EPISODE 295 | RELEASED October 27, 2025
Mast Cell Degranulation: Life-Saving Insights for Dog Lovers Facing Mast Cell Tumors | Dr. Brooke Britton
Discover what degranulation events are, why they occur in dogs with mast cell tumors, and how you can manage your pup’s symptoms effectively.
SHOW NOTES
Dr. Brooke Britton discusses degranulation events—a scary potential when a dog has mast cell tumors. Learn what degranulation is, why it happens, and how it can affect your dog. Also: practical tips for managing symptoms, potential connections between allergies and cancer, and how to care for dogs with mast cell tumors.
Topics Discussed:
- What is a degranulation event?
- How mast cell tumors cause degranulation
- Symptoms dogs may experience during a degranulation event
- The role of allergies and chronic inflammation in mast cell tumor risk
- Medications and treatments to manage symptoms
- Low-histamine diets and their role in comfort care
- Tips for preventing future mast cell tumor growth
- The importance of early detection and regular vet check-ups
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Related Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7jjCXVhuE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eb4GrcH_f8
Related Links:
Our article on mast cell tumors: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/types-of-dog-cancer/mast-cell-tumors-in-dogs/
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:15 What Are Mast Cell Tumors?
02:30 The Role of Mast Cells in Normal Immune Response
04:00 What Happens During a Degranulation Event?
06:45 Symptoms Dogs May Experience During Degranulation
09:00 How Dogs Might Feel During Degranulation Events
11:00 Stomach Upset and Ulcers in Dogs with Mast Cell Tumors
13:00 The Link Between Allergies and Mast Cell Tumors
16:00 Managing Allergies in Dogs to Reduce Risk
18:30 Diet Considerations: Low-Histamine and Commercial Diets
22:00 Medications for Degranulation Symptoms: Benadryl and Tagamet
25:00 The Truth About Diet and Cancer Prevention
27:30 Why Balanced Diets Are Key for Dogs with Cancer
29:45 Closing Thoughts on Degranulation and Mast Cell Tumors
34:00 Outro: Support and Resources for Dog Owners
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