsies
The actual charges for cutting out the mast cell tumor, collecting margins, taking biopsy samples, etc.
Histopathology
Laboratory analysis fees to examine the tumor under a microscope and determine if the margins are clean.
Hospitalization Fees
If your dog stays overnight for monitoring after surgery, there is an additional daily charge.
Post-Op Pain Control
Oral or injectable medications to keep your dog comfortable after the procedure.
E-Collar or Bandages
Your vet may send your dog home with an e-collar to prevent chewing or bandages that need regular changing.
Follow Up Appointment
Often a recheck exam about 2 weeks after surgery is included to check the incision site and discuss pathology results.
How to Get the Best Price on Mast Cell Tumor Removal
Here are some tips to get the most affordable rate for removing your dog’s mast cell tumor:
- Shop around to compare rates between local general practice vets.
- Ask if a vet student can perform the procedure under supervision for a lower cost.
- Inquire about payment plans or apply for third party financial assistance.
- Time the procedure when the vet is running a promotional special.
- Opt for extras like advanced monitoring or hospitalization only if truly needed.
- See if your pet insurance policy provides any reimbursement.
Can I afford the cost of mast cell tumor removal for my dog?
The price tag for mast cell tumor removal surgery can be daunting, but this is a very necessary procedure for your dog’s health. Here are some options to help manage the costs:
Pet Insurance
If you have a pet insurance plan, check what percentage is covered for growth removal. Pre-existing conditions may disqualify some dogs.
Payment Plans
Many veterinary offices offer payment installment plans so you can spread costs over several months interest-free.
Credit Cards
There are now credit cards like CareCredit designed specifically for medical expenses including vet costs. They offer deferred or promotional interest financing.
Personal Loan
Taking out a personal loan with your bank is an option to fund a large vet bill all at once at a lower interest rate.
Non-Profits
Applying for a grant from a non-profit pet health assistance organization can cover all or part of a vet bill.
Crowdfunding
Tools like GoFundMe allow you to fundraise online for pet medical costs. Family, friends and even strangers may donate.
With some planning and budgeting, you can find a way to manage the price of your dog’s mast cell tumor removal. Focus on financing options so you can proceed with this vital treatment.
What happens if a mast cell tumor is not removed from a dog?
Here’s what happens if a mast cell tumor is not removed from a dog:
- The tumor continues to grow – Mast cell tumors are typically fast growing cancers. Without removal, the tumor gets larger invading healthy tissue.
- Ulceration – The tumor may ulcerate and become an oozing open wound on the skin which is prone to infection.
- Spread to lymph nodes – Mast cell tumors often spread to local lymph nodes which makes surgical cure difficult.
- Metastasis – Mast cell cancer cells can break off and travel in the blood to internal organs like the spleen, liver, intestines.
- Organ dysfunction – Widespread mast cell tumor cells impair organ function like digestive processes, breathing, blood clotting.
- Poor quality of life – Effects like pain, nausea, diarrhea from tumor effects reduce the dog’s daily well-being.
- Shortened lifespan – Without treatment, dogs succumb to the cancer itself or complications of the tumor like intestinal blockages.
Surgical removal of the mast cell tumor gives dogs the best chance of a cure and prevents suffering from the damaging effects of the unchecked cancer.
What percentage of lumps on dogs are cancerous?
It’s estimated that around 10% of lumps and bumps on dogs end up being cancerous. Here’s a breakdown of how common cancer is among different types of canine skin masses:
Lipomas – Benign Fatty Tumors
Lipomas make up 50-60% of all lumps on dogs. These benign masses of fat cells are not cancerous.
Histiocytomas – Benign Skin Tumors
About 10% of growths on dogs are histiocytomas. These are generally harmless tumors of the skin cells, especially in young dogs.
Sebaceous Cysts
Around 10-15% of lumps are sebaceous cysts. Cysts around hair follicles are benign.
Warts
Warts account for 3 to 10% of skin masses. The viral papillomas are not cancerous.
Mast Cell Tumors – Cancerous Skin Tumors
Approximately 7% of growths on dogs are mast cell tumors. Mast cells in the skin and soft tissue can form malignant cancers.
Other Cancers
The remaining small percentage of masses are other cancerous growths like melanoma, soft tissue sarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma, etc.
So while the vast majority of lumps and bumps on dogs are benign, around 10% are malignant cancers. Any new growth should be examined by a vet and possibly biopsied to determine if it’s benign or cancerous.
Are mast cell tumors deadly for dogs?
Mast cell tumors can potentially be deadly for dogs, but the prognosis depends on several factors:
Tumor Grade
Low grade tumors have a better prognosis than high grade tumors which are more aggressive cancers.
Level of Invasiveness
How deep the tumor extends into underlying tissue impacts prognosis. Deeper invasion is higher risk.
Location
Tumors on the limbs have better outcomes. High risk locations include the mouth, groin, around genitals.
Spread to Lymph Nodes
If mast cells have spread to nearby lymph nodes the prognosis worsens significantly.
Metastasis
When mast cell cancer has metastasized to internal organs the survival rate decreases.
Complete Surgical Removal
Dogs have the best prognosis when the entire tumor can be removed with clean margins.
So while mast cell cancer certainly can be deadly, early detection and treatment greatly improve the chances of cure in dogs. Close monitoring and staging tests are recommended even after tumor removal.
What are the stages of mast cell tumors in dogs?
Veterinarians use a three stage system to classify the extent of mast cell tumors in dogs:
Stage 1
The tumor is small (less than 2cm or 0.8 inches) and confined to the skin with no spread to lymph nodes or internal organs. The cancer is localized.
Stage 2
The mast cell tumor is larger (over 2cm) and may have spread deeper into surrounding tissue. Nearby lymph nodes may be involved but there are no signs of metastases.
Stage 3
The mast cell cancer is very large or ulcerated and has already spread to the regional lymph nodes or there is confirmed distant metastasis to internal organs like the spleen, liver, or bone marrow.
Dogs with Stage 1 tumors have the best prognosis with surgical removal and close monitoring. Stage 2 outlook is more guarded. Stage 3 mast cell disease has the worst prognosis with higher risk of complications and mortality.
What does a mast cell tumor look like on a dog?
Mast cell tumors have a very variable appearance in dogs, which can make them difficult to diagnose. Here are some of the ways mast cell cancer may look on the skin:
- Raised lump or bump on the skin
- Firm or soft movable mass
- Wart-like growth
- Ulcerated nodule
- Itchy red patch
- Hairless raised plaque
- Swelling if tumor is deeper in tissue
- May fluctuate in size
Mast cell tumors can be found anywhere on the body and the appearance varies based on tumor location. Sites like the limbs, chest or abdomen are most common. Any unusual new mass on the skin warrants investigation by a veterinarian.
Where do mast cell tumors develop on dogs?
In dogs, mast cell tumors can develop anywhere on the skin or in soft subcutaneous tissue throughout the body. However, there are several favorite sites where they are found most frequently:
Head and Neck
The head and neck region accounts for about 10% of mast cell tumors, usually on the ears, muzzle and eyelids.
Trunk
Around 30% of mast cell tumors arise on the trunk including the chest, back, sides and abdomen.
Legs
The legs are also common sites representing about 40% of cases. Hind limbs are affected slightly more than front legs.
Perineum
The perineum or genital region sees around 20% of mast cell tumors, especially the prepuce and scrotum in males.
While less common areas include the paw pads, tail and mouth, anywhere mast cells reside in the body can develop tumors. Alerting the vet to changes anywhere on the skin is important.
Conclusion
Surgical removal of mast cell tumors offers dogs the best chance for a cure and prevents the cancer from worsening quality of life. While costs vary based on specific factors for each case, owners should be prepared for an expense in the range of $300 to $5000 or more. Aggressive treatment of this canine cancer is well worth the investment to extend a beloved pet’s life.