Canine extracutaneous mast-cell tumours consisting of connective tissue mast cells

Two cases of canine extracutaneous mast-cell tumours were encountered, originating from the mucosa of either the oral cavity or the small intestine. The dogs had no neoplasms in the skin. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies demonstrated that the neoplastic cells had the features of connective tissue mast cells. It would seem, therefore, that at least some extracutaneous forms of the neoplasm originate from connective tissue mast cells. Heparin was a useful cytological marker to diagnose this type of mast-cell tumour.