"Nail-Bed Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Digital SCC is a malignant tumor that originates in the nail-bed epithelium.

Most dogs with SCC of the digit are examined because of a sore toe. Limping, swelling, bleeding/discharge, ulceration, and breaking or splitting of nails are also common complaints. SCC tumors in many dogs were preceded by chronic nail-bed infections.

Black, large breed dogs such as Labrador Retrievers, Giant Schnauzers and Standard Poodles appear to be predisposed. In these breeds, multiple digits may be involved over a course of two to four years. Each toe affected is a primary tumor, and not metastases from another digit.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the digit is locally aggressive, and "lysis" (erosion and deterioration of bone) is evident on X-rays about 80% of the time. Amputation of the digit is necessary to prevent SCC from spreading to adjacent lymph nodes and major organs.

Average age at the onset of SCC is nine, but Standard Poodles as young as four have been reported.

Diagnosis is confirmed by histopathology of the affected digit."

Thanks Lynn!   If someone reading this information can help in this research, please contact Lynn Wilkes at: Lynn@poodletoecancer.com 

In our line of dogs, Tiara Karisma had a toe removed, but the analysis was that it was not cancerous.  We were happy with that diagnosis.  We even removed the lymph node above the toe (rear of leg) at the same time and had that analyzed as well;  it too was determined to be clear.  After consulting with Lynn, she says there are particular laboratories to utilize for the best in diagnoses.  I am happy to write that Karisma is fine 4 years later (She was 7.5 years old when she had a toe nail broken on the rocks at the beach that then would not respond to antibiotics so I had it removed for fear it might be cancerous).    Perhaps if we had utilized another lab, the result may have been one to register.

I find it my responsibility in any case to alert owners of ALL black standard poodles of this malady and to encourage the owners to act swiftly.  Contact Lynn for the current lab of choice to perform any biopsies concerning this disease.

Julie Borst Reed