Retrospective Study of Malignant Cutaneous Tumors in Dog Populations in Northwest Mexico from 2019 to 2021

Abstract

Cutaneous neoplasia is among the most common illnesses in dogs and can pose significant risks. Accurate morphological diagnosis of these conditions is vital for effective treatment and management. In this retrospective study, a total of 3746 canine skin biopsies were submitted to a veterinary reference diagnostic laboratory and evaluated using histopathology. The variables assessed included age, sex, breed, lesion, location, and histopathological diagnosis. Non-neoplastic lesions accounted for 61% of all analyzed samples, while neoplastic tumors accounted for 39%. When looking at age, dogs ranging 3-6 years and 7-9 years had at least six times higher risk of developing malignant neoplasia compared to those aged 0-2 years. Among the malignant neoplasms, mast cell tumors, hemangiosarcoma, and squamous cell carcinoma were the most observed, representing 30%, 18%, and 12% of cases, respectively. The breeds most frequently affected by malignant neoplasms included Pit Bull Terriers, Boxers, and mixed breeds, all of which comprised the majority of mast cell tumor cases at 50.54%. These findings are novel in this field and may assist small animal veterinarians in making preliminary diagnoses, while also helping pet owners understand the importance of skin cancer and its early detection.

Keywords: cancer; canine tumors; cutaneous; dog; neoplasia; retrospective analysis; skin.

Figure 1

Most common anatomic regions with the presence of the twelve more common malignant tumors in dogs (n = number of tumors) and relative frequency (%).