Canine and Feline Oncology

Lesson 1: Professor Jane M Dobson MA  BVetMed,  DVetMed,   DipECVIM-CA [Oncol](add RadOnc)   FRCVS, EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist in Veterinary Oncology & Radiation Oncology, RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Oncology, University Reader in Veterinary Oncology, Associate Clinical Dean & Deputy Head of Department, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge.

Focus on feline lymphoma

Learning outcomes

• Techniques for diagnosing feline GI lymphoma
• Common differential diagnoses
• Understand the application and limitations of molecular testing
• Protocols for treating feline lymphoma
• Health and safety aspects of caring for a cat on chemotherapy

Clinical or subclinical chronic enteritis often accompanied by weight loss is a common reason for cats presenting for veterinary examination. Lymphoma is the most common tumour type to affect the GI tract of cats and though primarily a disease of older cats can occur at any age.

During this lesson we explore the presentation, diagnosis, and prognosis of the differing forms of alimentary lymphoma in cats. We explore the limitations of biopsy techniques and the application of immunophenotyping and molecular clonality testing for suspected GI lymphoma and discuss prognosis and management of the disease. Different chemotherapy protocols are considered for management of GI lymphoma in cats alongside the wider implications when treating cats with chemotherapy.

Lesson 2: Alison Hayes BVMS CertVR MSc(Clin Onc) DipECVIM-CA (Oncology) MRCVS

Focus on canine mast cell tumours (cMCT)

Learning outcomes

• Risk assess the individual case
• Understand the use of additional test, stains and indices offered by your pathologist
• Plan appropriate surgery
• Application of non-surgical treatments
• Manage effects of mast cell degranulation

Canine cutaneous mast cell tumours account for approximately 20% of all canine skin tumours and their varied biological behaviour causes significant challenge to the practitioner.

In this lesson we focus on the tests needed to adequately risk assess a case of cMCT and formulate an individual treatment plan, including both surgical and medical management. We explore the meaning of tumour grade, how and when to carry out tumour staging and how prognostic markers may help with case management. Recognising complications associated with the presentation and treatment MCT and what to do with the more unusual, subcutaneous cMCT are also covered.

Lesson 3: Alison Hayes BVMS CertVR MSc(Clin Onc) DipECVIM-CA (Oncology) MRCVS

“Nose to tail” consultations for the cancer patient

Learning outcomes

• Recognise and diagnose tumours in the head and perianal area
• Management of paraneoplastic hypercalcemia
• Principles of immunotherapy
• Understanding when radiotherapy may augment your case management

In this lesson we focus on four varied and interesting cases and explore their presentation, their diagnostic dilemmas and case management challenges.

As we take you through the details of each case, we will show how trusted first principles of oncology can help you to manage a more unusual cases with confidence. We will incorporate the diagnosis and management of hypercalcemia in the oncology patient, one of the commonest paraneoplastic syndromes; discuss the application of immunotherapy in canine melanoma and discuss when a referral for radiotherapy could form part of practitioners’ tool kit.

Lesson 4: Laura Owen BVSc CertSAS AFHEA DipECVS MRCVS (European and RCVS Specialist in Small Animal Surgery)

Surgical Oncology 

Learning outcomes

• Recognise when and how to biopsy a cutaneous/subcutaneous mass
• Planning margins for curative intent surgery
• Understand when reconstructive techniques are likely to be required
• Surgery ahead of adjuvant radiotherapy

Surgery is commonly employed as either a curative or palliative treatment option following a cancer diagnosis in companion animals. To achieve the best outcome for each patient, careful assessment and planning must be undertaken prior to use of the scalpel.

Using guiding principles of good oncologic surgery, in this lesson we will look at how to approach cutaneous or subcutaneous tumours. We will consider whether to take a pre-operative biopsy, what technique to use and how to plan the surgical margins required for a given tumour type. Considering those times when we work alongside a medical oncologist, we will look at the options available when adjuvant treatment with radiotherapy is advised and how these surgeries may differ from curative intent procedures. Using case examples of mast cell tumours and soft tissue sarcomas, several reconstruction techniques will be illustrated.