Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Risk factors for high-grade mast cell tumors in dogs by breed and age
By Śmiech, Anna et al.·Published in Acta veterinaria Scandinavica·2018·Sub-Department of Pathomorphology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Epidemiological assessment of the risk of canine mast cell tumours based on the Kiupel two-grade malignancy classification.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that mast cell tumors (MCTs) are a common type of skin tumor in dogs, making up nearly 18% of all diagnosed cases. Certain breeds like Shar-Peis and Weimaraners are at a higher risk for aggressive, high-grade tumors, while Boxers and Pugs are more likely to develop less aggressive, low-grade tumors. The risk of high-grade tumors increases with age, especially in dogs over 11 years old, while younger dogs aged 4-6 years are more prone to low-grade tumors. If you notice unusual lumps on your dog, especially in these breeds or age groups, it's important to consult your veterinarian for evaluation and possible treatment options.
People also search for: dog skin lump treatment · mast cell tumor in Shar-Pei · Boxer low-grade tumor symptoms
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The degree of differentiation of mast cell tumours (MCTs) is the most important feature and reflects the morphological characteristics and metastatic potential of the tumour and its likely response to treatment and the prognosis. The aim of this study was to epidemiologically analyse the risk of MCT development in dogs according to breed, age, sex, size and anatomical location of the tumour using the Kiupel grading system. The analysis involved 492 dogs selected based on a histopathological assessment of 2763 canine skin tumours. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Mast cell tumours accounted for 17.8% of all diagnosed canine skin tumours. The highest risk of high-grade MCTs was noted in the Shar-Pei (OR 28.18, P < 0.001) and Weimaraner (OR 6.45, P = 0.023). The highest risk of low-grade MCTs was determined in the Boxer (OR 6.72, P < 0.001), and Pug (OR 6.13, P = 0.027). The scrotum (OR 31.72, P < 0.001), inguinal area (OR 17.69, P < 0.001) and axilla (OR 6.30, P < 0.001) had the highest risk of high-grade MCTs. The risk of high-grade MCTs increased with age and peaked in the oldest dogs, aged 11-16 years (OR 9.55, P < 0.001). A higher risk of low-grade tumours was noted in younger dogs (aged 4-6 years) (OR 8.54, P < 0.001) and females (OR 1.43, P = 0.001). Statistical analysis further revealed a higher risk of both low (OR 3.47, P < 0.001) and high-grade MCTs (OR 1.71, P = 0.006) in medium-sized dogs. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated relationships between Kiupel grading system and phenotypic traits, age and location of canine MCTs confirming the complex biological nature of this tumour.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30390687/