Thank Goodness for Eye Gunk

[Linda and Murphy]

A few of you have asked how I found Murphy's melanoma. Here is the story.

 

Every morning I clean Murphy's eyes. They are always full of eye gunk (or boogers, as Joanne says).

It is such a routine, that he will even bring me the washcloth. Because of this, I noticed a rough spot on his nose. I thought Finn had bitten or scratched him (like all the rest of us). It seemed to heal up, but I washed the scab off and it bled profusely. I thought that was quite similar to the skin cancers I have had so I took him to the vet, thinking she would totally blow me off as a neurotic mom. Well, she didn't. It was black. We gave it one week and it was no better so we did surgery.

 

So, thank goodness for eye boogers!

 

 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

:)  A wash cloth!  Good Grief. Good dog.  Thanks to Clark and Adina my dog just prefers to eat them.   Good Boogers!

I'm glad you posted. I know I have checked Starlit A LOT because she gets funky bumps and is a black dog.  Black dogs are more prone to skin CA but I never thought about it with Spud.

Everyone check your dogs and keep Murphy in your thoughts.

[Melody & Bruin]

really?  black dogs are more prone?  I did not know that!  you would think it would be more prone in the lighter dogs

[F, Calla & Luca]

Certainly lighter skin is more prone in people.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Yes. Let me find the information I was directed to read. It has been awhile. I want to say specifically in the legs and paws. I'll find it when I vet to a real computer.
Another question I have is it the skin color or the hair/fur? My white dog has mostly black skin, but my black dog has white skin. When I find out I'll get back to you

[F, Calla & Luca]

How bizarre that they have reverse skin/hair color. My two have pink skin. The Australian "ladies" claim that rose noses are not more prone to sun damage but who knows?

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Where Spud does have white skin the color is a touch apricot.  Where there is white fur, he has black skin.  When I shave him, he almost looks like a dalmatian.

Starlit has Pink skin only where the hair is white.  Otherwise her skin is pure white under all that black fur.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I'm now finding contradictory information. Actually, it makes more sense.  I know I was given an article to read from my neighbors who have all black dogs--black labs and dobermans. 

Here are two different perspectives on LIGHT vs. DARK.  There is a lot more out there.  I suppose you need to reach your own conclusions.

This informative websites states: Light-colored dogs with thin haircoats that spend time in the sun have a higher risk of developing certain forms of skin cancer. Some
breeds of dogs (boxers, Scottish terriers, bull mastiffs, basset hounds, weimaraners, Kerry blue terriers and Norwegian elkhounds)have
been found to have a higher incidence of skin cancer thereby raising the distinct possibility of a genetic link.

http://www.caninecancer.com/skincancer.html

 

Black dogs

Dogs with dark coats are more at risk for squamous cell carcinoma than other dogs. It is not yet known why, but it may have something to do with the way dark colors tend to absorb sunlight rather than reflect it. Exposure to sunlight is considered a major risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma.

Read more: Skin Cancer in Black Dogs | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_6743247_skin-cancer-black-dogs.html#ixzz1...  

 

[F, Calla & Luca]

That does makes more sense in some ways. I like to think the sun can't begin to find a way into the doodles skin since I have a hard time finding it for Frontline. Thanks for reminding me it's time for monthly meds : )

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Linda, Thank you for this useful information. How did the appointment with the oncologist go?

[F, Calla & Luca]

I don't suppose you have a picture of the melanoma pre-biopsy? I think it would help us to know what to look for. Calla has a minuscule spot on her nose which I'm watching. I am tempted to scrape it but I'm trying not to. Watch and wait. But I'm talking maybe a mm.

[Linda and Murphy]

F.  this is all there was. The very black dot maybe 1/2 inch above his main nose outline. It was rough, like a flat wart, but not really raised.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Thanks for the picture. I see something a bit to the right, Murphy's right that is, of midline but it is really hard to make out. Let's hope that means since it's small it's easy to take out. Did they do an excisional biopsy or just sample it?