Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) in oral masses of dogs. Nineteen dogs underwent clinical, MR and CT examinations. Eleven malignant and ten non-malignant masses were evaluated. Osteosarcoma was the most commonly found malignant oral mass and gingival hyperplasia was the most commonly found benign mass. The results showed that MRI provided more accurate information regarding the size of the masses and invasion of adjacent structures although MRI and CT show similar accuracy in assessment of bone invasion. Calcification and cortical bone erosion was better seen on CT images. Whereas contrast-MRI provided useful additional information, contrast-CT had no added benefit. In general, oral masses located in the caudal mandible, oropharynx and maxilla are better evaluated using MRI, once the histological type has been verified.
Highlights
Oral tumours are the 4th most common neoplasm in the dog, representing approximately 5–7 % of all tumours[5,7,22,24]
The purpose of this study was to ascertain which of the 2 advanced imaging modalities, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), would provide the most accurate information regarding margins and possible invasion of oral masses in dogs
MRI provided more accurate information regarding the size of the b: T2-weighted MR image of patient 11
Summary
Oral tumours are the 4th most common neoplasm in the dog, representing approximately 5–7 % of all tumours[5,7,22,24]. The incidence of oral tumours is known to vary among breeds. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and fibrosarcoma (FS) tend to occur in large breeds, whereas malignant melanoma occurs more commonly in heavily pigmented small breeds[22]. The most common sites for neoplasia within the oropharynx in order of decreasing frequency are the gingival and dental alveoli, the tonsils, the lips and the buccal mucosa, the palate and the tongue[22]. The term ‘epulis’ refers to any tumour or tumour-like lesion on the gingiva[20,21]. A number of hisopathological entities can clinically present as an ‘epulis’, including all the malignant tumour types[20]
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