CLINICAL ASPECTS AND PROGNOSTIC FACTORS OF ORAL MELANOMA IN FOUR DOGS
Keywords:
Canines, malignant oral neoplasia, expectationsAbstract
Melanoma is the most common malignant oral neoplasm in domestic dogs, being considered the one with the worst prognosis, between fibrosarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The objective of this study was to describe four cases of dogs with oral melanoma, confirmed histopathologically, their clinical, epidemiological and radiographic aspects, based on tumor staging. The owners' complaints, history, clinical and radiographic signs, temperature and survival time of these animals were evaluated through descriptive sheets, radiographic and histopathological examinations. During the clinical examination, signs were detected such as: halitosis, sialorrhea, submandibular lymphadenopathy, weight loss, tiredness, dyspnea, apathy, difficulty grasping food, intense pain, anorexia, difficulty drinking water. The average age of the dogs evaluated was 10.75 -1.5 years, the average time for melanoma evolution was 8.3-11 months and the size of the oral tumors was 6-2.36 centimeters. It is concluded that despite the variety of existing diagnostic and therapeutic methods, oral melanoma in dogs constitutes a clinical and surgical challenge, due to the high degree of malignancy and recurrences presented, which to date reflects a reserved to unfavorable prognosis with advancement degree of mixed moral stay for patients. Consequently, the diagnostic delay caused by the delay of owners in seeking care.
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