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Objective: The objective of the study was to describe clinical and histologic characteristics of eyelid (LMCT) and conjunctival (CMCT) mast cell tumors in dogs and cats presented to a referral clinic in Germany., Animal Studied: Medical records were reviewed to identify dogs and cats diagnosed with LMCTs or CMCTs between 2006 and 2020., Results: LMCT were diagnosed in 31 patients and were cutaneous (n = 28; 20 dogs and 8 cats) or subcutaneous (three dogs). Five cases involved the mucocutaneous junction (four dogs, one cat). CMCTs occurred only in dogs (n = 3). At the time of presentation two of the four canine LMCT cases involving the mucocutaneous junction had metastasized to a mandibular lymph node. When applying the Kiupel system, both these cases were categorized as high grade. 85.7% (18/21) of the canine (19 cutaneous and 2 subcutaneous) LMCT and all CMCT cases were categorized as Kiupel low grade. No local recurrences occurred in all LMCT cases in which clean surgical margins were obtained (n = 18, mean surgical margin width: dogs 9.4 mm, cats 3.8 mm). Two cats (2/4) and four dogs (4/7) with questionable or incomplete surgical margins experienced local recurrences (mean time to recurrence of 180 and 637 days in dogs and cats, respectively)., Conclusion: Recurrence of low-grade LMCTs and CMCTs following excision with clean margins is rare. Tumors involving the mucocutaneous junction may be of higher grade and prone to lymphatic metastasis., (© 2023 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.)

Objectives Owing to its highly infiltrative growth, feline injection-site sarcoma (FISS) carries a significant risk of local tumour recurrence. Parameters of possible prognostic significance (eg, tumour size and location, resection of de novo vs recurrent tumours, and achievement of tumour-free surgical margins) were examined with regard to their influence on recurrence rate (RR), disease-free interval (DFI) and survival time (ST). Methods This was a retrospective analysis of cats with FISSs located on the chest or abdominal wall or the interscapular region treated in a single institution using a standardised radical resection technique with 3 cm lateral margins and full-thickness body wall resection (tumours over chest/abdominal wall) or a minimum of two fascial planes (interscapular tumours). Results Median postoperative DFI and ST of 131 cats with FISSs was 21 and 24 months, respectively. Patients operated on for recurrent tumours were significantly more likely to die from tumour-related reasons compared with patients with de novo tumours ( P <0.001). RR and DFI in the different tumour locations were comparable ( P = 0.544 and P = 0.17, respectively). Local tumour recurrence occurred in 38.1% of the cats. Cats operated on for tumour recurrences had a significantly higher chance of another recurrence (RR 55.5% vs 33.3%; P = 0.005). Completeness of excision was determined by taking tumour bed biopsies. Tumour bed biopsies that did not contain tumour cells were associated with a significantly lower RR compared with those with tumour cells (30.5% vs 76.2%). Conclusions and relevance Depending on prognostic factors such as surgery for primary vs recurrent tumour, tumour-free resection margins and tumour location, the RR in FISS ranges from 33-55%, despite curative intent radical surgery. This study may help in identifying patients at risk for recurrence.

Melanoma of the dog and cat poses a clinical challenge to veterinary practitioners across the globe. As knowledge evolves, so too do clinical practices. However, there remain uncertainties and controversies. There is value for the veterinary community at large in the generation of a contemporary wide-ranging guideline document. The aim of this project was therefore to assimilate the available published knowledge into a single accessible referenced resource and to provide expert clinical guidance to support professional colleagues as they navigate current melanoma challenges and controversies. Melanocytic tumors are common in dogs but rare in cats. The history and clinical signs relate to the anatomic site of the melanoma. Oral and subungual malignant melanomas are the most common malignant types in dogs. While many melanocytic tumors are heavily pigmented, making diagnosis relatively straightforward, melanin pigmentation is variable. A validated clinical stage scheme has been defined for canine oral melanoma. For all other locations and for feline melanoma, TNM-based staging applies. Certain histological characteristics have been shown to bear prognostic significance and can thus prove instructive in clinical decision making. Surgical resection using wide margins is currently the mainstay of therapy for the local control of melanomas, regardless of primary location. Radiotherapy forms an integral part of the management of canine oral melanomas, both as a primary and an adjuvant therapy. Adjuvant immunotherapy or chemotherapy is offered to patients at high risk of developing distant metastasis. Location is the major prognostic factor, although it is not completely predictive of local invasiveness and metastatic potential. There are no specific guidelines regarding referral considerations for dogs with melanoma, as this is likely based on a multitude of factors. The ultimate goal is to provide the best options for patients to extend quality of life and survival, either within the primary care or referral hospital setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]