Who gets salivary gland tumors and what are the presenting signs?
Salivary gland tumors are rather uncommon with an overall incidence of 0.17%. These tumors are primarily found in older cats with a median age at presentation of 12 years (range7-22 years). Males are more commonly affected than females. Siamese and Siamese mix breeds represent almost 1/3 of the population of cats reported with this disease. The most common reason for presentation is the finding of a mass by the pet owner, in the region of the mandibular (neck area) salivary gland. Other presenting symptoms include halitosis (bad breath), weight loss, loss of appetite, Horner’s Syndrome and exopthalmus (unusual protrusion of the eye). Occasionally, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), sneezing and voice changes are noted. What diagnostic tests should be performed? As with any older cat with a diagnosis of cancer, a general health evaluation including a complete blood count (cbc), platelet count, biochemical profile, T4 level, urinalysis and viral status should be done. Because of the high
