Diagnosis and management of oral squamous cell carcinoma in an eight-year-old labrador retriever

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant epithelial tumour originating from squamous cells and is among the most common oral neoplasms in dogs. It typically affects older animals and is known for its locally invasive behaviour, with variable potential for metastasis. This case report describes the clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of oral SCC in an eight-year-old male Labrador Retriever. The dog presented with a proliferative, ulcerated mass involving the gingiva of the right mandible, accompanied by halitosis, difficulty in mastication, drooling and intermittent bleeding. Clinical examination revealed a friable, haemorrhagic oral mass along with mandibular lymphadenopathy. The mass was surgically excised under general anaesthesia with help of electrocautery and submitted at Department of Veterinary Pathology, Bihar Veterinary College, Patna for histopathological examinations. Microscopic examination revealed invasive cords and islands of malignant squamous epithelial cells exhibiting marked nuclear atypia, keratin pearl formation and frequent mitotic figures, confirming a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. Bleeding was ceased after surgical removal of tumour and starts normal feeding from next days. The animal was fully recovered without any complications after 3 days. Upon re-examination after three months, there was no evidence of recurrence. Present case emphasizes the importance of early detection and histopathological confirmation for appropriate therapeutic planning in canine oral tumours.