Remote effects of cancer on the nervous system

The veterinary literature suggests that malignant tumors can induce clinical and subclinical paraneoplastic neurological syndromes, especially involving the PNS. Further studies should help to clarify the intensity and prevalence of polyneuropathy with specific tumor types; however, the true prevalence may always be uncertain because it will vary with the stage and duration of the illness, the diligence with which it is sought, the techniques of investigation used, and the criteria for diagnosis. Finally, the development of polyneuropathy as well as any other neurological syndromes in older dogs and cats should alert the clinician and pathologist to search carefully for an underlying malignancy.