Tumors of the oral cavity can occur in both dogs and cats. In dogs, about half of these tumors are malignant, while in cats, unfortunately, up to 90% are malignant. Due to the poor visibility of the oral cavity, these tumors are often detected at a very late stage.
The exact cause of cell degeneration and tumor formation in the oral cavity is unknown. However, it is believed that many different factors are involved. Hereditary factors, environmental conditions, and nutrition all play a role. In addition, our four-legged friends are living longer, giving tumors more time to develop.
The tumors often grow in hard-to-see areas of the mouth and are therefore usually only discovered at an advanced stage of the disease, as the animals do not show any obvious symptoms at first. Depending on the location and size of the tumor, the first visible signs may be difficulty eating. Chewing and swallowing cause pain, which is why food is sometimes dropped from the mouth or refused altogether. Refusal to chew, bloody saliva, chewing on one side, non-healing mucous membrane wounds, or bad breath can also be signs of a mouth cavity tumor. If you suspect a mouth cavity tumor, you should take your animal to a veterinarian for examination immediately.
Epulides are also known as gum tumors and are benign growths that develop from the cells of the gums and periodontium. These cauliflower-like growths occur individually or in larger quantities, grow slowly, and do not metastasize (spread). Boxers are particularly predisposed to developing epulides.
Papillomatosis, which is caused by a virus, occurs mainly in young animals and is characterized by wart-like, sometimes stalked growths that occur individually or throughout the entire oral cavity. Larger papillomas can interfere with the dog's eating, but otherwise they are asymptomatic. In most cases, papillomas disappear on their own over time and do not require treatment.
Various types of tumors can develop from the dental tissue, either originating from the enamel-forming cells or developing from the hard tooth substances.
Malignant melanoma is the most common malignant tumor in the oral cavity in dogs. It is very rare in cats. The tumor originates from the pigment cells and is therefore usually dark in color. Older dogs and small breeds such as poodles, dachshunds, and cocker spaniels are particularly at risk of developing melanoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of the oral cavity in cats, but it also occurs in dogs. This tumor develops from the degeneration of cells in the uppermost layer of the mucous membrane, the squamous epithelium, and often has an inflamed surface. They are usually located on or under the tongue, in the throat, or on the oral mucosa. Metastases are often found very late in PEK, but the tumor itself already causes considerable damage to the tissue and clear symptoms of the disease.
Fibrosarcomas are very aggressively growing tumors that develop from the connective tissue or mucous membrane of the hard palate and occur mainly in large dog breeds. The surface of these tumors can break open and become ulcerated and inflamed. Fibrosarcoma metastasizes late but grows infiltratively, which means that it quickly invades surrounding tissue, such as the jawbone.
Osteosarcoma is a malignant, fast-growing tumor that originates in degenerated cells of the jawbone.
After a thorough clinical examination and review of the preliminary report, the veterinarian can usually make a preliminary diagnosis. However, a definitive diagnosis with determination of the exact type of tumor can only be made after removal and histopathological examination of a tissue sample (biopsy).
In order to determine the exact location and size of the tumor, X-rays or CT scans of the skull must be taken, which in most cases requires anesthesia. With the help of additional X-rays of the chest and examination of lymph node tissue, the degree of metastasis (spread) can also be determined.
A blood test is also useful in many cases to obtain information about underlying diseases or organ damage. In general, the earlier a tumor is diagnosed, the more successfully it can be treated.
Treatment depends on the type, location, and extent of the tumor and the corresponding test results. The veterinarian will discuss the treatment plan with you in detail on a case-by-case basis.
Surgical removal of the tumor is generally recommended, but care must be taken during the operation to ensure that not only the tumor tissue visible on the surface is removed, as many oral cavity tumors grow very invasively into the surrounding tissue. If the tumor tissue is not completely removed, relapses (recurrences) occur quickly. The radical removal of the tumor with parts of the jaw or even the entire jaw, which is sometimes necessary, is tolerated surprisingly well by many animals.
If it is not possible for the surgeon to remove all of the tumor tissue, the animal must undergo additional chemotherapy or radiation therapy after the operation. In cases of very advanced tumor growth, surgical removal is sometimes no longer possible due to the size of the tumor. In such cases, the animal can only receive palliative care, which means that the treatment does not cure the disease but merely alleviates the symptoms and pain.
The prognosis for a mouth cavity tumor depends largely on the type of tumor, its location, and when it is diagnosed. Tumors that are detected early and can be completely removed have a favorable prognosis. The larger, more malignant, and more difficult to treat a tumor in the mouth cavity is, the poorer the chances of recovery.
The development of tumors cannot be prevented because their causes are still not fully understood. However, since chronic inflammation is believed to promote cell degeneration, regular oral and dental hygiene in dogs can prevent the formation of tartar and gum inflammation, thereby reducing the risk of tumor development.
Regular veterinary check-ups also help to ensure that potential tumors can be detected and treated at an early stage. In many cases, this can prevent serious bone damage and prevent or at least delay possible metastasis.
If you are thinking about getting a rabbit as a pet, you should definitely research in advance how these animals like to live and what they need. Also ask yourself why you want a rabbit in the first place. These little hoppers should not be purchased purely as cuddly toys for the youngest animal lovers. Children in particular should learn from the outset that handling animals requires a certain amount of understanding and responsibility.
The horse's back is extremely important for its stability and movement. It also carries the weight of the rider. A healthy back is essential for your horse's well-being, long-term use, and performance.
It's not always easy to keep track of everything in our human world that could be harmful to our four-legged friends. Often, we don't even see how quickly Fido has stuck his head in the trash can and hurt himself by eating onion scraps. But it's not just food that poses a danger; the wrong toys can cause problems, as can drinking from a puddle at the edge of a field.
Hip dysplasia, better known as HD, is a very common skeletal disorder in dogs. It is a hereditary malformation of the hip joint that occurs primarily in large breeds and affects up to half of all dogs of a breed.
A puppy that is new to your home is usually curious, playful, and full of energy. Eating is an important part of their development. However, puppies sometimes suddenly refuse to eat, which can understandably cause you concern. It is important to understand the reasons why they are not eating and to know how you can help your young dog during this phase.
Cats have a very sensitive digestive system. Even small changes in their environment, diet, or daily routine can affect their digestion. If your cat suddenly develops diarrhea, there can be many different reasons for this. In this article, you will learn what the causes might be, how to respond correctly, and when you should visit your veterinarian.
Periodontitis is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is the most common oral disease in dogs. By the age of five, more than three quarters of all dogs have periodontitis. If left untreated, the disease can have serious consequences for the entire body.
Although this condition is often colloquially referred to as a stroke in dogs due to its similar symptoms, it is not a circulatory disorder of the brain as in humans, but rather a disorder of the balance organ located in the inner ear of dogs.
It is not uncommon for dogs and cats to develop inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which is very painful and can quickly become life-threatening.
A cat's attempt to get outside through a tilted window can result in serious injury. In most cases, cats manage to squeeze their head and upper body through the window but then get stuck with their hindquarters in the slanted gap. Attempts to free them only make the situation worse, causing the cat to slide further down into the gap and become trapped. The consequences can include serious external and internal injuries, collectively known as tilt window syndrome, which can often lead to the death of the cat.
Vacation with your dog? For most animal lovers, that's a no-brainer. Vacationing with a cat, on the other hand, can be quite a risk. Cats are headstrong free spirits. Especially outdoor cats move around independently without humans in their familiar surroundings. Any change to their routine can be very unsettling for cats. Nevertheless, there are good reasons not to leave your beloved feline friend alone at home for too long. For example, if there is no one else who can take proper care of your cat and you want to go away for a longer period of time.
You will probably be alarmed when your cat suddenly starts limping. There can be many different causes. Keep an eye on your cat now.
