Classification and behaviour after surgery of canine 'epulides'

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Oral Oncology
• Canine Neoplasia

Background:

• Canine epulis and ameloblastoma diagnoses lack standardized classification.
• Accurate histopathological classification is crucial for predicting tumor behavior and treatment outcomes in dogs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reclassify canine gum neoplasms based on presumed tissue of origin.
• To evaluate the recurrence rates of histopathologically distinct tumor types in dogs.

Main Methods:

• Histopathological reclassification of 75 surgically excised canine gum neoplasms.
• Categorization based on fibroblastic or epithelial origin and specific tumor types.
• Follow-up studies to assess post-surgical recurrence and metastasis.

Main Results:

• 42 tumors classified as peripheral odontogenic fibromas (fibroblastic origin).
• 31 tumors classified as basal cell carcinomas (epithelial origin).
• 2 tumors classified as ameloblastomas (originating within mandible).
• Recurrence rates: 17% for odontogenic fibromas, 50% for basal cell carcinomas.
• Ameloblastomas showed no local recurrence or metastasis after radical excision.

Conclusions:

• Reclassification based on tissue of origin aids in understanding canine gum neoplasm behavior.
• Peripheral odontogenic fibromas and basal cell carcinomas exhibit different prognoses.
• Ameloblastomas, when radically excised, appear to have an excellent prognosis in this cohort.