Epidemiological characteristics and predictors of malignancy in canine neoplasms from Songkhla province Thailand: A retrospective study (2017–2024) https://doi.org/10.12982/VIS.2026.078
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Abstract
Canine neoplasms are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs, with tumor malignancy influenced by demographic and biological factors. However, integrated epidemiological analyses incorporating risk factor modeling and malignancy prediction remain limited in Southern Thailand. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological characteristics of canine neoplasms in Songkhla province and to identify factors associated with tumor malignancy. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 397 canine neoplastic cases diagnosed between 2017 and 2024 at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University. Tumors were classified as benign or malignant and categorized by anatomical system and histogenetic origin. Associations between malignancy and age, sex, breed, anatomical system, and tumor group were evaluated using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses, with model selection based on Akaike Information Criterion. Predicted probabilities of malignancy were estimated from the final multivariable model. Of the tumors analyzed, 259 (65.2%) were malignant. Epithelial tumors were the most common, followed by round cell, mesenchymal, and germ cell tumors. In the multivariable model, age, anatomical system, and tumor group were independent predictors of malignancy. Dogs older than 10 years had higher odds of malignant tumors (adjusted OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.39–3.71). Tumors from non-integumentary systems (adjusted OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.26–3.10) and non-epithelial tumors (adjusted OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.59–3.85) were also associated with increased malignancy risk. Predicted probability analysis demonstrated an age-related increase in malignancy risk, rising from 63% to 79% in epithelial integumentary tumors and from 59% to 77% in non-integumentary, non-epithelial tumors. These findings highlight the combined influence of age, anatomical origin, and tumor histogenesis in malignancy risk stratification.
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