Understanding canine oral neoplasia: intrinsic rather than extrinsic features represent key risk factors in a 39-year analysis.

OBJECTIVE

Canine oral neoplasia is often detected late in the course of the disease, necessitating radical surgeries frequently combined with adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy for positive outcomes. Although there has been extensive analytical and epidemiologic work on human oral cancer, research in veterinary medicine has been lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors associated with canine oral neoplasia to enhance early detection by improving screening.

METHODS

Patient data from 1985 to 2024 from the University of California-Davis Veterinary Teaching Hospital were bulk extracted to determine prevalence as well as the effect of clinical and environmental risk factors, including sex, breed, oral location, air quality, and periodontal disease status. The median air quality index (AQI) data were extrapolated from the Environmental Protection Agency's database. Periodontal disease status was evaluated on patient CT scans.

RESULTS

The incidence of oral tumors was 4.59/1,000 patients. The median age upon diagnosis was 9.66 years, and 3 breeds were identified as significantly at risk compared to the general patient population. Air quality index, geographical location, and periodontal disease were not associated with oral neoplasia. Different tumor histologies had distinct oral predilection sites.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, there was a significant correlation between age/breed and oral neoplasms. Tumor locations were significantly different for each pathology. Other risk factors did not play a substantial role in disease.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings can aid veterinarians and researchers in targeting screening and treatment strategies in high-risk dogs.