Primary mast cell tumour of the soft palate in a dog

Abstract

A 12‐year‐old, male, entire Labrador retriever was presented to its primary care practice with a history of vomiting. A soft tissue mass was identified within the soft palate. Cytology from a fine‐needle aspirate revealed atypical mast cells, consistent with a mast cell tumour. Initial staging included complete blood count, serum biochemistry, serum electrolyte assay, thoracic, abdominal and cervical radiographs, computed tomography of the head and neck, and ultrasound‐guided aspirates of the retropharyngeal lymph nodes, liver and spleen. No evidence of nodal or distant metastasis was identified, and a diagnosis of primary soft palatal mast cell tumour was made. The dog underwent staphylectomy followed by adjunctive chemotherapy. Repeat staging was performed, which did not identify any evidence of metastasis. The dog died 22 months after initial presentation from an unknown cause.