
31/01/2025
Have you ever noticed any small masses growing on the white-haired areas of your sheep or goat?
Have you noticed changes to the white-haired areas on the tips of the ears, nose, face or back of the body?
Your animal friend may or may not be suffering from an aggressive cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Any mass or swelling that is growing on a white-haired animal could be a SCC, a type of aggressive cancer that is particularly prevalent in Aotearoa. Did you know that squamous cell carcinomas are the most common oral malignant tumour in cats? Our farm pets are not immune to this cancer either.
What is a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)?
SCC are tumours of squamous cells, a type of skin cell which rapidly divides and affects the skin cells abnormally. Exposure to sunlight is a trigger for this cancer and hence we may see this more type of cancer more commonly on the light-skinned or sparsely-coated areas of the body. This malignant tumour is great at spreading, and it likes to rapidly invade into vital organs, such as the lungs.
Luckily, if caught early, it may be treated depending on the size, severity of malignancy/spread, patient safety and invasiveness. This is why we recommend checking your farm pets regularly for any unusual masses or swellings, especially on the face and ears regions.
SCC can be a painful. As the skin changes, this cancer causes large ulcerative lesions that become secondarily infected with bacteria. This can predispose the animal to further issues, such as fly-strike.
What can your Veterinarian do?
If your Veterinarian is suspicious of a SCC, they will likely take a sample of the mass to try obtain a definitive diagnosis though microscopic cytology. If a SCC is confirmed, or of the tissue changes are highly suspicious for SCC, the next steps may involve carrying out additional diagnostic tests to determine whether the tumour has spread or not (metastasized). If there is no evidence of metastasis, then the SCC mass can usually be surgically removed.
If you have noticed any abnormal swellings or masses on your lifestyle farm pets, please call your Veterinarian.
The Lifestyle Vet - Helping you care for your beloved lifestyle block pets ❤
Phone 8am-5pm: 027 838 5433
After-hours Emergency Phone: 027 838 5431
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