Mast cell tumors are fairly common in dogs. These tumors develop from mast cells, a type of immune cell that contains little packets or granules of histamine and other chemicals. Normally, these granules release in response to something like an insect bite. But when mast cells turn cancerous, the histamine release can quickly get out of control. This is called a degranulation event.
Veterinary oncologist Brooke Britton joins us once again to explain why dogs get degranulation events, how to recognize that one is happening, and what can be done to help your dog. The good news? Medicine cabinet standbys like Benadryl can provide relief from the awful itching and irritation.
Listen in to learn more, including the role that allergies may play in mast cell tumors.
Related Links:
Exam Room Series: Mast Cell Tumors podcast episode
Tagamet and Benadryl for Dogs podcast episode
An Oncologist’s Thoughts on Diet article
Chapters:
0:00 Start
1:20 What A Degranulation Event Is
7:45 Benadryl
8:50 Signs of Degranulation Event
12:05 Role of Allergies
19:53 No Good Way to Prevent Mast Cell Tumors
21:08 Tagamet and Benadryl
26:12 Low Histamine Diets
About Today’s Guest, Dr. Brooke Britton:
Brooke Britton completed her residency training in Medical Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania in 2012, and has been in clinical practice in the NYC and Jersey Shore area since that time. She helmed the Brooklyn and Downtown arms of the Oncology Department for BluePearl Veterinary Partners in New York for the past 9 years, and was an active participant in house officer training and clinical trials during her tenure there. She currently serves as a private consultant and maintains an independent clinical practice. Dr. Britton has lectured nationally and authored several peer-reviewed articles. She has particular interest in hematologic malignancies and the metastatic cascade.
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