Surgical Management of Neoplasms of the Oral Cavity in Dogs and Cats

INCIDENCE AND BIOLOGIC BEHAVIOR OF ORAL TUMORS Malignant tumors of the oral cavity are the fourth most common of all cancer types in the dog and cat, representing 5.4% of all malignant neoplasms. The annual incidence rate in dogs and cats in one study was 20.4 and 45.43 cases per 100,000, respectively. Cocker spaniels, poodles, German shepherds, German shorthaired pointers, weimaraners, golden retrievers, and boxers may be at greater risk of developing oral tumors. The most common site for oral tumors is the gingiva, although the buccal or labial mucosa, hard or soft palate, and tongue are also affected.