CANINE AND FELINE MAST-CELL TUMORS - EPID EMIOLOGY, DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY

Mast cell tumors are the most common malignant skin tumors in dogs and cats. They are characterized by an extremely variable clinical presen tation and biologic behavior. In this study biopsy material from 1,194 dogs and 582 cats with mast cell tumors was evaluated. In the dog, Bo xers, Dachshunds, and Bernese mountain dogs werde found to be overrepr esented. The tumor occurred most commonly on the extremities (40 %) an d the skin of the thorax or abdomen. To a lesser extent it was found o n the head (13 %), in the perineal or inguinal area (10 %), on the nec k (6 %) or in other locations (2 %). In the feline, Siamese cats were overrepresented. The tumors occurred in animals of all ages. The most common primary location was the head (45 %), the skin of the thorax or abdomen (19 %), extremities (19 %), neck(7 %) and other locations (3 %). 8 % of the mast cell tumors in cats occurred in visceral organs. T he various clinical presentations and the diagnostic work-up of the tu mor are described and the appropriate surgical procedures as well as a djuvant therapy options discussed.