Neoplasia is common in pet dogs but accurate figures for the incidence of tumours in this, as in other species, are sparse. The purpose of this study was to document the occurrence of tumours in a defined population of dogs. From a database of 130,684 insured dogs, claims relating to the investigation or treatment of tumours or tumour-like lesions during a 12-month period were accessed and followed up. A total of 2,546 claims were tumour related and were classified according to tumour site and type. Because the demographics of the insured population were skewed towards younger animals, a standard population, as described in the veterinary literature, was used in the calculation of tumour incidence rates. The skin and soft tissues were the most common sites for tumour development, with a standardised incidence rate of 1,437 per 100,000 dogs per year, followed by alimentary (210), mammary (205), urogenital (139), lymphoid (134), endocrine (113) and oropharyngeal (112). Canine cutaneous histiocytoma was the most common single tumour type, with a standardised incidence rate of 337 per 100,000 dogs per year, followed by lipoma (318), adenoma (175), soft tissue sarcoma (142), mast cell tumour (129) and lymphosarcoma (114). These data are unique and provide a valuable basis for future research into the aetiology and epidemiology of canine tumours.

No abstract

Spindle cell carcinomas (sarcomatoid carcinomas) are rare tumours. It is a variant of squamous cell carcinoma which has spindled tumour cells, which simulate a true sarcoma, but are epithelial in origin. They are extremely uncommon in the head and neck region. Only five cases with maxillary origin have been discussed in the literature. As compared to squamous cell carcinoma of maxilla, this variant is associated with poor diagnosis and advanced disease at presentation, as is demonstrated in the case presented. There are no standard recommendations for management owing to the rarity of this histology. Surgery and radiotherapy form the mainstays of treatment. We report a rare case of spindle cell carcinoma involving the maxilla.

BACKGROUND Self-concept is a fundamental domain of a person’s psychological function. Relation with family members and peers may influence self-concept which poses children in orphanages at risk. In order to implement and evaluate oral health interventions, we need to consider the functional and psychosocial dimensions of oral health. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between self-concept and oral health status among 12 - 17 year olds residing in orphanages in Bengaluru. METHODS The study was carried out among children living in orphanages. A cluster sampling method was used to select 269 participants from 9 orphanages in Bengaluru. The self-concept of the study participants was assessed using R. K. Saraswat’s selfconcept questionnaire. Oral health status was recorded using world health organization (WHO) oral health assessment form 2013. RESULTS Majority of the children in orphanages had an above average (45 %) and average selfconcept (39 %). Dental caries was present in 91.1 %, missing teeth in 19.7 %, filled teeth in 20.4 %, dental trauma in 17.9, gingival bleeding in 14.5 %, erosion in 5.9 % and oral mucosal lesions in 10.03 % of study participants. CONCLUSIONS Orphan children have an above average self-concept but are at an increased risk for oral diseases. KEY WORDS Self-Concept, Dental Caries, Gingivitis, Trauma, Orphanage

No abstract