Survey of Animal Neoplasms in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, California. I. Methodology and Description of Cases2

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Abstract
A survey of spontaneous neoplasms in dogs and cats was conducted in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, California. Veterinarians reported cases they observed to a central registry and submitted specimens for microscopic examination. In return for case reports, veterinarians received histopathologic diagnoses. After a pilot study in 8 practices, the study was expanded to 65 practices inside the 2 counties and 11 practices in the surrounding counties. During 3 years of reporting, 5,647 newly diagnosed neoplasm cases (2,174 malignant and 3,473 benign) were recorded. Of all neoplasms, 4,842 were from dogs, 621 from cats, and 184 from other domestic animals. In dogs, 34% of all neoplasms were malignant, while in cats 72% were malignant. The skin, including neoplasms of subcutaneous connective tissues and malignant melanomas of the skin, was the most common site of cancer reported in both dogs and cats. Mammary cancer was the next most common malignancy in dogs. Lymphosarcomas comprised a greater proportion of all malignant neoplasms of cats than of dogs.