Keratoacanthoma in dogs

Species: Dog
Condition: Keratoacanthoma
Organ System: Nervous/sensory

A benign skin tumour originating from skin cells found around the hair follicles. It is one of the most common tumours found in the dog. Keratoacanthoma is usually found on the skin of the neck, chest legs and abdomen. It is seen in the form of single or multiple nodules sometimes secreting a substance similar to the consistency of the toothpaste. In order to properly identify the tumour and exclude possible malignancy, the vet will take samples of it and examine it microscopically. It is advisable to remove the tumour surgically. The procedure is usually simple and routinely done and most of the animals recover completely.

Breeds exposed to Keratoacanthoma – Research Reference
American Akita Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Akita Inu Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Weimaraner Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Akita Inu – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Weimaraner – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Japanese Akita – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
American Akita – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Greyhound Cross – (Huxtable & Davis 1976)
Greyhound – (Huxtable & Davis 1976)
GREYHOUND RACING DOG – (Huxtable & Davis 1976)
Japanese Akita Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)

Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine

To learn more about Keratoacanthoma or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.