Library
-
This handout discusses some of the more common forms of oral tumors in pets. Highlighted are Papillomas (“Warts”) and Fibropapillomas, both of wish are caused by viral infection. Clinical signs, diagnostic methods, and treatment options are highlighted.
-
Oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are the most common oral tumor in cats, and second most common in dogs. These tumors are locally aggressive, with a possibility to metastasize. Regardless of the location of SCC, surgery is the typically the standard treatment. Radiation therapy may be recommended following surgery or as a primary treatment for palliative care. Staging is recommended for all cases. If metastasis is present chemotherapy is often pursued.
-
Osteosarcoma is an aggressive type of bone cancer that usually develops in the long bones of the leg but can occur elsewhere, such as the skull, pelvis, ribs and vertebrae. It is less aggressive in cats than dogs, and can spread to other areas of the body. Amputation is the most common treatment.
-
Osteosarcoma is an aggressive type of bone cancer that usually develops in the long bones of the leg but can occur elsewhere, such as the skull, pelvis, ribs and vertebrae. It is more common in large breed dogs than small breeds. Treatment often involves amputation.
-
Ovarian tumors are quite rare in North American pets, mainly due to routine spaying practices. This handout discusses ovarian tumors in dogs and cats. The various forms of ovarian tumors, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this cancer are outlined.
-
Primary pancreatic tumors are rare in dogs and cats. Exocrine tumors include adenomas and adenocarcinomas, and endocrine tumors include insulinomas, gastrinomas, and glucagonomas. This article discusses signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
-
Parathyroid tumors are uncommon in dogs and cats. Benign adenomas occur more often than malignant tumors. Keeshonds appear to have a genetic predisposition to developing parathyroid tumors, but no breed or genetic relationship has been established in cats. Pets may exhibit signs of lethargy, little or no appetite, vomiting, and muscle twitching. Diagnosis is confirmed with PTH testing and ultrasound of the neck region after hypercalcemia is observed on bloodwork. Surgery to remove the affected gland(s) is the typical treatment, but ultrasound-guided ablation may be pursued. Careful monitoring of calcium levels post-surgery is important, as some pets may develop transient hypocalcemia and require calcium supplementation. Prognosis is excellent, and the metastatic rate for these tumors is extremely low.
-
Pituitary macroadenomas are large, non-cancerous tumors of the pituitary gland that are either functional (secrete hormones) or non-functional (do not secrete hormones). They are more common in dogs than cats. Clinical signs depend on the type of tumor. This handout outlines signs, diagnosis, and treatment.
-
Pituitary macroadenomas are large, non-cancerous tumors of the pituitary gland that are either functional (secrete hormones) or non-functional (do not secrete hormones). Clinical signs depend on the type of tumor. This handout outlines signs, diagnosis, and treatment.
-
Clinical signs of pituitary tumors depend on whether the tumor is functional or non-functional. Functional tumors can cause Cushing's disease in dogs and can cause acromegaly and insulin-resistant diabetes in cats. Non-functional pituitary tumors can enlarge to cause neurological signs. Diagnosis is based on the history, bloodwork, urinalysis, and sometimes a CT scan or MRI. Medical therapy is often the treatment of choice for functional tumors. Radiation therapy is another option and is usually the primary treatment for non-functional tumors.