THE CAT IS NOT A SMALL DOG - 10 DIFFERENC ES IN FELINE AND CANINE ONCOLOGY

This paper focuses on interspecies differences in the prevalence and b iological behavior of selected neoplasms of dogs and cats. In many ins tances the naturally occurring neoplasms of dogs and cats exhibit spec ies-specific biological behavior. In contrast to dogs, bladder tumors occur infrequently in cats and are often surgically resectable. Feline thyroid tumors are usually benign and hyperfunctionally leading to a clinical syndrome of hyperthyroidism. Digital metastasis of primary lu ng carcinomas causes lameness in cats, but has not been reported in do gs. The vast majority of breast cancers in cats are malignant. Basal c ell tumors represent a large percentage of melanotic tumors and lympho ma is the most common spinal tumor of cats. In contrast to canine oste osarcoma, appendicular osteosarcoma in cats is often curable with limb amputation. An appreciation of these differences is critical so that clinicians may accurately communicate prognostic information and treat ment recommendations to their clients.