Surgical management of a digital mast cell tumor in a geriatric mixed-breed female dog

Authors

  • Ethan Low Chiew Yong Foundation in Science, TMC College, Jalan Loke Yew 55200, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
  • Shiv Kumar Singh Windsor Animal Hospital, Tanjung Pinang, 10470 Tanjung Tokong, Pulau Pinang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29244/avl.10.1.1-2

Keywords:

dog, geriatric, digital mast cell tumor, digit amputation, surgery

Abstract

Digital mast cell tumours (MCTs) in dogs present a surgical challenge because their acral location often limits the achievement of adequate oncologic margins. This report describes the clinical presentation, surgical management, and histopathological confirmation of a digital MCT in an geriatric dog. A 15-year-old mixed-breed female dog weighing 7.6 kg was presented with a mass in the interdigital region of the limb. Clinical examination revealed that the dog remained active, with no obvious abnormalities in posture or gait. Because digital mast cell tumors (MCTs) are difficult to manage surgically owing to limited tissue for adequate margins, surgical excision was selected. Intraoperatively, the mass was found to extend around digit IV, requiring complete excision with digit amputation. Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of a mast cell tumour with infiltrative neoplastic mast cell proliferation. Postoperative management included wound cleansing, modified Robert Jones bandaging, amoxicillin-clavulanate, prednisolone, and topical hypochlorous acid-based wound care

References

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Figure 1. A 15-year-old mixed-breed female dog presented with a digital/interdigital mass (A) and surgical findings of the digital mass: (B) preoperative appearance; (C) gross appearance after excision; (D) postoperative wound appearance

Published

2026-02-01

How to Cite

1.
Yong ELC, Singh SK. Surgical management of a digital mast cell tumor in a geriatric mixed-breed female dog. ARSHI vet lett [Internet]. 2026 Feb. 1 [cited 2026 Jun. 6];10(1):1-2. Available from: https://journal.ipb.ac.id/index.php/arshivetlett/article/view/72575