Ask the NorthStar VETS Vet: Merkyl Cell tumors in dogs

Q: What can you tell me about Merkyl Cell tumors in dogs?

A: These are typically benign tumors of the skin and once removed completely, generally do not come back or metastasize (move to another location). These tumors can rarely be associated with abdominal organs.

Jennifer Kim, DVM
Dr. Kim grew up in New York and received her BA from the University of Pennsylvania in 1998. After spending two years at the National Cancer Institute performing cancer genetic research, she attended veterinary school at Tufts University, graduating in 2003. Dr. Kim completed a rotating internship at the Animal Medical Center in Manhattan, New York and then an oncology internship at Cornell University. She initially began at NorthStar VETS as an emergency clinician in 2005 and returned to us in January 2010 to treat oncology patients after completing a residency in medical oncology at Michigan State University, sponsored by NorthStar VETS.

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