Oral Masses - Canine and feline
What percentage of canine tumors are oral tumors?
5-6%
When recording information about an oral mass, besides location and size, what other characteristic should be noted?
Appearance
What is the gold standard for definitive diagnosis of oral masses?
Histopathology
What is the gold standard for dental plaque control in pets?
Daily toothbrushing
Is "epulis" a proper diagnosis?
No, it is a non-specific term for a tumor-like mass on the gingiva.
Where do oral tumors rank in terms of most common sites of neoplasia in dogs?
Fourth
Besides palpating the mass itself, what else should be palpated in the oral mass evaluation?
Regional lymph nodes
What type of biopsy removes only part of the lesion?
Incisional biopsy
Approximately how long does it take for soft dental plaque to transform into hard calculus or tartar?
72 hours (3 days)
Name three chew toys or treats to avoid giving to pets.
Cow hooves, nylon bones, hard plastic, butcher bones, ice cubes, antlers, bully sticks, rawhides
What percentage of feline oral tumors are malignant?
90%
If regional lymph nodes palpate normally, it definitively means the mass has not metastasized.
False
When submitting a biopsy sample, what additional items can significantly aid the pathologist?
Photos of the lesion and radiographs
Name three pitfalls to avoid when brushing a pet's teeth.
Different expectations between the veterinary team and the client, attempting to brush all teeth at once without proper training, brushing too hard, attempting to brush teeth in a painful mouth, the patient being too small for a toothbrush, or the patient having pre-existing respiratory issues.
State the "Kneecap Rule" in regard to dental chews.
If you wouldn't hit your kneecap with it, don't let your pet chew on it!
A seven-month-old puppy presents with an oral mass. Is this possible?
Yes, age does not preclude the possibility of oral masses.
Describe the TNM system for clinical staging of oral masses.
T: Extent of the primary tumor, N: Involvement of regional lymph nodes, M: Absence/presence of distant metastasis
Why are fine needle aspirates (FNAs) not generally recommended for the initial diagnosis of oral masses?
FNAs do not collect enough cells for accurate diagnosis
True or False: Home dental care replaces the need for professional dental cleanings under anesthesia.
False
Explain the "Thumbnail Impression" rule for selecting appropriate dental chews.
If you can't make a thumbnail impression in the chew, it's too hard for your pet's teeth.
What type of malignant oral tumor is most common in cats?
Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
What percentage of cortical bone loss is necessary for it to be evident on radiographs?
40%
What is the minimum recommended size (diameter and depth) for an oral mass biopsy sample?
At least 3mm in diameter and 2 mm deep
Explain how relating pet dentistry to human dentistry recommendations can help owners understand the importance of brushing.
Emphasize that even though humans brush and floss daily, professional dental cleaning is still recommended twice a year.
A client tells you they brush their pet's teeth diligently every week. What key point should you explain to them regarding the effectiveness of this frequency?
Explain that plaque transforms into calculus in about three days, so weekly brushing is not frequent enough to effectively control plaque. The goal is daily or every-other-day brushing.