[Oncology, pathology and companion animal practice]

A review of research in veterinary oncology, as executed in Amsterdam and Utrecht, is presented. Also an inquiry into the cooperation between oncologist, pathologist and practitioner is discussed. It is concluded that microscopic tumour diagnosis is practized at too low a scale (+/- 30%). Veterinary oncology has significance both from the veterinary and the comparative (model) point of view. Etiologic-pathogenetic and biologic-therapeutic aspects are studied in a multidisciplinary way. Intercellular communication, growth factors and intercellular matrix are items of present and future research. Molecular-genetic research is in progress. Prevention of mammary tumours by ovariectomy (dog, cat) and of malignant lymphoma (cat) by fighting FeLV seems promising.