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When cells or tissues in the body begin to grow abnormally and uncontrollably, this is called neoplasia. A tumor, or a swelling of the part of the body, is a created as a result of uncontrolled cell growth. Tumors can be either benign or malignant. A benign tumor is not invasive, meaning the rapidly growing cells are localized to one area and do not invade the rest of the body. However, malignant tumors are made up of cells that spread throughout the body (metastasize) and harm other tissues, most commonly the lung and lymph nodes. The term “cancer” specifically refers to malignant tumors which spread and grow rapidly throughout other areas of the body. Cancer is not one disease, but hundreds. Cancer can be grouped into three main categories: Carcinomas – carcinomas are formed by epithelial cells, which are the cells that cover the inside and outside surfaces of the body. Tumors of the anal gland, mammary gland, and bladder are types of carcinomas in dogs and cats. Hematopoetic tumors – blood cancer, or hematopoetic tumors, include mast cell tumors, leukemia and lymphoma. At the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, lymphoma is a common cancer treated in both dogs and cats. Lymphoma in Dogs Lymphoma in Cats Sarcomas – sarcomas are tumors formed by cells from bone and soft tissues, including muscle, fat, blood vessels, lymph vessels, and fibrous tissue (such as tendons and ligaments). Examples of sarcomas in dogs include soft tissue sarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, and osteosarcoma.  

Like humans, dogs and cats have baby teeth, called deciduous teeth, that are replaced by permanent teeth as the puppy and kitten grow and develop. The deciduous teeth begin to erupt around 2 to 3 weeks of age while the permanent adult teeth erupt between 3 to 7 months in dogs and 3 to 6 months in cats. When puppies and kittens lose their baby teeth, you might notice blood on their gum, lip, or tongue. This is normal. You may or may not find little teeth scattered around on the carpet or floors. If your pet swallows them, they will not cause any problems. There are four types of teeth found in mammals: Incisors – incisors sit at the front of the mouth and help the animal cut and grasp food Canines – canines sit behind the incisors and are used to stab and tear food Premolars – premolars sit behind the canines and are used to grind food Molars – molars sit at the back of the mouth and are used to grind food A tooth is divided into two parts – the crown and the root. The crown is the visible part of the tooth outside of the gum, while the root lies within the gumline and anchors the tooth in the mouth. Normally, as the permanent tooth begins to develop, it will push against the root of the deciduous tooth. The body will then break down the deciduous tooth root until it can no longer be anchored in the mouth and eventually falls out. In some cases, however, the deciduous teeth remain in the mouth even as the permanent teeth come in. This is called persistent deciduous teeth and requires the surgical removal of the remaining deciduous teeth (see photo below). While extraction of persistent deciduous teeth can be tricky due to their long roots, it is important to remove the retained teeth as soon you or your veterinarian notices them as they can cause the permanent teeth to become misaligned or displaced in the mouth, leading to future dental problems and an increased risk for periodontal disease. The teeth typically affected are incisors and canines and are usually seen in small, toy breed dogs. The dental x-ray above shows a Maltese with retained incisors and canine teeth. The photo of the extracted teeth below shows the roots that did not dissolve. The third photo shows the puppy’s perfect smile after removal of the retained deciduous teeth.

As much as we’d like to include our furry family members in our Thanksgiving celebration, the menu selection for pets can be tricky. Even a small amount of turkey skin can lead to a life-threatening condition called pancreatitis, and many other Thanksgiving staples are poisonous to pets.   Here is a list of Thanksgiving foods to keep away from animal companions — and a few you can share. Keep in mind that even “safe” foods can be dangerous if you feed too much.  If your pet likes to scavenge, be sure to clean up leftovers as soon as your meal is over, and keep trash cans tightly covered. If you’re having guests over, make sure they know not to feed table scraps to your pets — no matter how much they beg! Foods that are NOT safe for pets: Turkey Skin & Drippings Turkey Bones Ham Stuffing Salt & Seasonings Grapes Raisins Onions & Garlic Chives & Leeks Macadamia Nuts Walnuts Mushrooms Corn on the Cob Chocolate Bread Dough Alcohol Xylitol   Foods that are SAFE for pets in small amounts* Turkey (boneless, skinless, unseasoned white meat) Green Beans (unseasoned) Mashed Potatoes (plain, cooked & unseasoned) Sweet Potatoes (plain, cooked, & unseasoned) Apple (2 or 3 slices, no seeds) * Even “safe” foods are dangerous if you feed too much, so limit portions to about a spoonful of each.

Patellar luxation is a common orthopedic condition in which the kneecap moves out of its normal position. It can affect one or both knees, and frequently occurs due to abnormalities of the bones or ligaments above and below the knee that affect how the knee is aligned in the joint. Occasionally, a luxating patella can occur due to trauma to the knee. The kneecap may shift, or luxate, towards the inner thigh (medial) or towards the outer thigh (lateral). Cats and small breed dogs typically experience a medial luxation whereas larger breed dogs typically experience a lateral luxation.

Halloween offers a fun chance to dress up your pet, but comfort and safety should always come first. Whether you’re buying or crafting a costume, make sure it allows for easy movement and doesn’t cramp their style—literally! If you’re planning to dress up your pet for Halloween, here are some tips to keep in mind: Fit is Key: Your pet’s costume should let them move as freely as they normally do—without blocking their sight, hearing, or breathing. A good fit keeps them comfortable and helps avoid accidents, making the experience as enjoyable (or tolerable) as possible. Beware of Hazards: Small buttons, loose decorations, or long fabrics can quickly become dangerous if your pet chews on them or gets tangled. Stick to simple costumes that minimize tripping and choking risks. Opt for Easy-On, Easy-Off Costumes: Choose costumes that are quick and easy to put on and take off. Pets may become anxious if the process takes too long or if the outfit feels restrictive. Look for designs with Velcro closures or soft ties that can be adjusted easily. Supervise Your Pet: Never leave your pet alone while dressed up. Even the calmest pet can become anxious or try to wriggle out of their costume, which could cause an injury. Keep a close eye on them and step in quickly to prevent accidents. Repurpose What You Have: If your pet already wears a harness or jacket on walks, this can be the perfect base for a simple Halloween costume. Instead of dressing them in something entirely new, use their everyday gear as a foundation and attach lightweight, festive items. Watch the Weather: For pets with thicker coats, heavy costumes can cause overheating. Stick to lightweight options and watch for signs like panting or lethargy. If your pet looks uncomfortable, it’s time to remove the costume. Use Positive Reinforcement: If your pet isn’t used to wearing costumes, take it slow and make it a positive experience. Offer treats and praise while they wear the costume, and don’t force them to wear it at all if they seem uncomfortable. Your pet should enjoy Halloween without stress. Do a Dress Rehearsal: Let your pet wear their costume for short periods before Halloween. These practice runs help them get comfortable and let you see if adjustments are needed. If the costume isn’t working out after a few tries, switch to something simple like a bandana or festive collar. Check Mobility and Senses: Before finalizing a costume, ensure your pet can still see, hear, and move easily. Avoid costumes that block their senses or make them feel restricted—their comfort and safety matter most! Respect Their Limits: Not every pet likes dressing up, and that’s okay! If your pet seems distressed or tries to remove the outfit, don’t force it!