Your dog was diagnosed with Mast Cell Tumour — High Grade. High-grade MCT represents approximately 14.4% of Patnaik Grade II tumours and all Patnaik Grade III. Shar-Peis are at extremely high risk (OR 26-28) and present younger. Weimaraners also high risk. Compare 7 treatment options for dogs including Surgery + Vinblastine/Prednisone Adjuvant, Surgery + Radiation Therapy (Incomplete Margins), Palladia (Toceranib) for Non-Resectable Disease — with survival times, costs, and what to expect during treatment.
Pet Cancer Options — Mast Cell Tumour — High Grade
Canine Oncology Treatment Guide
Mast Cell Tumour — High Grade
Round Cell
About This Cancer
High-grade mast cell tumours are an aggressive form of this common skin cancer. Unlike their low-grade counterparts, high-grade tumours grow more rapidly, are more likely to spread to lymph nodes and internal organs, and carry a significantly more guarded prognosis. These tumours can release large amounts of histamine and other chemicals from their granules, potentially causing serious complications including stomach ulceration, widespread swelling, and in severe cases, dangerous drops in blood pressure. Shar-Peis are at especially high risk and tend to develop them at a younger age. Treatment usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy, and the presence of a specific genetic mutation (c-KIT) can influence both prognosis and treatment options, as certain targeted drugs may be effective against tumours carrying this mutation.
Kiupel 2-Tier Histologic Grading System + Weishaar Lymph Node Classification
Kiupel grading determines primary tumour grade. Weishaar classification (HN0-HN3) stages regional lymph node involvement and independently predicts survival.
Prognostic Factors(3)
Minimum Workup(9 steps)
Median Survival Time Comparison
How long the average patient survives with each treatment
Each treatment is rated by how much published research supports its use. Solid bars indicate stronger evidence; dashed bars mean less certainty.
Please note: All treatment data is sourced from published peer-reviewed literature. Survival times and cost figures are approximate guides. Your pet's individual factors — including tumour grade, stage, and overall health — will influence outcomes and should guide all treatment decisions. The strength-of-evidence rating reflects how much research exists, not how strongly a treatment is recommended. This tool is designed to help you have informed conversations with your veterinary oncologist, not to replace them. Costs shown are US referral centre estimates and may vary significantly by region.