A Retrospective Analysis of Canine Skin Adnexal Tumors over a Five-Year Period

Abstract

This research provides a retrospective analysis of skin adnexal tumors (SATs) in canines, diagnosed between 2019 and 2023. The objective was to assess the prevalence, classification, and localization of these tumors. Tissue samples from 3886 dogs collected during a five-year period were examined at the Laboratory of Pathology of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia. Diagnoses were classified based on the criteria set by the World Health Organization. Statistical analysis included data on breed, sex, age, and tumor location. A total of 511 SATs were diagnosed, accounting for 13.15 % of all diagnoses obtained after the examination of canine tissue over five years and 31.43 % of all canine skin tumors. Of these, 56.75 % were benign and 43.25 % malignant. The most frequently observed types were sebaceous and modified sebaceous gland tumors (55.38 %), followed by follicular tumors (37.96 %). Male dogs (56.36 %) exhibited a higher incidence of SATs compared to females (41.10 %). The most frequently affected were mixed-breed dogs (17.61 %), bichons (11.55 %), and poodles (6.26 %). The mean age of dogs with SATs was 9.1 years, with tumors predominantly found on the head (26.61 %) and in the perianal region (24.07 %). This study offers valuable insights into the prevalence and characteristics of canine SATs, emphasizing the predominance of sebaceous gland tumors and the notable occurrence of malignancy. These findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis and highlight the need for further research into breed predispositions and prognostic factors.