Small Animal Review: December 2022

Information on the risk factors for oral squamous cell carcinoma in cats is mainly taken from a single 20-year old study. To provide more up to date information, Zaccone et al (2022) undertook a prospective, observational case-control study of 70 cats with chronic gingivostomatitis, 63 cats with periodontal disease and 500 controls, to examine the risk factors for development of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Owners of the cats completed a questionnaire about demographics, environment and lifestyle.

The authors found that a rural environment, outdoor access, feeding pet food containing chemical additives and environmental tobacco smoke were significantly associated with an increased risk of developing oral squamous cell carcinoma, with odds ratios of 1.68 to 1.98. Oral inflammation was reported in 35% of cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma but was not found to be a risk factor for its development.

Canine massive hepatocellular carcinomas are rare tumours derived from hepatocytes. They are defined as massive if they are large and affect a single liver lobe. These tumours are often treated surgically, but it can be difficult to achieve complete resection. However, there is little information about recurrence rates and risk factors for recurrence after complete or incomplete resection.