The Furry Critter Network

SCC - Issue Description

Issue Name

SCC

Other Names
Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Issue Description

Squamous cells are the cells that make up most of the skin, so squamous cell carcinoma refers to an abnormal growth of these cells. Squamous cell carcinoma is usually developed in the epithelial layer of the skin and sometimes in various mucous membranes of the body. This type of cancer can be seen on the skin, lips, inside the mouth, throat or esophagus. This type of cancer is characterized by red, scaly skin that becomes an open sore.

Symptoms

Squamous cell carcinomas commonly arise in non-pigmented, either sparsely-haired or un-haired skin. It is most commonly seen as a result of sun damage.

The lesion looks like a raw ulcer or non-healing sore. This dog skin cancer is locally aggressive but rarely spreads until later in the course of the disease.

Diagnosis

To be diagnosed, a biopsy is done where a sample is taken and examined under a microscope.

Causes

Risk factors include:

Sun exposure

Radiation therapy

Exposure to carcinogens

Chronic skin irritation or inflammation

Genetic diseases

Presence of premalignant lesions

Breeds Commonly Affected

Shih Tzus

Standard Poodles

Mastiffs

Basset Hounds

Blood Hounds

Treatment

Surgical removal is the treatment of choice. Where surgery is incomplete or not possible, radiation can be used. Limiting exposure to the sun may help prevent sun-induced squamous cell carcinomas.

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The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) was the first humane society to be established in North America and is, today, one of the largest in the world.

Our organization was founded on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment at the hands of humans and must be protected under the law. Headquartered in New York City, the ASPCA maintains a strong local presence, and with programs that extend our anti-cruelty mission across the country, we are recognized as a national animal welfare organization. We are a privately funded 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, and are proud to boast more than 2 million supporters across the country.

The ASPCA’s mission, as stated by founder Henry Bergh in 1866, is “to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.”

Petfinder

If you can’t find the pet you’re looking for on Petfinder, don’t give up. Some shelters maintain waiting lists for specific breeds, so don’t be afraid to ask! There are also breed-specific rescues for just about every breed, and most of them post their pets on Petfinder. (Petfinder can even e-mail you when a pet that fits your criteria is posted — just click “Save this Search” at the top of your search results page.)

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Jeff Gold, Founder, Rescue Me! Animal Rescue Network

Jeff Gold lives in Watkinsville, Georgia on the same property as Rescue Me's Animal Rehabilitation Center, with 18 rescue animals. Shown with him in the photo to the left are Maggie, Izzie and Cortez. In 2003, after learning there was nobody doing boxer rescue work in Georgia, Gold founded Boxertown, an organization which helped find homes for over 500 boxers during its first two years. Based upon this success, Gold came up with the vision for Rescue Me! ― a network which helps all breeds of dogs, cats and other animals find good homes, anywhere in the world. RescueShelter.com is also a free service of Rescue Me! and provides the world's largest and most up-to-date directory of animal rescue organizations for all breeds of dogs, cats and other animals, including a comprehensive directory of wildlife rehabilitators in over 150 countries.

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