MCTs are characterized by being extremely variable in shape, color, and texture. Although Boxers have a tendency to develop MCTs, 50% are the benign form.

The best treatment for MCT is surgery taking wide margins around the tumor. If it comes back as cancerous, and/or if grade II+, and the margins were seen to be "dirty" then local radiation is used to clean up any stray cells missed by surgery.

MCT has a tendency to be very metastatic. The usual tactic of using ultrasound to find internal tumors may or may not work for MCT. Sometimes an affected spleen or liver will appear clean. Apparently the only place MCT can not hide without being noticed by ultrasound are the kidneys.

MCT which has gone into metastasis is extremely difficult to treat. Chemo drugs such as Vincristine and Cytoxin with the old standby of Prednisone are used and can induce short remissions.

MCT is derived from the cell line that one would guess- Mast Cells. These are the cells responsible for the release of histamine when encountering a foreign antigen. This causes a cascade effect of allergic and inflamatory responses. In MCT puppies the high release of histamine can readily result in ulcers. Therefore both acid blockers (e.g. cimetidine, rantidine), and anti-histamines are used to provide pallative relief.

There is evidence the incorporation of Omega-3s in the diet and its anti-inflamatory properties, including inhibiting the release of histamine helps with this disease. You should consider starting fish oil administration. Most dogs really enjoy the taste. Avoid giving Flax oil, and stick with the fish oil. Also Vitamin-E (dry or the succinate salt form) has also been found beneficial in decreasing the inflamation.

Again, given the difficulty in treating metastatic MCT, the best chance is in getting it out with surgery, and possible follow up radiation.