Tumours in calves: comparative aspects

In this paper, calf neoplasia is discussed in relation to a series of cases comprising (1). spontaneous congenital bovine tumours of fetuses and newborn animals, (2). spontaneous juvenile-type tumours in calves aged 2-12 months, and (3). iatrogenic tumours of calves. The congenital cases (n=14) consisted of tumours of a predominantly mesenchymal and malignant nature (malignant lymphoma, mesothelioma and mixed mesodermal tumour). In the juvenile cases (n=11), malignant lymphoma and sarcoma were the commonest forms. In comparing tumour patterns in calves with those reported in adult cattle, it was apparent that tumours were less common in the former (6 versus 60 per 100000) and that, with the exception of malignant lymphoma, the types of tumour differed. Carcinomas, which were virtually absent in calves, predominated in adults, probably due to the longer exposure of older animals to carcinogenic factors. In comparing tumour patterns in calves with those reported in pigs and children, it was clear that calf cases were mainly sporadic, with the notable exception of malignant lymphoma in twins. In young pigs, however, several types of tumour (some hereditary) were reported on a single farm as multiple cases. In children, tumours occurred more frequently than in calves, and many neoplasms in both children and calves could be regarded as embryonic tumours or hamartomas. Little is known about the pathogenetic pathways of tumours in calves, with the exception of congenital neuro-fibromatosis (hereditary) and possibly of mesotheliomatosis (due to asbestos). Modern methods of analysing chromosomal and gene aberrations may be helpful in clarifying the pathogenesis of congenital tumours.