Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cryotherapy to safely treat benign skin tumors in awake dogs
By Angileri, Martina et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2020·San Marco Veterinary Clinic and Laboratory, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Cryotherapy to treat benign skin tumours in conscious dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 25 dogs with benign skin tumors, like sebaceous neoplasia and follicular cysts, underwent cryotherapy (freezing treatment) while awake. This method used a liquid nitrogen spray and was repeated as needed, with most dogs needing just one or two sessions. About 57% of the tumors completely resolved, while 35% shrank significantly. Some dogs experienced pain during the treatment, but overall, the procedure was safe and effective for reducing or eliminating these skin issues. In one case, a tumor grew larger, indicating that surgery may be necessary for certain lesions.
People also search for: dog skin tumor treatment · cryotherapy for dogs · benign skin lesions in dogs · dog skin cyst removal · dog tumor freezing treatment
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cryotherapy can be used to treat benign skin lesions without general anaesthesia. This technique has only been described in anaesthetized dogs. OBJECTIVE: To describe the feasibility, safety and efficacy of cryotherapy to treat benign skin tumours in conscious dogs. ANIMALS: Twenty-five client-owned dogs with 52 skin tumours diagnosed as benign sebaceous neoplasia (46) or follicular cysts (six). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Cryotherapy was performed in conscious dogs using a liquid nitrogen spray technique with a handheld spray-release system. If needed, cryotherapy was repeated every three to four weeks until complete cure was achieved or for a maximum of eight treatments. Effectiveness and adverse effects were recorded. RESULTS: Resolution was obtained for 29 of 52 lesions (57%) with a median number of one to two cryotherapy sessions. Eighteen of 52 (35%) lesions shrank to <0.1 cm. In one case, the tumour enlarged after cryotherapy, and histopathological examination of the excisional biopsy revealed an apocrine gland carcinoma. Pain and discomfort during the treatment were the most common adverse effects (33%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: In the present study, cryotherapy was possible in conscious dogs and proved to be effective to cure or reduce the size of benign sebaceous tumours and follicular cysts. The procedure is safe but the degree of pain during the treatment needs to be further investigated. Worsening of the lesion after cryotherapy suggests the need for surgical removal and histopathological examination.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31663222/