Since we have so many new list members, I thought I would take a minute and remind everyone about toe cancer (SCC) in BLACK Standard Poodles.

Toe cancer, also known as digital squamous cell carcinoma, is a disorder that affects primarily black coated breeds, with the BLACK Standard Poodle at highest risk, followed by Black Labs, and Giant Schnauzers.

Some symptoms would be any type of lump, swelling, discharge,discolouring of the quik, or any type of infection that won`t clear up with antibitoics. Repeat infections are especially suspicious. Anessa didn`t have any of the above symptoms, but she did limp and her toe was painful to touch. The symtpoms can appear alone or in combination. A vet I know, says whenever she uses the words "Black Standard Poodle" and "toe problem" in the same sentence, she is suspicious right away.

The average age at onset is between 8-12 yrs., however my own BLACK Standard Poodle was 4 1/2 when she was diagnosed with her first toe cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma in the Standard Poodle is considered a multi digit problem, but there are many SP`s who have only had one toe amputated and never have another problem.

Lysis (bone erosion) will be evident on x-rays in over 80% of the cases. You can see an example of lysis in Anessa`s x-ray at home.cogeco.ca/~anessa-ava/xray.htm

Amputation is the only way at the present time to stop the cancer from spreading to adjacent lymph nodes. Thankfully, *most*, (but not all) squamous cell carcinomas are slow moving, and amputation alone should be curative.

Not all toe cancers are the same. There are many types of toe cancer that can affect all breeds, and all colours of dogs. It is only "squamous cell carcinoma" that is a problem in the BLACK Standard Poodle.

As with many cancers, the faster it is diagnosed, the better the outcome.

Lynn Wilkes & Ava