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I love my Lucy (black golden doodle)! I was startled when a friend of mine told me about her black standard poodle that died of toe cancer (yes, I know it sounds silly). The research shows that large breed black dogs are at risk. The following is a brief article I wanted to share with you so that you can be aware of the seemingly benign symptoms!

"Nail-Bed Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) Digital SCC is a malignant tumor that originates in the nail-bed epithelium. Most dogs with SCC of the digit are examined because of a sore toe. Limping, swelling, bleeding/discharge, ulceration, and breaking or splitting of nails are also common complaints. SCC tumors in many dogs were preceded by chronic nail-bed infections.

Black, large breed dogs such as Labrador Retrievers, Giant Schnauzers and Standard Poodles appear to be predisposed. In these breeds, multiple digits may be involved over a course of two to four years. Each toe affected is a primary tumor, and not metastases from another digit.


Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the digit is locally aggressive, and "lysis" (erosion and deterioration of bone) is evident on X-rays about 80% of the time. Amputation of the digit is necessary to prevent SCC from spreading to adjacent lymph nodes and major organs.

Average age at the onset of SCC is nine, but Standard Poodles as young as four have been reported. Diagnosis is confirmed by histopathology of the affected digit."

(see http://flickr.com/photos/9197427@N06/2720797121)

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Replies to This Discussion

Thanks for sharing this. I would not have thought to watch for something like this. Hopefully it won't happen but if it does we can catch it early because we know! Thank you
Kathy, an associate at work just lost her six year old black cat to toe cancer two days before Christmas. I examine Lucy's toes every month - I love her too much to lose her to something that if caught early can be treated without a loss of life or quality of life.
How can you tell if your dog has it? I love my baby girl so much and I don't want to loose her. And how can you treat it?
awww this is so sad! I will keep an eye out! I wonder why it only affects black dogs and cats?
thanks for posting this info....I had been at the vet's office when a woman w a black dog w a bandaged foot had come in...she noticed my dog and said something like ...oh, I'm not going to tell you what we're here for because you have a black dog too and then refused to elaborate! it worried me of course...now I have the facts I'm relieved...I know what to watch for!
Thanks for sharing that. I will keep that in mind when My Bella get older to get her test it for that. I want her to stay here for a long time and I don't want her to pass away when its not her time. thank you so much for sharing that.
Not sure how I noticed this, but I'm sure glad I did.I had no idea, and wouldn't have thought to examine the nail bed (toe nail) area for anything strange.Thanks so much could save a life for sure.(the picture is of Toby being silly in his cage, which he almost never has to enter any more unless he wants to!
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Mary, I am glad you found this - brought it back from the archives. Last year I didn't have a black doodle and I appreciate then info - just in case.
Adrianne

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